Snowmobile trail etiquette

Sno-Park locations • PDF Maps • Rules • Permits • Trail Etiquette • Wilderness Areas • Advisory Committee

Groomed Trails

For information on groomed trail conditions, click on the Snowmobile Sno-Park Locations link on this page. Seasonal trail grooming information is listed below each Sno-Park location.
Trail grooming is necessary to:

Smooth out rough spots
Remove drifts
Disperse snowmobilers to less-used areas
Focus use on narrow corridors through wildlife areas
Avoid tree plantation areas
Separate potentially conflicting uses
Prevent use of snowmobiles on areas of inadequate snow cover and steep slopes

Once a trail is groomed, it needs time to set up or harden. This takes from three to 18 hours depending on air temperature. When a snowmobile follows the groomer or travels on a recently groomed trail, it usually destroys the ability of the snow to set up. The trail then quickly reverts to its prior ungroomed condition, resulting in a waste of users' Snowmobile Program money. Please don’t follow groomer on trails.

Trail Tips

Ride at a reasonable and prudent speed relative to existing conditions and other trail uses.
Use the buddy system for safety. Never snowmobile alone! In case of an accident or machine failure, that second machine and rider may be your only means for a safe return. Before you go, notify someone of where you are headed and when you expect to be back.
Do not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Do not ride in a manner that would endanger lives or property.
Use your lights between dusk and dawn.
Do not harass or endanger wildlife. Protect winter wildlife populations by viewing animals from a distance, maintaining a constant speed and staying on your snowmobile when animals are present.
Obtain permission from landowners before entering private property.
Respect non-motorized sports trails marked with cross-country ski signs or blue diamonds. Snowmobile traffic ruins cross-country ski tracks.
Do not enter designated Wilderness Areas.