Snowmobile Tourism Self-Assessment Tool for Communities

Self-Assessment completed by:*
Communitiy/destination representatives (e.g. city/municipal staff, community champions etc.) are good choices to complete this self-assessment. Tip: Staff members on the front line with visitors will have a particularly good perspective to bring to the discussion.
Title/Position:*
Business Name:*
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code
Date*
Phone*
Email*
A copy of your completed self-assessment will be emailed to the address you provide.
Please be advised that completed self-assessments are stored on Destination Northern Ontario’s database. Your business/personal information is protected under Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) with results kept confidential and only shared within DNO for the purpose of providing insights into needs and trends in product, training and workforce development initiatives and will not be used for anything outside this purpose. For any questions, please contact Karen Peacock, Senior Coordinator, Industry Training at k.peacock@destinationnorthernontario.ca.
A note on your responses: When you receive your completed self-assessment (emailed to you after you click the submit button), pay special attention to any 'Does Not Meet' selections. These are opportunities for improvement. Ideally, you want to see all 'Exceeds' or 'Meets' selections.
Key Practices for Working in Snowmobile Tourism
General Practices
2 Questions
1. Community has completed Tourism Excellence North’s Visitor Appeal Assessment Tool*
The Visitor Appeal Assessment Tool is a standalone TEN self-assessment tool that evaluates the visitor experience of your tourism product.
2. Community is involved with their local or regional Destination Marketing Organization, Destination Northern Ontario, Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs and tourism partners (e.g. local snowmobile clubs) within their cluster on priority product development, marketing and/or training initiatives.*
Legal Practices
6 Questions
1. Community has a minimum of $2 million liability insurance. A higher amount of liability insurance may be required depending on the event (i.e. level of risk, alcohol involved, etc.). Inquire with insurance provider to ensure correct coverage and amount.*
2. Community complies with all municipal, provincial and federal health and safety laws and regulations for their business operation.*
3. Community has prepared and reviewed a written occupational health and safety policy and has developed and maintained a program to implement that policy. All postings and training requirements have been met.*
4. Snow loops and on-trail riding takes place on approved trails maintained and operated by OFSC member clubs or in legal off-trail/backcountry riding in designated areas.*
5. Community has met basic Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs criteria and through its local OFSC District registers its snow loop(s) or on-trail rides annually with Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs for inclusion in the Interactive Trail Guide.*
6. Community has necessary land holder permissions (including Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry) for entry and maintains or ensures proof of insurance for off-trail/backcountry riding.*
Operations
6 Questions
1. Staff are knowledgeable and can provide local itinerary planning advice using website and printed guide materials and are aware of trail systems and names, rest stops and services in town (e.g. gas station, snowmobile dealers & repairs, grocery store and liquor store hours) and are also aware of other snowmobile-friendly accommodations outside of the community on the various trail networks.*
2. Community offers attractions, restaurants, retail, gas stations and scenic assets with visitor centres near the snowmobile trail, even in shoulder season.*
3. Accommodations are directly accessible and easily reachable on snow by legal routes from snow loops and on-trail or from designated off-trail/backcountry areas.*
4. Community has snowmobile tourism champions (e.g. leading accommodators, municipal staff, club reps/members).*
5. There are partnerships/networking opportunities and synergies amongst key snowmobile tourism stakeholders.*
6. Snowmobile tourism is deemed a priority by the community (e.g. dedicated staff person, annual budget line, signed safe trail or path access, laws allowing snowmobiling in town, snow left along roadways).*
Marketing
4 Questions
1. Support is given by the community to local snowmobile club by purchasing ads on maps, offering club meeting locations, lending expertise to local club, etc.*
2. Materials are in place (e.g. printed guides and maps as well as electronic versions and/or apps) highlighting local attractions, events, and other things to do. Communities and operators can partner together to provide these materials.*
3. Materials are distributed via travel information centres, accommodators and other service providers, and staff are well-trained about attractions along the entire route, not just their location.*
4. Community actively promotes snow loops and on-trail riding on social media, updates website as needed and promptly responds to and engages with visitors and general enquiries.*
Congratulations! You've come to the end of the self-assessment. Once you click 'Submit' your completed self-assessment will be emailed to the address that you provided at the start of this form.
You will also receive suggestions on how to use the data from your completed self-assessment AND a list of online resources for organizations and regulations that appeared in this self-assessment

Snowmobile Tourism Self-Assessment Tool for Communities

Key Practices for Working in Snowmobile Tourism

General Practices

Legal Practices

Operations

Marketing

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