A snowmobile is an investment, and one worth protecting. So give yourself one less thing to worry about and shop online for snowmobile insurance. It may not have occurred to you, but it’s really no different than shopping for cheap car insurance quotes. You’ll need some information, such as the model year, manufacturer, model, vehicle modification, engine cc’s and zip code. It’s just as fast and easy as comparing free auto insurance quotes. So take a few minutes and make sure you’re covered before you hit the trails.

Like it or not winter is coming. Instead of huddling indoors, discover the frozen beauty of Canada on a snowmobile tour. With thousands of kilometers of trails, novice and seasoned sledders can travel deeper and higher into the backcountry to places that are usually inaccessible. Adventure-seekers will be in awe at the quiet beauty and immense, untouched landscape of Canada’s winter wonderland.

From the BC Rockies to the Maritime trails, there’s plenty of snowmobiling vacations to discover:

• The deep powder of Revelstoke, BC makes this area the champion of snowmobiling. With an annual snowfall between 12-18 meters (yes, METERS) and daily temperatures around -5 C, this area is a mountain playground for sledders. Tours with seasoned experts can take you along deep, powder filled valleys and also to mountain tops above the clouds. Snowmobiling in Revelstoke, BC is unbelievably beautiful and unforgettable.


• The Crowsnest pass has hundreds of kilometers of trails but due to the frequent chinooks, snowmobiling in southern Alberta may be fickle. Central and northern Alberta has a constant snow base making for scenic parkland rides through the snow-covered forest. The air may be cold and crisp but a sunny blue sky makes for fantastic snowmobiling in Alberta.


• Ontario has over 49,000 kilometers of interconnected, groomed trails which forms the world’s largest network of recreational trails. Snowmobilers travel through majestic forests as they glide between frozen lakes.


• Quebec is the birthplace of the snowmobile so visiting the J. Armand Bombardier’s Museum in Valcourt is a good way to pay homage to the inventor of the Ski-Doo. North of Montreal, the Laurentian Mountains become a hilly playground with thousands of kilometers of trails covered in deep powdery snow.


• The Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island is a 275 kilometer rail trail, a former rail line that has been converted into a liner park. Snowmobiling on the Confederation Trail will take you past charming interior towns filled with welcoming hosts and warm maritime cuisine. Trail permits are required from the PEI Snowmobiling Association.


• Sledding under the aurora borealis is magical and unforgettable. Outside of Yellowknife, NWT, sledders can stop to watch and to listen to the shimmering light show, often in colours other than green. Go for a more traditional dogsledding tour and experience the way that pioneers used to travel in the winter.

Snowmobiling is a great way to see the frozen beauty of Canada. Tour operators know the safe and scenic routes around the backcountry and can take travelers to the secret locations familiar to locals. Instead of hiding from winter, embrace the cold and discover your own winter adventure.

Scenic Travel Canada is a website that helps travelers and nature-lovers to discover the lesser-known areas of Canada. There are plenty of Canadian adventures that cater to people of all fitness levels. From hiking in the Rockies to walking the sandy shores in the Maritimes, you’ll be amazed at the beauty that awaits.

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At the time of year when winter sports are at the peak of popularity, many people still chose their cushy recliner chairs over going jogging. That doesn’t seem like such a bad idea ” winters chilling cold and lingering darkness are barely motivating, but this does have the unfortunate consequence of adding a few extra kilograms to your weight between the months of November and February. To change this, a few of the worlds leading physicians and osteopaths look at the ways in which winter sports (such as ice-skating, skiing, or snowboarding) contribute to a healthier life.

While the frosty roads are not really welcoming, being outside can be very beneficial to your health. There might not be as much sunlight available in the winter, but the rays that do reach us are very direct, and give us our necessary Vitamin D. And if you have a chance to go into the mountains for some downhill sports, the fresh mountain air can be very cleansing to those with allergy problems, asthma, or breathing difficulties due to pollution.

The sports are of course a wonderful way to rid you of that unwanted holiday weight. Experts assert that the average 70-kilo individual burns about 300-400 calories per hour skiing, while snowshoeing rids you of approximately 500-550 calories an hour. And this achieved at your own pace ” no intense or high-level sessions necessary.

Winter sports are obviously also a great way to get in shape. Skiing uses almost all muscle groups, but puts the most pressure on your legs ” it is particularly strenuous for your knees and quad muscles. Skating affects similar muscle groups, but tends to use the hamstrings and quads more. These sports, among others, are therefore sure ways of getting your muscles working and your heart pumping again, contributing to a fitter you.

More often than not, skiers and skaters are of the recreational athlete sort than the hard-core fitness types, so taking up a winter sport this season is a fun way to get into shape again. It might be difficult to get started, people regularly leave the ice-rink or the piste feeling healthier and livelier and healthier than when they entered it.

One of the most significant benefits of winter sports is that doing exercise in the winter ” a time when most prefer to sit and watch TV, is good for your heart. A study conducted by the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation says that wintertime exercise ” any exercise ” reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes. For those who hate going jogging in the cold, ice-skating or snowboarding might be a fun alternative to get the exercise your heart needs.

