The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship is reminding Manitobans to put safety first when enjoying the new winter recreation season. Snow cover can be deceiving and sometimes hides open water.Ê The insulating property of snow paired with the milder temperatures can prevent the ground and/or water from freezing. Many factors affect ice thickness, including the type of water, location, time of year and other environmental factors such as fluctuations in water levels, water depth, air temperature and the size of the body of water. Ice may take several weeks or more to thicken. Snowmobile and cross-country ski trails are being prepared in parks around the province as conditions allow. There is little to no ice on water crossings in most provincial parks. Manitobans should check the websites below before venturing out the trails and remember to stick to the designated trails. For information on snowmobile trails in parks, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/recreation/snow_trail.html.Ê For information on cross-country ski trail information, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/recreation/ski_trail.html.Ê Snopasses are available at MPI agents across the province. Snowmobilers can register their machines and buy a Snopass at the same time they visit any Autopac agent. Revenues from the sale of Snopasses are used to groom trails and enhance recreational snowmobiling.Ê The fine for driving on a designated trail without a Snopass is $474.15. Manitoba has some 12,000 km of groomed trails on Crown and private lands that are maintained to ensure members of the public have a safe ride. Weekly updates on trail conditions are available at www.snoman.mb.ca. Trails located in provincial parks have speed limit and warning signs posted along hills and curves. Prudent driving combined with the proper equipment and well-maintained snow machines will mean an enjoyable, safe riding experience. There will be an increased presence of provincial natural resource officers and the RCMP travelling the trails to ensure compliance with all legislation and safe riding practices. It is an offence to drink and drive when operating a snowmobile. _ Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship
