THE ENTHUSIASTS

As winter blows into Northwestern Ontario, it’s time to pull out the sleds! There is a certain cachet to a brandnew power snowmobile; however, it can’t compare to the soul of a vintage machine. Christian Ward started the Lappe Vintage Snowmobile Club as a hobby about three years ago, and it has grown to approximately 210 members who share stories, hints and tips for fixer-uppers, and new ways to show off their talents on their club’s Facebook Group.

Every year, there have been at least a couple of shows for the public to come out and have a look at these vintage (pre-1998) snowmobiles and talk with the owners who have lovingly restored them. The oldest snowmobile within the group is from circa 1960. The first show took place at Lappe Store in 2021 with 16 sleds. By February 2022, there were more than 30 at a show at Dawson General Store, and the most recent show took place at the Canadian Tire store on Arthur Street, with nearly 70 vintage snowmobiles and their proud owners there to answer questions from intrigued onlookers.

“It’s nice to see people who like to look at the old machines that are kind of forgotten about,” Ward says.