Winter sports therefore have many obvious health benefits, and have something to offer for everyone. Just be sure not to overdo it ” you do not want an injury to ruin your winter holidays. Activities such as cross-country- and alpine- skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowboarding are excellent ways to get moving during this low-energy season. So grab your skis, skates, or snowboard and head for your winter destination!

Andrew Mitchell, clinical editor at the Osteopaths Network, writes papers about musculo-skeletal conditions, drug-free treatment, pain management and how to find a Bracknell osteopaths. He is interested in the treatment of back pain, neck pain and injury and pain management.

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Despite chilly temperatures and shorter days, winter is the favorite time of year for many sports enthusiasts. No matter how skilled at skiing, snow mobile riding, ice-skating or hiking, you may be at risk for serious injuries while performing your favorite activities. Whether you hit the slopes every weekend or spend most of the winter season curled up by a roaring fire, there are tips you can use to stay fit, healthy and free of injury when you venture outside for some winter fun.

Do You Know the Risks?

Winter is a wonderful time to participate in sports. During the colder months, many of us spend long hours indoors. We may choose to eat lunch at our desks rather than venturing out, or spend a weeknight watching TV instead of going to the gym. Taking part in outdoor physical activities, even if it is only on the weekend, is an effective means of preventing feelings of melancholy that often surface when we can’t spend a lot of time outdoors.

I encourage all of my healthy patients to participate in sports and other activities during the winter, as long as they are aware of the risks. For example, in 2007, snowboarding was the leading cause of winter sports injuries, sending over 149,000 people to emergency rooms and other treatment centers. Many veteran skiers think their sport is less dangerous than snowboarding. On the contrary, skiing was a close second to snowboarding when it came to injuries. Over 131,000 skiers sought medical care in 2007 due to mishaps on the slopes.

While awareness of these risks is crucial, you should not hesitate to take part in the winter sports you enjoy. There are a number of simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of injury and have your best winter sports season to date. Try the following tips and remember that in order to play hard, you also need to play smart.

6 Tips to Prevent Winter Sports Injuries

1) Don’t strain if you haven’t trained – If you haven’t been on skis for 8 months, don’t start taking on black diamonds right out of the gate. Your muscles are more prone to injury after a long break. Prepare for your first day of snow-shoeing or ice hockey by lifting weights and stretching your muscles during the off season. You can also stay conditioned with video games, such as those for the Nintendo Wii, which simulate various sports like snowboarding.

2) Extend your warm up – Most fitness experts recommend a five to ten minute warm up, but that may not be enough during the winter. Low temperatures mean it may take longer to ease your muscles into an activity. Double your warm up time and don’t push yourself until you feel loose and relaxed.

3) Check your gear twice – When it comes to winter sports, the right gear is more important than ever. Snowboarding without a helmet or sledding without water-resistant footwear will not only make the activity less enjoyable, but it may leave you vulnerable to injury. Make sure all equipment is in excellent working order, and don’t leave home without the proper clothing and gear you need to enjoy your day.

4) Drink up – One of the biggest winter sports mistakes is not staying adequately hydrated. No matter what your sport, you need to drink water or sports beverages every hour or so to provide enough fluids and electrolytes for your body to function. We often don’t realize we are sweating because perspiration evaporates almost instantly in the cold, dry air. Drink even if you aren’t thirsty and you will perform better and prevent muscle cramps and weakness.

5) Dress for the chill…or the sun – When you do winter activities, your body temperature undergoes extreme shifts. Wear layers of light, moisture-resistant, breathable clothing so you can adjust to any condition. For skiers and hikers in particular, sun protection is just as important as preparing for the cold. Snow reflects damaging UV rays back to your face, so wear sunscreen and sunglasses at all times.

6) Know the terrain – When hiking or snow shoeing, stay on marked trails. To prevent surprises, familiarize yourself with the terrain ahead of time and ask about any unexpected obstructions like ice or snow drifts. Mapping out your route beforehand and incorporating the latest information will prevent surprises.

Mark Rosenberg, M.D.
Institute For Healthy Aging

http://www.vitalmaxvitamins.com

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We presently groom over 53 miles of trails with a Tucker 1000 Sno Cat and a Mogul Master Drag, both purchased new in the 2005/2006 season. Our goal is to provide safe, well maintained trails to be used by snowmobilers, hikers, cross-country skiers and equestrians. The Gilmanton Snowmobile Association is fortunate to have many miles of old Class VI and discontinued roads, as well as a group of landowners who let us their property.

The majority of our club’s membership live in Gilmanton, Gilmanton Iron Works and the surrounding communities. Approximately 20% are from out of State including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, New York and Vermont.

Ride Safe, Respect Others and Stay on the Trails!! Always remember you are riding on private property, by permission of land owners. Without their permission, we’d lose our trail system!!