Snowmobile Trails To Open Soon

Despite the early snowfall, snowmobile riders are being reminded by the DNR that most state snowmobile trails are not ready for riding. According to a release from the MnDNR, snowmobile trails are set to open December 1st.

“While the early snow is encouraging, it acts as insulation that slows the freezing we need in order to work on brush clearing and other trail maintenance in wet areas. Crews are out removing brush from trails where they can, and that pace will pick up once cold weather helps freeze the low-lying areas,” stated the Grand Rapids Area Supervisor Guy Lunz, in a press release.

Conditions trails must meet before they are opened by the DNR include:

• The ground must be frozen to allow for crossing wet areas.
• Adequate snow cover, about 12 inches, must be on the ground to allow for packing and grooming of the trails.
• Trails must be cleared of fallen trees, signs put in place and the gates opened.

The DNR is also reminding snowmobile riders to use caution while crossing along trail-ways as there may be fallen debris. They should watch out for culverts, signposts and rocks in ditches. Drivers should not ride their snowmobiles on lakes that have less than five inches of new clear ice.

Snowmobile riders are also asked to make sure their registration is up to date. To register your snowmobile, you must purchase registration and trail stickers in person at any Deputy Registrar of Motor Vehicles or at the DNR License Bureau in St. Paul.

For more information about snowmobile trails, maps, regulations and safety training, visit the  MN DNR’s website.