Northern Lights Snowmobile Association's new trail groomer. (Image Credit: Northern Lights Snowmobile Association/ Facebook)

By Alyssa Rudolph

SNOWMOBILING

Icy conditions force Meadow Lake snowmobile rally cancellation

Feb 12, 2026 | 12:38 PM

Meadow Lake’s Northern Lights Snowmobile Association has been forced to cancel this year’s rally due to unfavorable conditions. 

Kelly Schmidt, president of the club, said the event was cancelled three weeks early due to concerns of safety. 

“We want this to be a family event and with the icy conditions, and the low snow we couldn’t guarantee that it was safe. Getting families out is our priority and safety is a must.”

Schmidt added this was going to be the first time the current group of executives held a rally. They wanted it to be memorable for a good reason, not because it was unenjoyable. 

“It’s disappointing for the hard work that our directors have put in to get this going. Financially, you have rallies to make money so you can spend it on stuff for the club. That just means that we’ll have to push back a few projects a little bit.”

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The club’s main goal was to purchase a new trail groomer, something they were able to complete even without the rally.  

“We were able to get our snow cat; it’s 11 years newer than our old one. We spent over $100,000 in the last few weeks. The good news is we had the money; the bad news is we don’t have it anymore,” Schmidt laughed.  

As part of the event’s ticket sales, the club gave away a brand new 2026 Ski-Doo. Schmidt said the draw was a great success, noting it sold out a week before the draw was made. 

“In the video you can see he’s just stunned and in shock that he won. We will be doing that again in the future.”

Club volunteers have worked hard to keep the trails in the best condition possible, despite a number of unexpected challenges. The most significant issue the club is currently facing is the growing number of trails impacted by road salt.  

“To get to any one of our good trails, you have to travel at least 10 miles of ditch to get to what we consider a good trail. With the amount of salt that’s been put on the road this year and them spraying it into the ditches, the ditches are affected first,” said Schmidt.  

Other issues currently include downed trees, trail ruts due to vehicles, and logging areas. 

“I’m just proud of all the volunteer hours that our group has put in. On every day off, they’re out on their sleds clearing trails. It’s just amazing what these guys and gals are doing for the snowmobile club.” 

The Northern Lights Snowmobile Association is currently looking for more volunteers to help with trail signing and maintenance. Anyone wanting to volunteer is asked to reach out to the club. As for the rally, that’s something the club will regroup on and try again for next year. 

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com