Southern Sask. snowmobilers thankful for snowfall

Snowmobilers in southern Saskatchewan are thankful for the recent snowfall after three years of dry conditions.

Chris Brewer, CEO of the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association, said there were many smiles as the snow came down.

Lots of snowmobilers were already out this week.

“We always say around here you should get a good foot of snow before you go out … we have a good amount now, but still it’s pretty light and fluffy so we still ask people to take caution out there,” Brewer said.

Snowmobilers have been telling Brewer how ecstatic they are because of the snow and how much fun they’re having in it.

Brewer said over the last few years snowmobilers from the area have had to take their sleds farther north to enjoy a ride through the snow.

“This (snow) is like a whole new adventure, you get to reintroduce yourself to snowmobiling right out your backdoor,” he said.

Many thought the season was over before this latest dump of snow.

“Even myself I was thinking ‘boy, it’s going to be a real early spring’ … now in some places we’re seeing 20 and 24 inches of snow on the ground and mother nature’s not done with us yet,” Brewer said.

For ideal conditions, the snow needs time to settle down because it has air in it when it falls.

“Overtime as temperatures change … snow begins to start to settle. It’ll get to even better conditions but it is nice to have that light fluffy that does come up over the hood from time to time, but it’ll get even better where as the snow settles up it’ll cover some rocks and make it a lot safer,” Brewer said.

He expects there to be a lot of snowmobilers out this weekend.

“We just hope everybody remembers (to) not drink and ride and be safe out there. Make sure you’re wearing the right clothing and make sure you tell somebody where you’re going. Always ride with a buddy, that means a second snowmobile,” Brewer said.

Some snowmobile events had to be cancelled in the south this year because of the late of snow. Those clubs are now trying to plan some events really quickly to take advantage of the snow.

With files from CJME’s Jessie Anton