I just got back from a ride in Quebec The trails there were 10X what they are here. They were wider, better groomed, and better marked (in fact most trails were numbered like a highway). The cost for an annual trail pass is $220.00 vs $115.00 going apples to apples. You obviously get what you pay for.

I know snoman is making some changes, although I'm not sure what they are. I've only heard rumors, but any changes to make the trail systems here better are welcome. I don't necessarily think that throwing more money at a problem is the solution, but using the available funds better certainly goes a long way.

Also as you can see in the sled/ATV crossing pictures either the province or RM's are getting involved as well. If Manitoba is making millions from tourist revenues that snowmobiling creates, I think it should put more back into the sport. Remember there is an election looming!

I'm not trying to crap on the individual clubs, or volunteers here, but am trying to let Manitoba riders know it can be better if we all try to make it better from different points of view.

Did you see any grooming equipment out there? If so, what were they using? I remember hearing years ago that they used to subcontract the local farmers with their 4WD tractors to groom sections of trail. With the new QuadTrac tractors and Challengers, this is even better. The only problem with them is the weight for water crossings.
I'm sure most farmers around here could give 1-3 days per week for grooming!

I was talking to some of the hotel operators in QC and they also own a lot of their own equipment and pay employees to do the grooming in the northern parts. They even have groomed ATV trails running alongside the snomo trails to increase the amount of users in the area. Seemed like a great idea for remote locations.

I'm pissed off at myself for not taking pictures of the groomers I saw. They were using quad track tractors. The day after I took the pictures that are posted it snowed for the next 3. I saw groomers out and working every day.

I think that if we had less groomers, but used them more often. the money saved in purchasing and maintaining a larger fleet could be used to pay farmers to groom trails.

PS. You have to like French hospitality!

What's with the gas in a cage there? Pay before you pump or is there another reason.

That was taken on the Manawan Indian Reserve, it's just off Trail 33. It's a provincial trail going from one side of Quebec to another.

When they're closed they're CLOSED!

Im not sure what their trail usage is like there, but you cant compare the populations of quebec to manitoba. They have a lot more people and it sounds like they attract more tourists so it would make sense to say they have a bigger user base to support a superior system.

Their usage is much higher. Your right in your points. Which is why I'm saying we have to do better with what we have. As a group we have to maximize the efficiency of our equipment, as well as receive more funding from the groups that profit from our sport.

Maybe in 10-15 years, sledding in Manitoba will be comparable to what it's like now in Quebec. They are years ahead of us though! I do like the look of that "French hospitality"...that's what we need here.

hehe was just gonna say...

Could you tell where you went,where did you stay, how did you organize your trip? I've been thinking about taking a trip out there, but don't know where to start. I've gone to revelstoke the last couple of trips and would like something different where you could use your own machine, thanks for any info.

A buddy of mine from London ON. organized everything. We stayed at Lac Taureau a beautiful resort. I flew into Montreal from Winnipeg, and met up with him there. We then took his truck to the resort approx 2 hrs. North just past Joliette. (Karla's home for 10 years, had we seen her we would have run her over.) I have posted the link I hope it works. http://www.lactaureau.com/

My Buddy did a search for resorts on the St. Michel Quebec Area and came up with a few.The Sled rentals weren't too bad but the deductible was crazy, $1500 for the fan, $2500 for the liquid. Fortunately there were no collisions. Breakfast & Supper were included Smorg breakfast, 4 course dinner wine was extra, and extra good the next thing I know I didn't know nuthin'.

Internet use was nonexistent even though we had been told otherwise, and I had less problems with English when I was in Mexico.

They had other activities as well dog sledding $26.00 for 3 KM more if you went farther, Ice skating, Sauna etc.

I hope this helped if you have more questions fire away I'll do my best to answer them.

Click to view attachment

I thought it would be nice to add this luvly picture of Rob and his Honey, and there "RIDE", a ski doo, must of been nice change for Rob to be riding a ski doo for a change.

Anyways, enough glotting, we had a very nice time in Qucbec, and I hope to visit there again in the near future.

He LOVED that ride didn't he? You can tell by his proud posture in the picture.

When your used to a Cadillac it's no fun to step in "doo"!

I believe the Quebec provincial government appreciates the tourism dollar generated by ATVs and Snowmobiles unlike ours. I don't think its just the snopass money funding that trail system. Could be wrong.

Your full of "doo" buddy!!

There are 28 groomers (I think) in Manitoba. Most sit parked except for 10 - 20 hours a week. What a waste! How about selling 25 of them and running three groomers all the time. Way cheaper, and maybe the trails wouldn't be beaten during 90% of the riding season. Money is a small part of the problem. The other part is that if the groomer driver doesn't feel the conditions are ideal, they may not groom, or if they have a cold, or a sore foot....and so on. And there are no hard and fast rules that must beadhered to to get Snofund money. The system as it is stinks! I pay $4000 apporximatly to run a sled per year, $200 Snopasses wouldn't bother me, but with the current way of things, more money won't solve it.

I agree with you in principal. Overall the system needs to be improved. Less groomers and more money used to pay operators is a good start, but there is more need than that. I have said before that adding trail passes to the registration is a good idea IMO. However lowering the price would be detrimental.

I have not researched this but does Snoman ever post an accounting of how, and where the funding goes?

If clubs could see how the money is being spent they might take a more active role in initiating change.

Is that the green eye of envy I see?

Three groomers for all of Manitoba? Give your head a shake.
A study was done in Eastern Manitoba this winter to determine the resource loading of all equipment in the region. At the present time, I believe that there is something like 18 machines in the East. At the very most, this can be reduced to 16 or 15 machines without causing logistics issues (operator trade-off, equipment storage, refuel points, weekly maintenance, trail coverage, etc...) . Keep in mind that it doesn't make a lot of sense to run groomers on Saturday and Sunday because of safety issues and also the fact that the grooming will have little effect because they will not get a chance to set.
The majority of the equipment is all north of the Trans-Canada. There is an opportunity to become more efficient and the region (and some clubs on their own initiative) is currently working on making it better.
I do agree that the groomer operators basically control when the equipment moves, but these are volunteers who do not get paid. You basically get what you pay for and if you expect better, then the system needs to either get much more efficient to save costs or the price of the snopass needs to increase.

come ride in the swan river valley. there is endless miles of trails and lakes. we usually have a nice supply of powder. and there is a nice amount of lodges too!

Sounds like a good idea for 07/08!

Where is a good place to stay. From what town to what towns do you recommend riding? Never been there but would love to go next season. What is a good loop to do for a 1 or 2 day trip? thanks

I was talking with my friends yesterday about the same thing. Looking forward to exploring a new area!