| OTHER
ISSUES Gravel Roads FAQ NoZone Commercial Vehicles Winter Driving Snowmobiles Safety Tips Registering & Insuring FAQs Snopass FAQs ATV Safety Tips |
Other Issues > Questions and answers on Snopasses
What are Snopasses?
If you wish to travel on designated trails maintained by Snoman Inc., you must by law have a valid Snopass and display a Snopass sticker on the valid Off-Road Vehicle plate on your snowmobile.
You can choose from three different Snopasses to meet your needs:
- For Manitoba residents: Regular Snopass—valid for five-years, paid annually
- For non-Manitoba residents: Annual Snopass—valid for one riding season
- For casual riders: Seven-day Snopass—valid for seven days, can be purchased at any time during the riding season
Snopasses are for the snowmobile, not the owner, so you must purchase one Snopass for each machine. Manitoba Conservation and the RCMP patrol the trails regularly. The fine for riding on designated trails without a valid Snopass is over $400.
| Out-of-province snowmobilers If you are not a Manitoba resident you must purchase a Snopass to ride the trails in Manitoba. You can purchase either an Annual Snopass or a Seven-day Snopass. You must show proof of ownership and a valid registration from another jurisdiction that includes a minimum of $200,000 third-party liability coverage. An Annual Snopass allows you to ride on designated trails until April 30. |
Are Snopasses mandatory?
Snopasses are not mandatory. However, if you don't buy a Snopass when you register your snowmobile, you will be asked to sign a form indicating you declined the Snopass and declare that you will not travel on designated Snoman trails.
How do I purchase a Snopass?
Snopasses can be purchased year-round anywhere Autopac is sold. You can pay for your Snopass, registration and insurance in one transaction. Pay with cash or a cheque, money order, debit card, Visa or MasterCard.
- Pay the whole amount up front
- Defer payment until the beginning of the riding season (must be purchased before Dec. 1)
- Pay in pre-authorized payments (from your bank account or credit card—payments will be withdrawn from your account during the riding season only)
How much does a Snopass cost?
- Regular Snopass: $125
- Annual Snopass: $125 (must be paid in full at time of purchase)
- Seven-day Snopass: $60.50
How long is my Snopass valid?
Regular Snopasses are valid for as long as your snowmobile policy is valid. You have to pay for it each year, at the same time as you pay for your insurance and registration on your snowmobile. Annual Snopasses (for non-residents of Manitoba) are valid for one riding season only (Dec. 1 through March 31).
What if my anniversary renewal day falls within the riding season?
If your anniversary date falls within the riding season and you purchase a Snopass before then, that Snopass is only valid up to your anniversary date. For example, if you purchase a Snopass on Dec. 1 and your anniversary date is Jan. 9, that Snopass is only valid up to Jan. 9. If you want to continue to use the trails after that, you will have to renew your Snopass along with your policy that takes effect on Jan. 9.
If I need to purchase two Snopasses within one riding season, will I pay twice?
You have to pay each time you purchase a Snopass. However, if you do need to purchase two Snopasses within the same riding season, you will receive a credit for the unused portion of the original Snopass. The amount of this credit will be automatically calculated for you and will appear on your next Annual Statement of Account. This credit can only be used towards the purchase of your next Snopass. If you elect to not purchase your next Snopass, the credit will be removed from your account.
Can you transfer a Snopass from one snowmobile to another?
If you purchase a new snowmobile you can transfer the Snopass from your old snowmobile only if you transfer the license plate and insurance from your old snowmobile as well.
Can I buy a Snopass if I live outside Manitoba?
If you are a non-Manitoba resident you can purchase an Annual Snopass, which allows you to ride on designated trails until April 30, or a Seven-day Snopass.
Can I buy a Snopass for someone else?
You can purchase Snoman Trail Vouchers at any Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre. Present the voucher as a gift and it can be used to purchase a Regular Snopass or an Annual Snopass at any Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre in Manitoba. Refunds are available if the voucher is cancelled prior to the expiry date of March 31. Vouchers cannot be used to purchase Seven-day Snopasses.
What’s the purpose of the Snopass?
Your Snopass fee helps to enhance recreational snowmobiling across Manitoba, as it supports the local Snoman member clubs that groom and maintain more than 12,000 kilometres of designated trails across Manitoba.
What is Snoman?
Snoman (Snowmobilers of Manitoba) Inc. is a non-profit organization representing over 50 provincial snowmobiling clubs that maintain and groom some 12,000 kilometres of Manitoba's scenic trails. Provincial clubs are financially supported through the sale of Snopasses.
For more information about the Snopass program, please visit the Snoman website.
