Snowmobiling is entering its 50th year as a recreational activity for millions of North American families. -- Photo courtesy of Bombardier

Call 'em Canada's lunatic fringe. When the rest of us are flying south for some winter fun in the sun, snowmobilers are heading north to hit the trails.

As far as these sledheads are concerned, you beat winter by joining it. The whiter the north, the greater it is.

There's something about flying across a frozen lake or riding through a snowy forest that brings 'em back time after time. Some riders love to "pin it and go" on the ice-covered lakes. Some like the sport's social side. Others get their kicks from scenery or close encounters with wildlife back in the bush. And "puddle jumping" in places like Dorset, Ont., definitely draws a crowd. (Yes, there really are crazies out there who love the thrill of riding a snowmobile across open water.)

But whatever their preference, snowmobilers all know that some of Ontario's best riding is in Cottage Country. Muskoka and Haliburton are both winter playgrounds.

The well-groomed trails of the Muskoka Snowmobile Region take you through wilderness and wide open spaces but you're never too far from a cozy pit stop.

Good pit stops are a little bit like truck stops on the highway -- you can spot the good ones because there will usually be a fleet of sleds outside and helmet racks and hearty food and hospitality inside.

Tea and toast aren't priorities; cold beer and hot chili usually are.

The region, stretching from the shores of Georgian Bay to the boundaries of Algonquin Park, has hundreds of kilometres of good riding located within a 2-to-4-hour drive of Toronto and its top trails provide unlimited touring opportunities!

The neighbouring Haliburton County Snowmobile Association offers hundreds more kilometres of terrific trails, and that's not counting the "wildlife!"

Snowmobiling in the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve, the only wholly privately owned snowmobiling operation in the world, is something special. It's a 24,280-hectare wilderness, with 50 lakes and numerous ponds and creeks, that winter turns into a snowmobiling wonderland. It was recently rated by Supertrax magazine as one of the top-10 snowmobiling destinations in North America.

Believe it or not, snowmobiling is entering its 50th year as the chosen recreational activity for millions of North American families.

As the sport has evolved and matured, so has snowmobile technology. Today's machines are cleaner, quieter, more dependable and very user friendly.

Trails are better too, thanks to hard work by volunteers from local clubs and increased support from governments and municipal agencies.

In fact, these days a seasonal trail permit for your machine may just be the best winter recreational deal in Ontario.

Snowmobiling allows people to enjoy winter, rather than just enduring it. -- Photo courtesy of Arctic Cat

It buys you unlimited access to Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trails that lead to a full season of entertainment and winter fun whenever you want it.

There are snowmobiling opportunities to fit every wallet. Some who own their own machines keep them at the cottage. Others are the "weekend warriors" you'll see trailering north on routes like Hwy. 400.

There's just as much variety in places to stay, ranging from cottages and motels to plush resorts.

At the upper end, Deerhurst offers both luxury and trail access at its 325-hectare setting on Peninsula Lake, just outside of Huntsville.

Until March 9, there's a snowmobilers' "Fuel It Up" package for $95 per person per night. The deal includes: Select accommodation, a breakfast buffet and one $20 snowmobile fuel voucher per stay.

Photo courtesy of Ski-Doo

With today's gas prices, that's a bonus that appeals.

And if the whole family isn't into snowmobiling remind them of all the other goodies -- a spa, a pool, fine dining and skiing at Hidden Valley are a few of the options -- that are available at Deerhurst (800-461-4393).

For something more modest, you can check Muskoka Tourism (800-267-9700 or tourism@muskoka.com) or the Haliburton Information Centre (800-461-7677 or e-mailtourism@county. haliburton.on.ca).

Fore more check out msrsnowtrails.com or hcsa.on.ca. And if you're thinking about riding further afield, log on to ofsc.on.ca. You could find the ride of your life.