Volunteers

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Volunteering

The Essential Role of Volunteers in Snowmobiling

The snowmobiling industry relies first and foremost on the hard work of thousands of dedicated volunteers. Their invaluable contribution ensures the maintenance of trails and the smooth operation of this exceptional network.

Thanks to their efforts, snowmobiling has become the most important winter tourism product in Quebec, generating over $3 billion annually in economic benefits.

The History of Snowmobiling Volunteerism in Quebec
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the number of snowmobile clubs grew rapidly. Enthusiasts came together to share their passion, with the of organising rides and social events being at the heart of club activities. With limited resources, trail maintenance, signage, and development were carried out by motivated volunteers.

The introduction of grooming equipment and formal trail networks brought structure to the activity. Since then, thousands of volunteers have helped build one of the largest snowmobile trail networks in the world.

Volunteering Today
Although snowmobiling has become a major industry in Quebec, it still relies on the commitment of 4,500 volunteers who dedicate over 800,000 hours annually to trail maintenance, signage installation, and negotiating land-use permissions.

However, the aging volunteer base and challenges in recruiting new members threaten this structure. Clubs must double their efforts to attract new members and encourage snowmobilers to get involved. Participating in a club not only contributes to trail maintenance but also provides an opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and strengthen the snowmobiling community.

The future of this unique network depends on everyone’s involvement.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Contact your local club to offer your services.

FCMQ Programs

Aware of the challenges faced by snowmobile clubs in Quebec, the FCMQ Board of Directors decided in 2013 to allocate $1 from each access pass sold to help fund a program dedicated to recognizing and thanking volunteers. In 2015, the FCMQ partnered with Kimpex to launch theKimpex Volunteer Action Program.

This initiative includes the creation of an annual fund of $100,000, distributed in the form of 400 gift certificates worth $250 each, awarded through a draw among the 4,500 volunteers of FCMQ member clubs