Trail Permits/Passes - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

JayC · 07-05-2009, 09:59 PM

Just curious what eveyone pays for their trail passes. I live in Southwestern Ontario, Canada and we are $200+ for the season ($180 if you buy before Dec 1st usually) Its a lot of dough but I know the folks work really hard to groom nice trails (whenever we have snow that is!)
My wife is from Upstate NY and we are planning a snowmobile trip there this winter...can anyone from the Empire State tell me if I can get a weekend or visitor trail pass and how much $$?

trailrider08 · 07-05-2009, 10:10 PM

i live in michigan. the trail permit is going up to $35 for the up coming season. art

Ultrafrozen · 07-06-2009, 09:40 AM

Welcome to the Forum JayC!

The OFSC (Ontario) season permits are going up next season to $200 pre Dec 1st and $250 post Dec 1st. I'm glad I live up north.

**RJ Gleason** · 07-06-2009, 03:38 PM

There are no weekend passes in NY.
A rental or borrowed sled from a friend would be cheaper.
You would otherwise have to register it in NY at $100 each or join a club and pay the $45 each.

JayC · 07-06-2009, 05:14 PM

Thanks Ultra...so in are the permits cheaper in Northern Ontario??

and RJ Gleason...how could someone like me, from out of state, enjoy a weekend on NY State trails?? I would have to register the sled for $100? and if so, is that good year after year? although joining a club for $45 is not a bad deal

It seems to me that these governments are missing out on big time tourist dollars with weekend snowmobilers. I know in Ontario, you can buy short term passes (like 3 day, 7 days etc)

My father in law and I were planning on a weekend trip this winter to NY State's trail system...but maybe not at $100 per machine

Maybe I should go visit Art in Michigan!!

crossfirecrz · 07-06-2009, 07:01 PM

$30 here in WI for a sticker good for two years, for residents. Not sure what the price for non residents.

JayC · 07-06-2009, 08:21 PM

I wonder why our permits from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile clubs are so dear then? everyone else is 30-$50 it seems. I am not really complaining but as a new "trail rider" I am curious as to the justification the OSFC clubs have to charge so much....anyone from Ontario know?

Ultrafrozen · 07-06-2009, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayC

Thanks Ultra...so are the permits cheaper in Northern Ontario??

Same price to ride all of Ontario (+41,000 km) but I enjoy the longer season up here. This past season, I rode officially open trails from Dec 22 to mid April. Some sledders were out sooner and later but I wait for the better trail conditions.

I'm not sure how permits work in the states but if you have to pay to ride each club's trails, the cost may add up to what we pay in Ontario. You may have a choice not to belong to a club but still ride that area though.

**RJ Gleason** · 07-07-2009, 12:00 AM

That's an annual renewal fee good for the entire state except Old Forge area (Town of Webb) where there is a trail fee because the town operates the trails and grooming services along with the local club.
Club memberships are $25 annually and entitle you to a reduced registration fee per sled.
The snowmobile association has the PAC working on getting a change made to allow for special rates on Vintage and weekend registrations.

JayC · 07-07-2009, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultrafrozen

Same price to ride all of Ontario (+41,000 km) but I enjoy the longer season up here. This past season, I rode officially open trails from Dec 22 to mid April. Some sledders were out sooner and later but I wait for the better trail conditions.

I'm not sure how permits work in the states but if you have to pay to ride each club's trails, the cost may add up to what we pay in Ontario. You may have a choice not to belong to a club but still ride that area though.

We will give some thought to coming to Northern Ontario. Our riding season was about 2 weeks long here last winter.

jjm · 07-15-2009, 12:20 AM

In Maine sled reg. is $35 and club membership is not required. Still better than what I'm paying for hunting licenses...

Ultrafrozen · 07-15-2009, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayC

We will give some thought to coming to Northern Ontario. Our riding season was about 2 weeks long here last winter.

North Bay is only 500km from London and has very good conditions mid season. If you're into long haul sled trips you can plan a trip north from there and typically find good snow.

If you travel earlier or later in the season, drive up to New Liskeard (600 km)or Kirkland Lake (700 km) and go from there. Many great day (loop) or overnight trips can be planned from anywhere in the North. Just book your rooms ahead because out of town sled traffic gets pretty high on the weekends.

Check out my gallery for a few local trail pics.

JayC · 07-15-2009, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultrafrozen

North Bay is only 500km from London and has very good conditions mid season. If you're into long haul sled trips you can plan a trip north from there and typically find good snow.

If you travel earlier or later in the season, drive up to New Liskeard (600 km)or Kirkland Lake (700 km) and go from there. Many great day (loop) or overnight trips can be planned from anywhere in the North. Just book your rooms ahead because out of town sled traffic gets pretty high on the weekends.

Check out my gallery for a few local trail pics.

Thanks buddy
I think we will plan a trip for sure. My friend has a cottage in Cobalt, ON (near Haileyberry (Sp?) so we may go there as well. I grew up in Port Elgin, ON and that is only 2 hrs from me and usually tons of snow. Lets hope we all get a great riding season. I will check out your pics
Jay

danno583 · 11-17-2009, 11:30 PM

now the ofsc has introduced the classic permit for sleds +15 years old for $125.

JayC · 11-17-2009, 11:42 PM

yep, thats a nice deal for older sled owners. Good on OFSC for that. My buddy bought my 92 Mach 1 from me and he is getting the vintage trail pass. Money saved on that, he will put into the gas tank on that sled! haha