With no snowmobilers on the trails, there are no customers at Memories Restaurant.
The majority of trails in Simcoe and Grey Counties are open, but to the north, the majority of trails are closed.
“We are totally dependent upon snowmobile tourism,” says Jamie Blake. “Good winters we make enough to pay the hydro bill. We make enough to pay the oil bills and keep the staff employed. When it's a weak winter--we're not going to pay those bills and keep everybody employed.”
The reason? Trails through Muskoka and up towards Parry Sound have swampy terrain. This means weather conditions need to be colder so trails can fully freeze over.
“This year has been a struggle for most of the clubs in the area,” says Jason Henry, a south Seguin groomer. “We need lots of cold weather so we can get these swamps frozen.”
Even groomers have been caught going out too early. Machines have been damaged and even sunk in bogs and swamps.
The forecast remains unfriendly for snowmobile trials in Muskoka and Parry Sound. Environment Canada says the heavy snow on Tuesday will turn to rain.
That.is not good for snowmobile trails.
