Who Does What in BC’s Organized Snowmobile Chain

Understanding the Snowmobile Chain of Responsibility

Snowmobiling in BC is powered by a shared chain of responsibility — and every link matters. From provincial advocacy to trail grooming to responsible riding, each group plays a distinct and essential role in keeping our sport safe, sustainable, and thriving.

Lately, we’ve heard a bit of confusion about “who does what.” So let’s break it down, because while the BC Snowmobile Federation (BCSF) is proud to be a strong voice for the sport, we’re not the only ones doing the work. It takes all of us; the BCSF, our clubs, and our riders to make snowmobiling possible in BC.

BC Snowmobile Federation (BCSF): Provincial Programs, Partnerships, and Policy

The BCSF represents snowmobiling at the provincial level, ensuring our voice is heard in high-level conversations with government and industry partners. Here's what we’re responsible for:

• Advocacy and Policy
  We work directly with provincial ministries and partners to influence the policies and decisions that shape snowmobiling in BC. As a unified voice for the sport, the BCSF earns a seat at the table where critical land use and recreation decisions are made - ensuring snowmobiling is represented early, professionally, and with credibility, not as an afterthought.

• Telling the Story of Snowmobiling
  We define and share what snowmobiling in BC truly is - a healthy sport, a meaningful lifestyle, and a powerful economic driver. Through impact studies, environmental research, and public awareness campaigns, we highlight the value snowmobiling brings to rural communities, tourism, and the provincial economy. We also represent BC’s interests nationally and internationally, working with snowmobile organizations across Canada and beyond to elevate and align our voice on federal issues.

• Programs and Services
  We design and deliver province-wide programs that benefit both clubs and riders. These include snowmobile safety education, youth engagement initiatives, volunteer recognition, stewardship programs, the BC Provincial Snowmobile Trail Map, and fundraising through events like Snowarama to support shared goals and club success.

• Club Support and Stability
  We provide tools, training, and frameworks that help clubs operate effectively and consistently. When there’s leadership turnover, unexpected challenges, or a need for guidance, the BCSF is there with a steady hand to support continuity and resilience. We also help clubs focus their limited time and resources where they matter most - by sharing high-value opportunities that align with provincial priorities and deliver strong returns for local efforts.

• Tourism Marketing
  Through our LetsRideBC program in partnership with Destination BC, we promote British Columbia as a world-class snowmobile destination - driving tourism, supporting local economies, and showcasing the diversity of British Columbia. We ensure that snowmobiling is represented accurately, professionally, and as a sustainable, respectful form of winter recreation that is welcome in BC communities.

• Bulk and Shared Services
  We manage province-wide programs like group insurance, bulk purchasing, membership platforms, and member benefit packages that help clubs save money, streamline operations, and attract members.

• Best Practices and Standards
  We develop and share guidance on trail management, risk mitigation, volunteer and worker safety, and organizational governance, helping to elevate snowmobiling across the province and reduce costs that are passed on to riders.

The BCSF exists to unite the efforts of snowmobilers across BC, reduce duplication, lower costs, and promote the sport. We provide essential support and consistent standards so clubs can focus on what they do best - delivering great local snowmobiling experiences.

How It’s Funded
When you purchase your snowmobile club membership, you will see it automatically includes a provincial BCSF membership at $40 for adults and $20 for youth. This funds the core work of the BCSF. To bridge the gap between need and capacity, we also rely on corporate partners and fundraising initiatives like the RideOnBC Land Access Fund. Together, these resources allow us to advocate, support, and elevate snowmobiling across the province.

Clubs: Local Operations, Land Use, and Member Management

Clubs are the boots on the snow. They run the show locally - building, maintaining, and operating the systems that make sledding happen in your community. Here’s what clubs are responsible for:

• Local Trail and Facility Management
  From trail grooming and signage to cabin maintenance and staging area upgrades - it’s all club work.

• Managing Members
  Clubs handle local communications, events, and ensuring members are in good standing each year.

• Land Use and Partnerships
  Clubs manage local land access, permits, and relationships with landowners, municipalities, and regional partners.

• Governance and Strategy
  They maintain society status, develop strategic plans, and oversee staff, volunteers, and operations.

• Board Responsibilities
  Club directors hold legal, fiduciary, and ethical responsibilities. They’re responsible for ensuring effective, inclusive governance and safe, respectful workplaces that reflect the mission and values of their membership.

Clubs are the stewards of snowmobiling on the ground - managing the places we ride and the people we ride with.

How It’s Funded
Clubs are primarily funded through annual memberships and day-use trail fees. Many also receive support through local sponsorships, donations, and grant programs — including the ORV Trail Fund, which reinvests a portion of snowmobile registration dollars into local trail infrastructure and upgrades.

Riders and Members: Ethics, Engagement, and Responsibility

Without riders, there is no sport. But being a rider means more than just buying a membership — it means actively participating in shaping and protecting snowmobiling. Here’s what riders are responsible for:

• Maintaining Membership
  Support your local club and the BCSF through active membership. It’s the foundation of a strong snowmobile community.

• Following Rules and Ethics
  Know and follow the rules, regulations, and the BC Snowmobiler’s Code of Conduct. How you act has a direct implication on how our sport is perceived by decision makers and the public at large.

• Club Engagement
  Members elect club directors, help shape the club’s vision, and carry out the work that keeps things running - from work bees to strategic planning. You have a responsibility to ensure your voice is represented.

• Stewardship and Volunteerism
  Our sport is built by volunteers. Show up. Get involved. Take ownership. You are the club.

Riders shape the future of their clubs, and the sport, through their actions, engagement, and accountability.

How You Contribute
Your annual membership is more than a trail pass. It’s a direct investment in the future of snowmobiling. It supports everything from trail maintenance and safety programs to advocacy and long-term access. Your dollars, your time, and your participation are what keep snowmobiling strong in BC.

How It All Connects: A Chain of Accountability

Think of the organized snowmobile community in BC as a connected system. When every link is strong, and each group does their part, our sport can thrive.

The BCSF can’t do it all - and that’s the point. We’re here to connect the dots, support what matters, and keep the big picture moving forward so snowmobilers across BC can ride, build, and grow together.

Let’s stay informed, stay involved, and support one another. Because snowmobiling in BC only works when we all do our part.