With an abundance of lakes, the area around The Pas, Manitoba, is a sledder’s playground. Both visitors and locals alike enjoy the bush trails, wide open areas and scenic lake or river views. Staging is out of The Pas, which links into 350 kilometres of groomed trail. There are also seven well-maintained warm-up cabins scattered along the trails. A snowmobiler can easily link into the networks of surrounding clubs, providing unlimited riding.
For more information on snowmobile trails in The Pas, you can view the Snoman map for the area.
There are several places you will want to ride near this sled-friendly community.
Staging is out of The Pas, which links into 350 kilometres of groomed trail. There are also seven well-maintained warm-up cabins scattered along the trails. A snowmobiler can easily link into the networks of surrounding clubs, providing unlimited riding.
Only 24 kilometres long, the Atik Trail is part of a very popular route as it travels the north side of Rocky Lake. The well-groomed trail leads from the small town of Wanless to Slippery Corner, where riders can head south to continue around the lake. This route offers great views and an easy day trip. More ambitious snowmobilers can venture north from Slippery Corner through the Goose River area and all the way to Flin Flon, Manitoba.
Another popular but short connecting route, Loppit Trail is a rider’s link north of The Pas to Wanless. With lots of twists and some hills, the fun groomed trail leads alongside Root Lake and up to the northeast side of Rocky Lake. Most of the trail leads through thick bush and trees.
The trails around the Clearwater Lake area, to the north east of The Pas, provide a popular short ride. It’s only about 25 kilometres from staging in The Pas to the lake. There are two excellent warm-up shelters in Clearwater Lake Provincial Park that make for fun family destinations. The trail is easy riding, mostly through boreal forest.
Manitoba snowmobilers are required to purchase a Snopass from Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and carry a minimum of $500,000 third-party liability insurance to ride on designated SnoMan Inc. snowmobile trails. Out of province snowmobilers must also purchase a Snopass.
Options include: an annual pass for $150 or a seven-day pass for $75.50. They must also carry proof of ownership for their sled and have valid registration from another jurisdiction and a minimum of $500,000 third-party liability insurance.
To learn about the current snowmobiling conditions in The Pas, visit the club's Facebook page.
The Kelsey Trail Sno-Riders annual Poker Derby and Winter Blast
Held in late February, the Winter Blast is a poker derby, prime rib supper, dance and silent auction fundraiser. It sells out consistently every year, so get your tickets early.
The Kelsey Trail Sno-Riders devote countless hours to make The Pas an idyllic snowmobile community. Visit their Facebook page or our Kelsey Lake Sno-Riders club profile to find out more.
The landscape in The Pas is wilderness-rich and tranquil, perfect for a relaxing ride. - Photo courtesy Jamie L. Allen
“My favourite part of riding in this area is the variety. Riding the trails or slipping off the trail and blasting around the edge of the lakes in powder is awesome, especially after a fresh snowfall.”
- Dan Taylor, past president of the Kelsey Lake Sno-Riders
"We have different loops that go to Clearwater Provincial Park. You can branch off into unlimited riding at any number of points on Crown land and lakes. People have been coming up here for years to fish and cross-country ride to Snow Lake, Thompson or wherever."
- Rob Vipond, president of the Kelsey Lake Sno-Riders
"The trails are always excellent, lots of snow, no blowing or drifting. Probably the best trails just about anywhere."
- Wes Jones, local sledder
The laws governing snowmobile use differ by province and can be confusing. Here, we make it easier to understand what local and out of province snowmobilers will need in terms of insurance, registration and licensing to ride B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Trial maps, top snowmobile trails, club contacts and other useful information for planning a snowmobile trip to The Pas, MB
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