Ontario trail permits now available online

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) has launched online permit sales on its Web site. For the first time provincially, snowmobilers are now able to buy full season trail permits online, just in time to save $50 by purchasing on or before December 1st.

Approved by the Ministry of Transportation, the OFSC says the new site is secure, confidential and private, meeting all the Government of Ontario privacy and risk standards to protect consumers and safeguard web site transactions.

“Our clubs and our customers have requested the convenience and simplicity of online permits sales,“ says Paul Shaughnessy, OFSC executive director. “We expect our new online business to also significantly reduce the workload of both our volunteers and our traditional permit selling outlets.”

Available only through OFSC district offices, the new Classic Permit is a Go Snowmobiling initiative intended to increase trail riding among owners of antique sleds and participation among families whose older snowmobiles may have previously been inactive. The Classic Permit is only for sleds that are model year 1995 or older, at a fee that is 50% of the regular cost of a Full Season Permit. For 2010, a Classic Permit sells for $125 and is available only through OFSC districts. A VIN number is required to purchase a Classic Permit.

For 2010, Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit fees and types authorized by MTO and sold through the OFSC are:

• Full Season Permit – Pre-Season Fee – On or before December 1, 2009: $200 – Regular Fee – After December 1, 2009: $250 • Seven-Day Permit: $140 • Three-Day Permit: $100 • Special Event Permit: $35 (available only for club sanctioned events) • Classic Permit: $125 (sleds 15 years or older) • Replacement Permit: $10 (from selling club with proof of purchase)

For more information, visit OFSC.on.ca.