Resilience on Ice: Recovering a Trail Groomer

A technical challenge presents Baillie Boys with the opportunity to give back to the community.

by Pat Rediger
All photos are courtesy of Baillie Boys Towing.

A groomer setting track for the Sno-Riders snowmobile club near Yorkton, Saskatchewan, discovered that, while it may have been smooth sailing when he started grooming on the freshly-snowed fields, the sailing becomes less smooth when the ice cracks and your groomer falls into the water below

In fact, despite the water, there’s really no sailing at all. So, when that happens, who are you going to call?

In this case, it’s Baillie Boys Towing, who have been involved in a variety of rescues in that area over the years.

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Originally pulished in Tow Canada
January-February 2025

 Founded in 1990, the company is a locally-owned and operated family business with a fleet of trucks to handle just about anything from small cars in the ditch to a semi on the side of the highway.

The trail groomer saga began late one evening in December when Josh Baillie received a call about 10:00 p.m. that a groomer had broken through the ice of a semi-frozen pond. After quickly assessing the situation, the team decided not to attempt an immediate rescue because of the frigid weather, which had plummeted to -32°C, and the lack of necessary equipment. Instead, they loaded their side-by-side and set out to inspect the site.

The sled trail runs through a farmer’s field and two cattle pastures, a route bordered by semi-frozen creeks and uneven terrain. These conditions made the task of retrieving the groomer especially challenging.

Upon reaching the site, they saw the groomer partially submerged, with its frame threatening to sink even further into the icy water. “When we pulled around the corner and saw all the water on the creek, I think we all kind of went, ‘Oh no,’” Josh said.

Recognizing the risks and challenges, they decided to wait until the next day to gather the towing equipment, including access mats generously donated by LaPrairie Crane. These mats were essential to distribute the weight of their machinery across the unstable terrain and thin ice.

Placing 4 x 4 timbers in place to stabilize the tracks for the tractor.

Upon returning to the site, the team began testing the depth of the creek and the thickness of the ice. “We knew the mats would help distribute the weight, but we also understood the ice could flex or crack, especially on the return trip,” Josh explained.

With better preparation and gear, including a recently-acquired, remote-controlled skid steer, the team set out to retrieve the groomer. Navigating through the farmer’s field and pastures, the team approached the site with a mix of determination and apprehension.

The creek posed a significant challenge, with open water visible near the recovery site. The crew placed the access mats on the ice to create a path for the machinery but were hampered by uneven terrain and hidden pockets of thin ice.

The remote-controlled skid steer became a vital tool in the operation. While typically used for loading vehicles in the yard, this rescue put the skid steer to a unique test.

“Having a remote option meant we didn’t risk a crew member inside in case of a breakthrough in the ice,” Josh explained. A team member operated the skid steer remotely and maneuvered it across the mats while the ice creaked beneath its weight.

The access mats in place on the creek.

“That was sketchy,” Josh recalled. “You could see how much the ice was flexing like crazy.”

Reaching the groomer was only half the battle. With the skid steer in position, the team carefully hooked up the groomer, ensuring they avoided causing further damage or sinking it deeper into the water.

“All we really had to do was get the blade out of the way and get the tracks up onto the ice,” Josh said. Using large 4×4 timbers to stabilize the tracks, they eventually succeeded in pulling the groomer free.

Despite the damage, the tractor’s engine had stayed above water, sparing it from significant harm. “It still ran and drove off from there under its own power,” Josh said. “They just had to flush the transmission, and it’s already back out grooming trails.”

The return journey proved equally challenging. As the skid steer made its way back across the mats, the ice dropped significantly, creating gaps up to a foot and a half deep. This time, they chose to have the operator drive the skid steer manually for better handling, rushing it across the mats in road gear to prevent it from falling in.

“We knew the mats had some flexibility and buoyancy on the water,” Josh said. “It was nerve-wracking, but necessary.”

Once the equipment was back on solid ground, the team faced their final task: retrieving the mats. Pulling them out one by one using chains was a grueling, repetitive process. “It was way harder to pull them off than to get them in place,” Josh admitted.

Reflecting on the challenges faced during the rescue, Josh emphasized the importance of clear communication and thorough planning. “You can’t rush something like this,” he said. “Every decision has to be deliberate.”

In the end, the experience was more than just a technical challenge—it was an opportunity to give back to their community and support a cause they believed in. They provided all the work at no charge to help the Sno-Riders club. “It’s a non-profit,” Josh explained. “You don’t want to make money from a non-profit.”

The tractor and groomer stuck in the creek.
The spot where the groomer was stuck.

The team documented the operation with drone shots and before-and-after photos, which captured the scale of the challenge and the teamwork required. You can view the entire rescue on the Baillie Boys TV YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTIzYerrzxc.

As Josh reflected on the experience, he acknowledged the memorable moments and the satisfaction of seeing the groomer back in action. “Turning the corner and seeing the creek covered with water was a moment that stood out,” he said. “But knowing we could help keep the trails open for outdoor enthusiasts made it all worth it.”