Snowmobilers can legally ride any of the more than 22,000 miles of Minnesota’s state and grant-in-aid snowmobile trails, from Dec. 1 through the end of March, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

“Although many trails do not yet have adequate snow cover for grooming, this is a good time to register your snowmobile, inspect your equipment, download maps and do your trip planning,” said Tom Landwehr, DNR commissioner. “Minnesota offers a variety of scenery and terrain to explore in state parks, in state forests, on state trails and on private land that citizens kindly allow snowmobilers to use throughout the winter months.”

The economic impact of snowmobiling in Minnesota is estimated to be approximately $1 billion each year, according to Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association. Minnesota snowmobile registrations totaled 216,144 last season.

“Outdoor recreation, including winter activities, is important to Minnesota tourism,” said John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota. “Snowmobiling Minnesota’s excellent trails, lakes and forests is a great way to take in beautiful winter scenery that can be found only in Minnesota.”

As riders head out on the trails, the DNR urges them to ride safely and responsibly.

“Know the rules and use common sense,” said DNR Conservation Officer Adam Block. “Obey signs, drive sober and be especially careful around wetlands, streams and lakes, because the ice may not be thick enough to ride on, especially this early in the season.”

Club volunteers maintain more than 21,000 of Minnesota’s 22,000-plus trail miles. Trail clubs welcome new members to help keep trails open and join in other club activities.

“Snowmobile clubs and trail crews are out working on the trails now, and have been for some time,” said Terry Hutchinson, president of MnUSA, “but it could be awhile before trails in some parts of the state will be ready to ride.”

Snowmobile trail maintenance costs are partially funded through snowmobile registrations, trail pass sales and gas tax attributed to snowmobile use. Donations, fundraisers and volunteer work by trail clubs make up the remainder of the costs and efforts to operate these trails.

Snow depth and trail conditions are updated every after 2 p.m. every Thursday throughout the winter months.

Printed maps are available at local DNR offices and also can be ordered by calling the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or sending an email message to info.dnr@state.mn.us. More information on snowmobile and winter travel opportunities in Minnesota can be found online. MnUSA’s snowmobile trail reports are available online as well.

 

Code of ethics

I will be a good sports enthusiast. I recognize that people judge all snowmobile owners by my actions. I will use my influence with other snowmobile owners to promote fair conduct.

I will not litter on trails or camping areas. I will not pollute lakes or streams.

I will not damage living trees, shrubs, or other natural features. I will go out only when there is sufficient snow so that I will not damage the land.

I will respect other people’s property and rights.

I will lend a helping hand when I see someone in distress.

I will make myself and my vehicle available to assist search and rescue parties.

I will not interfere with or harass hikers, skiers, snowshoers, ice anglers, or other winter sports enthusiasts. I will respect their rights to enjoy our recreation facilities.

I will know and obey all federal, state/provincial and local rules regulating the operation of snowmobiles in areas where I use my vehicle. I will inform officials when using public lands.

I will not harass wildlife. I will avoid areas posted for the protection or feeding of wildlife.

I will stay on marked trails or marked roads open to snowmobiles. I will not snowmobile where prohibited.

— Information from the Minn. DNR website