For Minnesota snowmobilers, this season will hopefully be ramping up soon throughout the state. It will certainly be a welcome change from conditions last winter when riders had to travel out of the area if they wanted to hit the trails.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says no locations within the state currently have suitable conditions for trail grooming, as several conditions must be met before trails can open.

However, there are things that snowmobilers can do now to prepare for the upcoming snowmobiling season.

When Can Minnesota Snowmobilers Do Before State Trails Open?

According to the Minnesota DNR, the following conditions must be met before trails are open, groomed, and ready for travel:

  • The ground must be frozen. Where trails cross wetlands, 15 inches of ice are needed to support the weight of trail groomers.
  • Adequate snow cover of about 12 inches must be on the ground to allow for trail packing and grooming.
  • Trails must be cleared of fallen trees, signs put in place and gates opened.
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The DNR says as snowmobilers await the arrival of more snow and groomed trails, now is the perfect time to make sure registrations are current and snowmobiles are in good operating order. It's also a great idea to check local trail maps for route changes or any new trails.

Registrations for new snowmobiles must be purchased in person at a deputy registrar of motor vehicles or the DNR License Bureau in St. Paul.

Renewals of registrations and state trail passes for snowmobiles not registered in Minnesota be done in person at these locations or on the DNR’s licenses and vehicle registrations website.

Checking Minnesota Snowmobile Trail Conditions

The Minnesota DNR makes it easy to get information about snow depth and state-managed trail conditions with its snow depth and groomed trail conditions webpage.

The DNR notes that local trail conditions are also often posted online by tourism associations, chambers of commerce, and volunteer snowmobile clubs. If you want to find the nearest club, simply visit the Minnesota United Snowmobiler’s Association website.

Important Safety Tips For Snowmobilers

The Minnesota DNR wants all snowmobilers to keep the following safety tips in mind this season:

  • Be weather aware and don't ride in adverse weather conditions.
  • Check the trail conditions and weather forecast for the destination before leaving home.
  • Measure ice depth before riding on lakes and rivers. The DNR recommends a minimum of 5 to 7 inches of new, clear ice for snowmobiles.
  • Always stay on designated snowmobile trails. Venturing off trails can result in accidents, loss of trails from landowners, and trespass violations.
  • Don't drink alcohol and ride. Alcohol is a factor in more than 60% of fatal accidents in Minnesota.
  • Always wear a quality DOT-approved helmet and facemask.

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