Snowmobile trail permit price going up

After a three-year price freeze, hitting the snowmobile trails this winter will be a little more expensive.

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) has announced a $5 permit fee increase for the 2022 seasonal and classic trail permits.

“The OFSC is committed to providing the best snowmobiling experience possible and that means continued investments in trails, equipment, and infrastructure,” said CEO Ryan Eickmeier in a news release. “With rising costs of goods and services as well as increased demand on our trail system, this funding increase will allow us to put additional resources directly where they are needed most, on the snow.”

The 2022 permit prices are:

Seasonal Permit

• $195 if purchased before Nov. 2
• $225 from Nov. 2 to Dec. 1
• $275 Dec. 2 and after

Classic Permit 

• $155 if purchased before Dec. 1
• $185 Dec. 2 and after

Eickmeier said the permits have been the same price since 2018 "despite rapidly rising costs, we are confident that this is a fair and balanced plan".

The increase was endorsed by OFSC membership based on an approved business case submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

Permits go on sale Oct. 1 online at ofsc.on.ca.