For the Trail up the St Maurice River

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Following an in-depth analysis and consultations with the FCMQ, the Mattawin Snowmobile Club has made the difficult but 𝐝𝐞́𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 decision to stop maintaining the Saint-Maurice River trail.

This decision is based on considerations of 𝐬𝐞́𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞́ 𝐞𝐭 𝐝𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐛 𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞́ 𝐜𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐞 that cannot be compromised. 𝐋𝐚 𝐬𝐞́𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞́ 𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐫 𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞́.

Weather conditions in recent years have become too unstable and unpredictable, with significant variations within a single week, making it impossible to maintain a level of absolute safety for snowmobilers.

We also asked neighboring clubs take over maintenance of this trail. After analysis, none of them agreed to assume this level of risk, undoubtedly for the same reasons of safety and liability, in a constantly changing climate.

Bummer. And this year is starting out with early cold temps. I’m sure all the people that don’t follow the trail markings and stay between the stakes affect this decision also.

I don’t see why there has to be someone responsible for dangerous activities.

Maintained regularly surfaced trail ok

but over Ice there should be completely different approach.

Unverified Ice Route…. use is solely at your own discretion

Someone always needs to be liable.

Simple sounding I know…but look around nothing simple anymore.

Zero common sense.

what happens when no club wants to take responsibility for the Ice further down? where TQ23 crosses and the Local orange Down to TQ3? Gonna build us a bridge?

I am not saying stop to verify all ice crossings

This River Saint Maurice Trail is quite unique in the distance it covers.

Where else do you ride that many KM on a river in the Quebec Trail Network?

Damn 😟! Blew my GSX 600 engine on that river.

27 minutes ago, Snohorse said:

Damn 😟! Blew my GSX 600 engine on that river.

Remember that well

10 hours ago, iceman said:

I don’t see why there has to be someone responsible for dangerous activities.

Maintained regularly surfaced trail ok

but over Ice there should be completely different approach.

Unverified Ice Route…. use is solely at your own discretion

Someone always needs to be liable.

Simple sounding I know…but look around nothing simple anymore.

Zero common sense.

what happens when no club wants to take responsibility for the Ice further down? where TQ23 crosses and the Local orange Down to TQ3? Gonna build us a bridge?

I am not saying stop to verify all ice crossings

This River Saint Maurice Trail is quite unique in the distance it covers.

Where else do you ride that many KM on a river in the Quebec Trail Network?

Hopefully lakes won't be next.

That really sucks, loved riding that River for 20 miles. I wonder if we got as cold and as long as in the past if they would change their mind?

On 12/9/2025 at 9:45 AM, iceman said:

in a constantly changing climate

AI Overview: Jethro Tull's "Skating Away (On the Thin Ice of the New Day)" is a metaphorical song about navigating life's uncertainties and societal pressures with cautious optimism, representing breaking free from expectations by embracing change, even when the path (thin ice) is risky. Ian Anderson originally conceived it as a climate change song about global cooling, but its themes evolved to include personal transformation, questioning reality, finding inner meaning, and adapting bravely to a changing world. 🤣

On 12/9/2025 at 4:36 PM, Snohorse said:

Blew my GSX 600 engine on that river

Hey Brother, did ya burn your lips?

OK, got any cracks about cracked ribs?...

Love n hugs,