Travelling across bodies of water is one of the biggest concerns this early in the snowmobiling season, according to Kory Van Damme, president of the Pembina Valley Snowkickers club.

"We haven't had very many cold days to make solid, good ice for the snowmobiles to travel on," he explained. "If you are going out, definitely stay away from any ice, any water bodies, just because they are no where near ready, in my mind, for a snowmobile to travel across."

Van Damme encourages sledders to download the interactive app from Snowman. It offers up-to-date trail conditions across the province, along with hazards along the routes. He also suggests reaching out to the local snowmobile clubs in the area where you'll be riding.

According to Manitoba RCMP, two lives were lost on snowmobiles in the province during November. In 2020, RCMP report eight Manitobans died in snowmobile collisions.

Here are some tips for staying safe this season, offered up by the RCMP:

- Know your abilities and ride within your limits. This will allow you to always be in control of your snowmobile.
- Always check the weather conditions before you leave.
- Always ride in groups and let people know where you're going, the route you will be taking, and when you expect to return.
- Always wear protective clothing, including a helmet, gloves, and eye protection. Wear layers of clothing to keep warm and dry.
- When possible, avoid crossing bodies of water. If you are crossing bodies of water, be cautious of ice thickness, never ride in single file, and wear a life jacket over your outer clothing.
- Ride sober. Don't drink or consume drugs before or while snowmobiling.

Additionally, Van Damme says it's also good practice to carry a fully charged cell phone. While service isn't always optimal along snowmobile trails, he notes there might be an opportunity to send a text from a nearby hill top or opening.

Van Damme also suggests new riders complete a snowmobile safety course before heading out on the trails, in order to learn proper etiquette, like hand signals.

"If there's more people coming up behind you and you meet somebody on the trail, you let them know that there's more people behind you, and when the last person goes by they stick their hand out flat and (the other riders) know they can continue on driving somewhat normally, not thinking there's more people coming in that group," he explained for example. "Or if you come up to a hazard, you might be sticking your hand up or flashing your brakes so that the people behind you can see they need to be prepared."

He noted, snowmobilers also need to drive to conditions and the environment they are in.

"I just encourage everybody to stay safe while you're out there. Be responsible, and if you don't know the trail, slow down. There's no rush to get to the next stop. It would just be nice to see everybody stay safe and not see any of the casualties we have been seeing these last couple of years.

When operating a snowmobile or off road vehicle on public land such as ditches, Crown Land, roads, groomed snowmobile trails, etc., Manitoba RCMP note sledders must not carry open liquor or cannabis. As for riding on private land, Manitoba RCMP says that while some provincial laws, such as the Off-Road Vehicle Act, do not apply to private property, the Criminal Code of Canada does. Therefore, operating an ORV while impaired or with a blood alcohol concentration or blood drug concentration over the legal limit is a criminal offence, as is operating an ORV in a dangerous manner.

According to Manitoba RCMP, in the past five years, officers have responded to 23 fatal snowmobile collisions where 65% involved alcohol and/or drugs. "In 15 of the 23 fatal collisions, the operator was found to be driving too fast and either lost control or struck an object. Of those killed in collisions, eight were not wearing a helmet. All of these deaths could have been prevented," said Staff Sergeant Kyle McFadyen of Selkirk RCMP in a news release.

Additionally, when operating a snowmobile or off-road vehicle on public land, RCMP says to please remember that the following laws apply as well:

- It must be registered;

- Must be at least 14 years of age to operate without supervision;

- 12-13 year olds must only operate under the direct supervision (within direct sight) of a parent;

- Must be at least 16 years of age and possess a valid driver's licence in order to operate across a roadway or shoulder;

- Must not operate with more passengers than it is designed to carry;

- Everyone riding must wear an approved helmet, unless:

1. The ORV is equipped with occupant roll-over protection and seat belts, and the seat belts are being used, or

2. The ORV is being used for farming, commercial fishing, hunting or trapping operations;

- Must not operate on roadway or shoulder (see Section 34 of the Off-Road Vehicle Act for exceptions for agricultural purposes)

- May only cross a roadway or shoulder at an intersection or designated crossing such as a snowmobile trail crossing, and must hold a valid driver's licence (see Section 35 of the Off-Road Vehicle Act);

- Must operate in a safe and prudent manner;

- Must have headlights and tail lights on from 30 minutes prior to sunset until 30 minutes after sunrise.


When operating on private land (yards, farm land, pasture land, etc.):

- Ensure you have permission of the land owner.