MOOSE MOUNTAIN PROVINCIAL PARK — The Moose Mountain Snowmobile Club is urging snowmobilers to stay safe and ride responsibly as they enjoy the winter trails. With 120 kilometers of marked and groomed trails within Moose Mountain Provincial Park, along with 325 kilometers of additional trails that connect surrounding communities, riders should always be mindful of their limits, follow speed guidelines and stay on designated paths.
When snowmobiling in the park, it's important to stay on the marked trails and be prepared for unexpected situations. Always carry warm clothing, extra food and water in case of an emergency. If you venture off the trails, be sure to know your location to help emergency responders if needed. It’s always a good idea to ride with a companion who can contact emergency services if an accident occurs.
“Every year, we see snowmobilers leave the trail, crashing into brush or trees,” said a club spokesperson. “While most incidents don’t require a rescue, there are times when emergency assistance is necessary.”
In the event of an emergency, your first call should be 911. The 911 call center is familiar with local contacts and dispatch protocols for the Moose Mountain area. Providing detailed information about your location can speed up the response time.
The Moose Mountain Snowmobile Club is also preparing to stock key shelters with emergency supplies should they be needed.
Emergency tips for snowmobilers:
- If there is no phone service: Send someone for help immediately. In most areas of the park, cellular coverage is available, but iPhone 14 and newer models feature satellite texting for emergencies.
- If an injured person is awake and responsive: Ask them to describe their injuries. If you suspect a spinal injury, do not move them. Always presume a spinal injury if the victim is unconscious.
- Use a first aid kit if available and follow these guidelines:
- Stay calm and avoid overstepping your first aid training. Basic first aid and CPR courses can help you be better prepared.
- Apply direct pressure to stop major bleeding.
- Assess the victim for shock, especially if they’ve lost consciousness or suffered blunt trauma.
- Stabilize the victim, keep them dry and warm, and avoid moving them unless absolutely necessary.
- Do not attempt to set broken bones or give alcohol, which can increase the risk of hypothermia.
- Avoid giving drugs or medication unless directed by medical professionals.
Specific injury treatment:
- Shock: Lay the victim flat on their back with legs elevated. Keep them warm with extra clothing or blankets.
- Frostbite: Prevent frostbite by wearing protective gear and covering all skin when riding. If frostbite occurs, slowly warm the affected area and avoid rubbing it with frozen snow. Seek medical attention immediately.
- Hypothermia: Symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech and confusion, which can lead to unconsciousness and death if untreated. Begin warming the victim immediately using available resources such as fire, blankets or body heat.
Shelters and support:
Moose Mountain Provincial Park is equipped with nine shelters, each no more than eight kilometers apart. In areas where shelters are further away, such as along trail P346B Boundary, the Park Core area, Kenosee Village or Bear Claw Casino are the nearest alternatives.
At each shelter and trail junction, maps are mounted to help you identify your location. These maps have “YOU ARE HERE” stickers to assist riders in case of an emergency. The Moose Mountain Snowmobile Club is considering adding numbered junctions to further assist in guiding emergency personnel.
For updates and more information, visit the Moose Mountain Snowmobile Club’s Facebook page.
