Above normal temperatures this week have put an end to the snowmobile season in southeastern Manitoba.

"That warm weather that we've experienced in the last couple of days here has really killed our snow pack base," says Alan Carriere, President of South East Sno-Riders.

Trails opened for the season February 19 and closed March 9, meaning they were open a total of 18 days. That is very similar to 2011-12 which happened to be the shortest season on record lasting only 14 days from February 27 to March 12.

Carriere says even though trails were open only a short time, there are no regrets.

"For two and a half weeks, some of the guys got to drive basically a good mileage on their snow machines and definitely had some good times and we had some good compliments," says Carriere. "So for us as an organization, yes it was definitely worth it for us."

Carriere says they managed to open about eighty per cent of the trail system this year. The only trails not to open were the ditch trails from Steinbach to Marchand and then from La Broquerie to Marchand. He says most trails received two passes by the groomer.

Carriere says Snoman pays South East Sno-Riders for the mileage put on their groomers each winter, and there isn't a minimum requirement in order to get paid. He adds the club won't necessarily lose money this year just because of the short season. Furthermore, Carriere notes the club has good years and bad years and they seem to offset each other.

Meanwhile, the 5th annual Vintage Club Ride scheduled for Saturday in Woodridge is still a go. Carriere says if the weather allows, they will just ride a shorter loop. But if sledding is not possible, it will become a show 'n' shine.