Snowmobile season picking up steam

The Guardian

By David Archibald

The past few weeks of snowfall have sent P.E.I snowmobilers into top gear with excellent trail conditions and low prices at dealerships.

The popular Confederation Trail routes have been groomed by the P.E.I. Snowmobile Association (PEISA) and traverse much of the Island from Tignish to Elmira.

While December’s mild weather resulted in a slower start to the season than normal, PEISA president Dale Hickox said the response to this year’s first snowfall has been outstanding.

“I don’t think that I’ve ever seen as much enthusiasm as this year,” said Hickox. “A lot of people are really gung-ho.”

The strong Canadian dollar may also have played a part in this year’s snowmobile rush, contributing to lower prices on sleds at dealerships.

“The prices right now, for what you’re getting, are the lowest they’ve been in years,” said Gary Dunning, owner of Toy Master Motorsports in Winsloe and Red Rock Polaris in North River.

“There are some deals on for new stuff that I’ve never seen before.”

With so much enthusiasm bound to attract new riders, Hickox stressed the importance of being comfortable with the sled before going out on the trail for the first time.

“We give this same advice to all of our members - drive safe and sled sober,” said Hickox.

Permits are required to ride on the trails and can be purchased at all Access PEI sites, Dennis Motors, Reddin Power Sports, Red Rock Polaris and Toy Master Motor Sports.

Regular permits are $225 while vintage permits (sleds made in 1994 and earlier) are $50. Vintage permits are only available at Access PEI sites. The money from the permits goes towards grooming the trails, which PEISA leases from the provincial government.