Maria Campos with MPI and Joe Thievin with Snoman Inc. in front of a trail
groomer. (MPI / HANDOUT)
As snowmobilers gear up for the peak of the season, Manitoba Public Insurance and Snoman Inc. are joining forces to emphasize safety on the trails.
January and February are prime months for snowmobiling in Manitoba, but they also see the highest rates of fatalities.
In an event near Stonewall on Tuesday, MPI and Snoman marked the conclusion of International Snowmobile Safety Week (January 12-18, 2025) and looked ahead to Manitoba’s first Winter Trails Day on February 8. The demonstration highlighted three key safety components: sharing the road, trail safety and grooming, and the importance of proper equipment for snowmobiles and riders.
“By highlighting safety concerns, we are creating awareness that there are many proactive steps riders can take to make themselves safer while out on their snowmobiles, especially wearing a helmet, controlling speed, and riding sober,” said Maria Campos, MPI’s vice-president & chief customer and product officer.
Between 2021 and 2024, Manitoba recorded 12 snowmobile-related fatalities. Speed was the leading factor, with other contributors including alcohol impairment, lack of helmet use, driver inexperience, and careless driving.
“Excessive speed is a contributing factor in the majority of incidents and can lead to fatalities,” added Jason Wiebe, president, Snoman Inc.
“Riders have to be cognizant of their abilities and to not impair their sense of control by consuming alcohol or drugs while riding. Safety is first and foremost for our organization.”
To support trail maintenance and safety education, MPI collects a $25 annual fee with off-road vehicle registrations, while purchasing a Snopass grants riders access to 12,000 kilometres of groomed trails across Manitoba.
