Snowmobile Tourism Self-Assessment Tool for Operators

Self-Assessment completed by:*
Tourism business owners and managers 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
3 Questions
1. Operator 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. Operator’s business and required operating licenses are current.*
3. Operators are 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
5 Questions
1. Operator 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. Operator complies with all municipal, provincial and federal health and safety laws and regulations for their business operation.*
3. Operator 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. Operators should ensure guests have their Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Snowmobile Trail Permit.*
5. Operator 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
7 Questions
1. There are fair, clear and consistent booking/cancellation policies for guests (inclement weather, road closures, multiple packages and/or a variety of trip durations offered during off-peak season, etc.) in place.*
2. 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.*
3. An “arrive safe” service (e.g. call ahead and arrival confirmation touch points or strategy via email, text or call) is in place. Staff are also knowledgeable about emergency services to assist snowmobilers broken down on the snow.*
4. Room amenities include fridge, snowmobile boot mats, drying rack, shelf/room to store helmets, extra hangers, cloths to clean sleds, WIFI, USB charging stations, access to weather channel.*
5. There is a secure parking area for snowmobiles (e.g. preferably at front of room, well lit, and/or locked, heated area).*
6. Truck and trailer parking are available with longer-term/multi-day parking for guests traveling and staying outside of operator’s property (staging). Staff are knowledgeable and able to direct guests where to park, store, and secure snowmobiles.*
7. Staff are knowledgeable and can provide local itinerary planning advice using website and printed guide materials and are aware of trail 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.*
Visitor Experience
7 Questions
1. Accommodations offer a special snowmobile package that can include meals and accommodations.*
2. Fair U.S. dollar exchange rates are provided.*
3. Common area facilities such as BBQ, pool/and or hot tub and/or sauna are provided.*
4. Operator provides a restaurant or has a partnership with a local restaurant to shuttle riders to. Dining options include local food experiences.*
5. A room/lounge/social/common area or space for snowmobile riders is available*
6. Shuttles to area amenities such as liquor and grocery stores are offered, or staff can provide information about delivery services.*
7. An early breakfast is offered daily (beginning no later than 7:00 am).*
Marketing
4 Questions
1. Support is given by Operator 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. Operator actively promotes operation 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 Operators

Key Practices for Working in Snowmobile Tourism

General Practices

Legal Practices

Operations

Visitor Experience

Marketing

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