Every spring, ATV enthusiasts are eager to return to the trails after a long winter. However, it’s essential to remember that before we can hop back on our ATVs, a crucial period for the health of the trail network must be respected: the thaw period.
This transition phase is often misunderstood or overlooked, but it plays a key role in preserving infrastructure and maintaining access rights.
The Thaw Period: Critical for ATV Trails
In spring, with snowmelt and heavy precipitation, water saturates the ground. The trail base becomes soft, spongy, and sometimes waterlogged. Riding an ATV in these conditions can cause significant damage, including:
- The creation of deep ruts
- Soil erosion
- In severe cases, damage to structures such as bridges, boardwalks, or culverts
These issues go beyond appearance. They can make trails impassable, dangerous, and very expensive to repair. Riding prematurely during the thaw period can lead to long-term closures of entire trail sections, and more importantly, the loss of access rights on private land.
Access “Rights”: A Privilege to Protect
What we need to understand is that most ATV trail networks in Quebec cross private land. These access rights are the result of lengthy negotiations between ATV club volunteers and landowners. They are generously granted privileges, not guaranteed rights.
Unfortunately, when a landowner sees their property damaged by riders during the thaw, they may revoke their permission, forcing clubs to:
- Find new alternative routes (often several kilometres long)
- Carry out major work (clearing, grading, signage)
- Cover additional costs, on top of putting even more pressure on already busy volunteers
Every lost access right is a direct threat to the sustainability of the trail network.
ATV Clubs: The Only Authorities on Trail Openings
It’s also important to understand that only ATV clubs have the authority to declare a trail open. They rigorously and expertly assess trail conditions after the winter.
During the thaw period, clubs monitor:
- Soil conditions
- The integrity of structures (bridges, culverts)
- Nearby water levels
If a trail is deemed unsafe or too fragile, it will remain closed until safe and sustainable conditions are restored.
Therefore, it’s essential to always check official club communications before planning a spring ride. Whether it’s through the FQCQ website, the iQuad mobile app, or club Facebook pages, all up-to-date information is published there.
Protecting ATV Trails: Simple, Effective Actions
Here are some tips for all riders who want to show their respect for clubs and landowners:
- Never ride on a closed trail, even if conditions seem fine
- Stay on the marked path—don’t venture off trail
- Don’t leave any garbage behind
- If you meet a landowner, take a moment to thank them.
- Quickly report any safety issues or disrespectful behaviour to your club
Respect = Recognition
By following club guidelines, you’re doing more than waiting for the trails to reopen. You’re showing that you value the incredible work done by volunteers: negotiating access rights, building bridges and boardwalks, maintaining trails, putting up signage, grading, and more.
You’re also showing landowners that their trust is not misplaced. Every ATV rider has a role to play in safeguarding the trail network. A single act of irresponsibility can jeopardize months of work and hard-won agreements.
Conclusion: Protecting Trails Starts With Respecting the Thaw
The thaw period is a crucial stage that requires patience, respect, and cooperation from all users. Riding on waterlogged trails risks long-term damage to infrastructure, loss of critical access rights, and danger to other users.
Respecting Club Guidelines Is How We Protect Our Passion
The practice of ATV in Quebec creates a community. Let’s work together to keep it strong, season after season.
