What is Snoman?
Snoman (Snowmobilers of Manitoba) Inc. is a non-profit organization representing 53 member snowmobiling clubs that maintain and groom over 13,000 kilometres of Manitoba’s scenic trails. Member clubs are financially supported through the sale of Snopasses.
Our Mission
Snoman (Snowmobilers of Manitoba) Incorporated is dedicated to providing strong leadership and support to its member clubs to develop and maintain safe and environmentally responsible snowmobile trails to further the enjoyment of organized recreational snowmobiling throughout Manitoba.
Our Vision
Snoman is dedicated to being an organization with a strong volunteer base, the safest trail system in North America, and sustainable funding.
Values
Communication
We strive for open and effective communications within our organization and the public and readily share information to keep everyone informed.
Teamwork
We promote cooperation and support among staff, board members, and partners to enhance our combined knowledge and achieve common goals.
Accountability
Through sound judgment, ethical behaviour, and fiscally responsible administration of resources, we are accountable to our members for decisions made, policies implemented, and actions are taken.
Transparency
We are transparent in the way we communicate with others, providing timely, relevant, and accurate information, and we encourage and promote participation in decision-making by all members of our organization.
Collaboration, Partnership, and Cooperation
We recognize and appreciate volunteers and partners that assist with the operation of our clubs, and we seek opportunities to form alliances with others to maximize our resources.
Change and Innovation
We are open to change and look for creative new ways to fulfill our vision, mission, and goals.
President’s Message
Anticipating a True Winter: Reflections from the Trail
Like many fellow sledders, I find myself eagerly anticipating a good old-fashioned winter. The past few years have been a wild ride, from seasons of unprecedented trail grooming to some of the most disappointing years on record. These fluctuations don’t just affect the snowmobiling community – they create ripples across local clubs, volunteers, Snopass holders, and rural businesses alike.
A Look Back at a Snowy High
First, let’s rewind to one of the snow-heavy seasons. On the upside, trails across the province opened early and stayed open late, driving Snopass sales as sledders rushed to hit the trails. Sled sales soared, with dealerships barely able to keep stock on the floor. Local clubs were buzzing, and volunteers were thrilled to prepare the trails, ensuring they were signed, groomed, and in pristine condition.
For Snopass holders, it was nothing short of a winter playground, with over 13,000 kilometers of groomed trails beckoning them to explore. Rural businesses thrived with the influx of snowmobilers stopping to refuel, grab a bite, and chat with owners. It was a season filled with excitement and camaraderie, a true boon for everyone involved.
The Harsh Reality of a Snowless Season
However, if we glance once more in the rearview mirror, the downside of a snowless winter season becomes evident. Mild temperatures meant trails opened late, closed early, or didn’t open at all. Snopass sales plummeted and sled sales took a hit. Local club volunteers, who had started the season with so much enthusiasm, found themselves disheartened after just a few short weeks, forced to close trails almost as soon as they had opened. Many held out hope for more snow, but it wasn’t meant to be.
With little snow, grooming came to a standstill, leaving clubs with expenses but minimal grooming reimbursements. Strong volunteers retained motivation, never defeated by the unpredictable season. We hope that these dedicated individuals – and new volunteers – return to the trails, eager to take up the torch again. For Snopass holders, the season was both frustrating and full of new experiences with many having to trailer their sleds to the few lucky areas blessed with snow. Many Snopass holders ventured to the west and interlake regions because that’s where the snow was. Businesses in those fortunate regions saw an increase in traffic, while those in snow-deprived areas struggled with the economic impact of low snowfall.
Looking Ahead
As we wait for the coming season, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for early frost and steady snowfalls that will allow us all to breathe a sigh of relief. Here’s to hoping for another snowy winter that brings us all back to the trails in high spirits.
It is an honour to serve as your President for another term. I would like to thank the Board of Directors and the Snoman staff for their support and dedication to our great organization. I would also like to thank the landowners and volunteers that make this sport a reality, as well as the Corporate Rider Partners and Snopass holders.
See you on the trails!
Jason Wiebe
President, Snoman Inc.
Our Staff
History
Snoman (Snowmobilers of Manitoba) Inc. was incorporated and registered under the ‘Companies Act’ on November 13, 1975. Snoman Inc. was established to:
- Advance organized snowmobiling in Manitoba;
- Coordinate matters of mutual interest for organizations that relate to snowmobiling;
- Develop snowmobile trails and associated facilities;
- Promote snowmobile safety;
- Consult with representatives from the public sector, private sector, and other provincial snowmobile associations across Canada;
- Assist with protecting the environment; and
- Perform desirable and lawful functions in the general public interest.
In 1994, Snoman Inc. and the Province of Manitoba entered into an agreement that enacted the Snopass, under the Crown Lands Act, Provincial Snowmobile Trail Regulation. The Snopass provides clubs with revenue to maintain designated snowmobile trails. Designated snowmobile trails provide:
- The safest alternative for riders to enjoy snowmobiling;
- Trails that help reduce trespassing on private property;
- Winter travel links to communities throughout rural and northern Manitoba;
- Dollars to businesses reliant on winter tourism;
- Tax revenue for both the federal and provincial governments;
- Increased revenue to snowmobiling related industries; and
- Economic benefit of more than three hundred million dollars annually to the Manitoba economy.
The Snopass system was created to provide a user-pay system. It ensured that riders who use the trail system were helping to fund its ongoing operating costs by paying into it. It provided Snoman Inc., its Regional Snowmobile Associations, and its member clubs a more stabilized funding base to help finance the operations and administration associated with snowmobile trail maintenance.
