DEER LAKE, N.L. — The Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation (NLSF) is encouraging snowmobile enthusiasts to get ready to hit the trails for the 2020-2021 winter season.
“There will be a few small changes put in place this season, but we’re looking forward to one of our best years ever,” said federation general manager Tony Sheppard in a press release.
Trail passes are currently available online at www.nlsf.org and will be available at vendors later this month.
New signage regarding COVID-19 precautions will be put up in warm-up shelters to remind people to observe and adhere to current safety measures to protect themselves and others.
Sheppard said the federation is also anticipating an increase in snowmobilers from across the island as staycations replace wintertime travels to other countries.
“And with the opening of the Atlantic bubble we expect to see an increase in sledders coming over from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick as well.”
Sheppard said a snowmobiling vacation is the ideal family get-away — one that can be enjoyed by all members of the family within the limits of their extended bubble, without breaking the budget, with accommodations and amenities as high-end or as cost-conscious as people desire. With everything available on Newfoundland’s trails from fully-guided group tours to back-country solitude, snowmobiling will be this winter’s recreational choice for many people.
However, the federation will not be offering group rides or social events — like the annual Veterans’ Snow Ride — this year due to potential problems enforcing social distancing and other safety restrictions.
Instead, it is asking the public to support Canadian veterans this season by participating in an online raffle of many choice items donated by supporting businesses. Details of this event will be released later in the season.