What You Need to Know About the Wisconsin Trail Pass

Beginning with the 2015-16 snow season, all snowmobiles operating on a Wisconsin snowmobile trail or corridor must display a valid snowmobile trail pass whether registered in Wisconsin or another state.

Snowmobile trail pass types, fees and how to order:

Club Members ($10) – Snowmobiles registered in Wisconsin and owned by a person who is a member of an AWSC snowmobile club. Passes are ordered through the AWSC. When ordering your pass your will need your AWSC Member ID and sled registration numbers.  You can find your AWSC Member ID on your Wisconsin Snowmobile magazine cover or you can use the search vehicle on the AWSC webpage found here: https://www.awsc.org/About-Us/Member-Lookup.

  1. Order online through the AWSC website (www.awsc.org/Trail-Pass-Registration/Order-Passes-Online.aspx) with a credit/debit card (MasterCard, Visa or Discover).
  2. Walk into the AWSC office during business hours and order with a check or credit/debit card.
  3. Mail your check or credit card information and form to the AWSC office. (Click here for PDF form)

Non Club Members ($30) – Snowmobiles registered in Wisconsin and owned by a person who is NOT a member of a snowmobile club. Passes are available online, or at any DNR license sales agent. Trail passes will be shipped by US Mail within 2 business days to the address specified. A temporary operating receipt is issued when orders are placed online and at DNR license sales locations to operate legally on snowmobile trails. Carry the receipt with you until your pass is delivered by the US mail and affixed to your snowmobile’s windshield.

Nonresident snowmobile trail pass ($50) – Snowmobiles registered in or in the process of being registered in another state, province or country. Available online, or at select agents or by calling WDNR at 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463). A temporary operating receipt is issued when orders are placed online and at DNR license sales agent locations to operate legally on snowmobile trails. Carry the receipt with you until your pass is delivered by the U.S. Mail and affixed to your snowmobile’s windshield.

FAQ

Do I have to join a club?
No – It will be your choice to join one of the nearly 600 AWSC snowmobile clubs statewide. Please remember that without the clubs and volunteers there would be NO TRAILS! It is the club volunteers that provide and maintain the WI Snowmobile Trail System.

Where do the funds from the trail pass go?
The revenue generated from the sale of snowmobile registrations and Trail Passes will go into the state snowmobile program’s segregated fund.

How do I obtain my trail pass?
Those details and processes have yet to be determined by the State along with the AWSC.

Do I still have to register my snowmobile with the State of WI?
Yes, however the registration fee structure will change to a $30/3 year registration. Currently it is $30/2 years.

Is the Out of State (Non-Resident) trail pass going to increase in cost?
Yes, it will increase to $50 from $35 (current).

My snowmobile is 35 years (or older). Do I still need a trail pass?
Owners of snowmobiles 35 years or older and registered as antiques are no longer required to display a trail pass while operating on a public snowmobile corridor. To legally operate, the antique snowmobile registration decal must be prominently displayed on both sides of the cowling.

If I don’t live in WI can I still register my snowmobile(s) in WI?
Yes, if you reside in another state, you can still register your snowmobiles in Wisconsin. If you chose to belong to one of the nearly 600 AWSC snowmobile clubs statewide and are up to date with membership dues and the club has paid your AWSC dues, the cost of the trail pass will be $10. If you do not belong to a club in Wisconsin, your trail pass will cost $30. Otherwise you will have to purchase the out-of-state trail pass for $50 if your snowmobile is registered in another state.

About the AWSC

The members of the AWSC have made this snowmobile organization one of the top in the nation.  Snowmobiling in Wisconsin, besides being the number one winter recreational sport, is a tremendous boost to the economy of our state.  The AWSC works to promote the sport of snowmobiling which includes, lobbying for laws to protect you and the WI trail system, safety programs, club projects, charity rides, scholarships to graduating seniors and a variety of services to our nearly 600 + clubs statewide.

Your current membership entitles you to 7 issues (Sept-Mar) of the Wisconsin Snowmobile News (WSN) magazine, which is dedicated to the sport of snowmobiling.