Snowmobile trail pass prices go up by $30 Nov. 1 and up again in December

The snow coming down today in Greater Sudbury, North Bay and beyondmay have snowmobilers raring to go:more than 26,000 full-season trail permits have been sold in Ontario for the upcoming season.

That's according to Craig Goddard, thedistrict manager of the Sudbury Trail Plan. He saysthe numbers are in keeping with previous years.

"Typically after a good season [like last year], we will have early permit sale turnout," he said.

Goddard sayspeople are encouraged to buy their trail passes early.

"On Nov. 1, the price raises to $220 instead of $190, and that continues untilDec. 2, whereit then raises to the full price of a permit."

2-day pass cancelled, gift cards for sale

There have been a couple of changes to the sledding program this year.

Goddard saysthe "Try Our Trails" pass has been discontinued.

"[It] was a free weekend trial program ... where you could log onto our system and order a permit," he said. "It was for two free days consecutive to try the trails."

Goddard couldn't say why the special permit has been cancelled.

Another change this year: trail pass gift cards.

Goddard saysthe cards will benefit those who want tobuy a permit as a gift, or those who don't have a sled yet but want to cash in on the discounted trail pass rate.

"So with that gift card you can buy now, and when you buy your new snowmobile and then have the permit, purchase the permit with the gift card."

Goddard sayshe'shoping for trails to be open early in January like they were last year.