The Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ) offers enthusiasts two essential tools, the interactive map and the iMotoneige application.
“At the start of the season, snowmobilers are all looking for open trails. The interactive map and the iMotoneige application are the best sources of information, explained Michel Garneau of the Federation. Over the years, these two tools have evolved a lot. Snowmobilers will find something new this season. »
The Federation’s geomatics analyst, Alain Laliberté, agreed.
“On the interactive map, we find the grooming times that will be available as soon as the clubs open their trails. Trail conditions issued by regional tourism associations are updated at least once a week. »
There is weather information provided by Environment Canada, a useful source of information for planning excursions.
Novelties
For the current snowmobile season, several new features have been added to the interactive map and to iMotoniege.
“Following a consultation with the Alliance and the ATRs, the legend has been revised and lightened, to retain only the most essential elements,” explained Alain Laliberté. Snowmobilers will be able to find the information they are looking for more easily. »
The title “Services” has been replaced by “Points of interest” and the elements of the legend have been grouped into five main themes for better reading: accommodation, restaurants, services, attractions and safety.
“We chose to eliminate the mention of certain services which, in our opinion, did not correspond to our values or which mixed snowmobilers more than anything else. Thus, we have eliminated bars since we encourage snowmobilers not to snowmobile under the influence of alcohol.
“Packages that represent the set of benefits and services bundled together for the purpose of offering a fixed price will appear in the description. Since some parking lots could cause confusion for snowmobilers who thought they could park their trailer for the day, we kept only the incentive parking lots.
“These are places open to all snowmobilers where they can park their pickup truck and even their trailer before setting off on a ride. Some incentive parking lots may be chargeable. Places that are accessible for people with restricted mobility will appear in the description, as well as the security systems available for snowmobilers. »
Changes
Some elements of the legend have changed names. Thus, the word “Essence” has been changed to “Station-Service”. The lodges and huts have been separated into “Snowmobile club lodges” and “Snowmobile club huts”.
These data are provided by the clubs. For the safety of snowmobilers, more than 2,475 evacuation terminals located less than 500 meters from the trails have been indicated. This data is provided by the Quebec Ministry of Public Security.
In addition, the Federation can generate important alerts. These appear on all layers of the map. These icons indicate a major hazard to report to snowmobilers, a temporary closure of a trail or a partial obstruction such as logging in a given sector.
A trail closure shown on the map can be either temporary or permanent. In the case of a permanent closure, the segment is indicated by a red line. It then becomes impossible to plan a route using this trail. If the closure is temporary, you will see an alert icon appear accordingly.
BE FORGIVEN PLEASE
The storm that has just hit Quebec has left enough snow to allow volunteers to work on opening the trails. But she also left her share of problems.
If the snow was there, the high winds that arrived caused a lot of damage everywhere, including on the trails. Volunteers from several regions will have to work several days to clear the trails and prepare them to provide good conditions for snowmobilers. You will therefore have to be patient and indulgent with these volunteers, who do everything in their power to succeed. Don’t forget that they are also snowmobilers. Like you, they can’t wait to start their season.