Snoman Inc. (Snowmobilers of Manitoba), the umbrella organization for snowmobile clubs across Manitoba, is 3,000 members strong and its number 1 priority is to ensure rider safety on the 12,000 kilometres of snowmobile trails in the province.
Ken Lucko, executive director of Snoman, said the association promotes safety in numerous ways.
"We promote safety through printed materials, press releases, our website, radio and television ads as well as on our 154 kiosks along the trails," said Lucko.
He added that reducing speeds, having a zero tolerance for drinking and riding, and respecting both landowners and other snowmobilers are top priorities as well.
Around Christmastime and running until the end of March, Snoman airs one-minute ads on radio stations across Manitoba to get its message out to both snowmobilers and the general public.
How to deal with winter temperatures
An issue that is especially important to Manitoba sledders is safety in cold weather. Manitoba is known for its plunging winter temperatures and wind-chill factors that can reach minus 30 to minus 40 degrees. However, in the last few years, warmer temperatures have actually been causing more concerns for riders.
"In the last couple of years, we've really had a problem with warm temperatures and ice not forming properly over bodies of water," said Lucko. "Two years ago, we got a lot of snow before the cold weather came. The snow insulated everything and swamps and rivers didn't freeze up properly."
Being prepared is just smart
Lucko suggests snowmobilers should take the time to know the trails, have their sled serviced prior to the season to avoid breakdowns in cold weather and to wear proper clothing. He also said that sledders should always have a winter survival kit in case their sled breaks down and they have to walk a good distance to get back to shelter. And above all, Lucko advises snowmobilers to always let someone know when and where they are going to be riding and when they expect to return.
Snoman wants to make sure safety is top of mind for all sledders, and Lucko himself spends a great deal of time every year getting this message out. For its members, Snoman provides free safety training courses online that deal with operating equipment such as chainsaws, power tools and groomers.
"Our website is a powerful tool that also provides trail condition reports," said Lucko. "This year, on each club map where the trail on the map ends, you can click on the finger to navigate to where the trail continues on the next club's map. It makes it a lot easier to plan trips safely. We also provide maps when members renew or purchase their pass. A lot of people carry these while riding."
