Ready. Set. Ride: Engaging Kids, Families, and Clubs in Snowmobile Safety
The way kids are introduced to snowmobiling matters. When young riders learn good habits from the start, supported by parents, clubs, and the wider riding community, it helps build safer riding, stronger stewardship, and a more connected snowmobiling culture across British Columbia.
For the 2025–2026 season, the BC Snowmobile Federation introduced Ready Set Ride, a new youth-focused safety and education program designed to support kids, parents, snowmobile clubs, and fellow riders. The program provides simple, approachable tools that help start conversations early and reinforce safe, respectful behavior as young riders develop their skills and confidence.
A Program for the Whole Snowmobiling Community
Ready Set Ride was intentionally designed to support everyone involved in introducing kids to snowmobiling:
Kids, through age-appropriate safety, stewardship, and trail awareness tools
Parents, with resources that help guide learning and start conversations early
Snowmobile clubs, with practical tools to share at trailheads, cabins, and events — and to recognize and reinforce positive behavior locally
At the heart of the program is mascot Jax, a friendly Canada Jay. With his toque and backpack, Jax helps share trail smarts, safety reminders, and stewardship messages in a way kids can understand and remember.
Tools That Bring Ready. Set. Ride. to Life
To support the program framework, BCSF developed several connected resources that make learning engaging and consistent across the province.
JAX JUNIOR TRAILBLAZERS AWARD
The Jax Junior Trailblazers Award recognizes kids who are helping make snowmobiling safer and kinder. When club volunteers spot young riders riding safely, showing respect, helping others, or caring for shared spaces, they can hand out a Trailblazers Award card. Parents can submit the card by mail or QR code, and BCSF will send the rider an official Jax Junior Trailblazers badge.
BACKCOUNTRY SNOWMOBILE SAFETY ACTIVITY BOOK
A free 26-page Snowmobile Safety Activity Book filled with coloring pages, puzzles, games, and simple safety tips. Designed to be completed together, the book encourages conversations between kids and their grown-ups about safe riding habits, backcountry awareness, and respect for the places we ride. Activity books are distributed through member clubs at trailheads, cabins, and events.
JAX'S CABIN CHECKLIST POSTERS
New Jax Cabin Checklist Posters are being introduced in warming huts and cabins to reinforce safety, respect, and good cabin etiquette. These posters help kids feel welcome while reminding everyone that cabins are shared, family-friendly spaces — and that kids learn by example.
Looking Ahead
Ready Set Ride is just getting started. In the seasons ahead, BCSF will continue to build on this program, expanding opportunities to engage youth and support families and clubs across British Columbia.
Youth leadership is also recognized through the BCSF Excellence Awards, which include a Youth Snowmobiler of the Year category — celebrating young riders who are helping shape the future of snowmobiling in BC.
