After more than a decade, Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School continues to host Sled Days, a unique program that blends outdoor recreation with important lessons in safety, responsibility, and environmental stewardship. The annual snowmobile experience gives students a hands-on opportunity that reflects the lifestyle and landscape of Northern Ontario. 

Delivered as a free, two-day experience, the program combines classroom learning with a real-world riding component, allowing students to develop practical skills while exploring the region’s extensive trail system. 

In partnership with the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS), students completed the in-class portion of their snowmobile training, learning essential topics such as snowmobile laws, trail etiquette, survival techniques, and the importance of staying on marked trails before heading out on their ride. 

“This year’s event was a huge success. We had 37 sleds participate in this year’s ride,” said Paul Mailloux, Sled Days program lead and teacher at Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School. “Students were able to put their training to the test while exploring unique features along the trail, including visiting a safety shelter built by the students themselves. The enthusiasm from the students was outstanding, and we’re already looking forward to next year.” 

Students also received expert instruction from a lineup of guest presenters, including a Valley Trail Masters Director, an Officer from the Ministry of Natural Resources, a CPKC Officer, and officers from the Greater Sudbury Police Service. Their real-world insight and hands-on knowledge provided students with a meaningful understanding of safe and responsible riding. 

The program continued on February 25 when students took to the trails for the riding portion of the experience. Participants brought their own snowmobiles, providing an opportunity to apply what they had learned in a controlled and supervised environment. 

This year’s event was further enhanced through the generous support of Polaris Snowmobiles, which donated thousands of dollars in prizes, ensuring that every participant went home with Polaris swag to remember the experience. 

“We would like to extend a huge thank you to the Greater Sudbury Police Service, Polaris Snowmobiles, and Mid City Motorsports for their continued support,” added Mailloux. “This event simply wouldn’t be possible without them.” 

“The Sudbury Catholic District School Board is incredibly proud that Sled Days has remained such a cherished experience for our students over the years,” said Director of Education Morris Hucal. 

“Thanks to the dedicated staff at Bishop Alexander Carter Secondary School and our valued community partners, this program shines a light on a uniquely Northern sport while blending outdoor education, skill development, and real-world safety training in a way that truly inspires and engages our students. We are grateful to everyone involved for providing such a meaningful and memorable experience.” 

For more information on programming at Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School, visit: https://baccss.sudburycatholicschools.ca/ 

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