Thought that alot of you atvers out there probably have never seen a winter trail. As far as I know there are no other trails anywhere like this, except in Quebec, Canada. The trails are maintained on a regular basis the same way snowmobile trails are. They do not allow snowmobiles on these trails. Membership is $85/year. Helmets must be worn and your lights must be on at all times. The trails will lead to different small towns where you can find a restaurant or overnight in a motel. If the next town is rather far there will be a small relay station where you can warm up by a wood stove. Talk about fast, smooth, long rides. According to the Quebec motorcycle federation which governs the atv industry, there is a total of 13,000 kilometers of trails in Quebec. Many of these trails are for winter riding only since they will cross farmland (with the permission of the land owner)to which access is only available when the ground is well frozen.(december to march)

No that is not a typo. 13,000 kilometers which would be close to 5,000 miles

Go to this address and see for your self

www.qvnav.de/qvnq/quad/pic/pic51g/pic51g.html

 

I forgot to mention that when you get to the internet site, scroll down and hit the arrow pointing to the right. That means next in french. Hope you have a fast connection because there has got to be over 100 pictures.

 

absolutly awesome! it is funny cause in maine in the winter atv's are not allowed on the trails they are all groomed for snowmobiles, we have to put them up, it is to bad really, I still do not see how atv's hurt the snow trails, i have snowmobiles too. though the laws were made 15 or more years ago when it was only 3 wheelers around. the only issue i could see them still having would be the speed. it is easy to cruise on most of the trail around here In the winter 50 or 60 mph, basically top speed for atv or most of them.

 

We have snowmobile trails here too except the are for snowmobiles only. I believe the main reason they do not mix is the 170hp, 125mph speeds obtainable on a snowmobile vs. the 38hp, 60mph atv. It would be like riding a bicycle on the interstate. way to dangerous. For saftey reasons the atvs are not allowed to have chains or the screw in type ice studs. Properly installed automotive type studs are allowed and will give you very good traction when things get iced up.

 

Hey, snowride, of course Quebec is the place in the world!
Is the snow really packed, or should I except to dig my shee out of the snow each 10m?
Just a detail...seems to me that 13000km is more like 8000miles. Doesn't change much anyways.
It's lucky quads are forbidden on snowmobile trails!! I also go snowmobiling (on a bomb. 440 MXZ) and it goes fast (100mph for my 440) but has very poor braking, due to the grip and weight. I already have some adrenaline rushes when a guy riding 50km/h on his sled and going from side to side...I wouldn't even imagine with a quad, riding on snow going 50 km/h. It would be dangerous for both. It's great the way it is here in quebec.
When will the d*** snow fall??????

 

NO NO NO!!!!! They don't allow atv 's on trails because they rut up the groomed paths. Ever take a sled across a frozen lake and get caught in atv tracks? It makes it very hard to control the sled. Just a little info. Oh, there's also a steep fine if a gamewarden catches ya.....

 

Yah, in Michigan,ATVers are not allowed on snowmobile trails either in the winter,however,the snow machines can ride our ATV trails.What kinda BS is that?

Ever see what kind of damage a studded snow machine can do to there own trails?The snowmobilers can also ride the right side shoulder of almost every County road in our State,quad riders get ONLY a few designated ORV trails in comparison,Who's gettin the short end of the stick here?,Go figure?
Bill

 

Hi Bill
Our atv trails sometimes cross the snomobile trails and sometimes where crossing are difficult such as rivers and restricted riding areas we share the same trail for a short distance. When we are riding a "shared" trail anywhere from 1/2 mile to 3miles, the snowmobile trail usually look like a MX track with whoops galore. I find it very amusing when people tell me that an atv will chew up a snowmobile trail. Both atv and snowmobile will chew up snow covered trails in their own way. The secret to having good trails for both sports is frequent grooming. Especially when the temperature gets close to 32 or higher.

 

I have seen snowmobiles do damage ever see someone take off quick leave a foot deep hole or more? i have launched myself because of this cruising along the trail hit the huge bump left and airborn! i have had my ski catch ruts left behind and get tossed off more than once. atvs with good tires would do no damage especially up here were they are constantly groomed.

 

Hi Snowride!!

I can i see why!! That my freind is some of the most spectacular riding country that i have ever saw.. Those pictures define what we all love to the utmost extent.. The idea of being able to get up at dawn ride all day from one town to another in scenary like you showed us and possibly getting a hot meal and warm bed.And getting up the next morning and being able to do it all over again is my idea of Atving at its best!!! Again awesome site Snowrider thx


Ron