Winter snowmobile trail closures in Sault Ste. Marie due to rising costs and falling revenue may hurt tourism.

Snowmobile trail closures in the Sault Ste. Marie area this winter, driven by a 52% rise in operating costs and declining permit revenue, may hurt local tourism. The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs urges clubs to reduce trail operations and promote early-season permits. The Sault Trailblazers are closing the D201F loop and trail to Boots and Saddles, while Bruce Mines Snow Glyders shut down D136 and BM1 trails but opened a new TH2 trail. The OFSC aims to maintain 25,500 km of trails despite financial strain. Tourism officials acknowledge snowmobiling's importance but are reassessing winter marketing plans as closures could reduce visitor appeal.