Snowmobiling
Just over 3,400 miles of groomed snowmobile trails are available to North Dakota snowmobiling enthusiasts. Trails are open from December 1 through April 1, depending on adequate snow cover.
Youth ages 12 and older who do not have a driver's license are required to successfully complete a snowmobile safety class.
For out-of-state registered snowmobiles to legally operate on any North Dakota public lands, out-of-state public trails access permits must be purchased online.
Where can I ride?
North Dakota has 14 state snowmobile trails, which are maintained by members of Snowmobile North Dakota. Trails are open from December 1 through April 1, providing that the trail has a minimum of four inches of packed snow.
Many of the trails are on trail easements through private land. Snowmobilers are reminded to respect private property and remain on marked trail segments.
For an official North Dakota snowmobile trail map and trail locations, contact Snowmobile North Dakota at (701) 328-5357, or drop them an e-mail message at snodak@midconetwork.com.
NEW...State snowmobile trails are now mapped on North Dakota's GIS Hub. Click on GIS Hub Snowmobile Trail Map
to access this information
Trail names, locations and approximate miles include (Click on link for map):
- Northeast (Pembina Gorge), Langdon, Walhalla, Cavalier, Edinburgh— 487 miles
- Peace Garden, Bottineau, Rolla—286 miles
- East Central Valley, Casselton, Fargo—218 miles
- Sheyenne Valley, Jamestown, LaMoure, Ft. Ransom, Valley City, Oakes—300 miles
- Red River North, Minto, Grafton—175 miles
- Red River South, Grand Forks, Manvel, Fordville—239 miles
- Lake Region, Devils lake—403 miles
- May-Port, Hatton, Portland, Mayville, Hillsboro—90 miles
- Missouri Valley, Mandan, Bismarck, Linton—235 miles
- Sno Trails, Minot, Velva, Towner—340 miles
- North Central, Rugby, Cando—246 miles
- Southern Valley, Wahpeton, Mooreton—200 miles
- Cat-Tail, Hope—130 miles
- Sargent County, Gwinner—100 miles
What are the snow conditions on the trail?
Trail conditions are updated by noon on Thursday each week during the snowmobiling season.
State Snowmobile Trails are open for up-to-date trail conditions go to Snowmobile North Dakota.
How do I register my snowmobile?
All snowmobiles operated on public land must be registered. Snowmobile registration is handled by the North Dakota Department of Transportation at any licensing office statewide. The registration fee is $40 for a two-year period, which includes a $5 registration fee and $35 trail tax which is used for the state trail system. The fee must be paid on odd-numbered years.
Owners of out-of-state registered snowmobiles must purchase a non-resident public trails and lands access permit, at a cost of $15 per year. Out of state permits may be ordered online by going to https://secure.apps.nd.gov/PNR/Snowmobile/
Information needed to order a non-resident trail access permit includes:
When are snowmobile safety courses held?
Safe riding is the key to any successful outing on an snowmobile. North Dakota law requires snowmobile operators, ages 12 and up, who do not have a valid driver's license or permit, to take a safety certification course in order to legally ride on public land and right-of-ways. In order to be certified, you must:
- Attend a scheduled classroom course in your area or take our online certification course if you are unable to attend our classroom.
- Be at least 12 years of age without a valid driver's license or Snowmobile Safety Certification.
- Successfully complete the safety exam.
While our courses are aimed at young riders, anyone who wishes to learn more about snowmobile safety is encouraged to attend.
Course Registration
Safety courses are held throughout fall and winter months and posted here as they are scheduled. For classroom or online certification, a $10 fee is charged for operators ages 12 and up. For others who wish to attend for safety information, such as parents or children under 12, no fee is charged.
To pre-register, contact:
North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department
1600 East Century Avenue, Suite 3
Bismarck, ND 58504
Ph: 701-328-5357 or
email: parkrec@nd.gov
OHV/Snowmobile Online Safety Certification Course - This is a great way to obtain your certification card if you are unable to attend our classroom course.
Upcoming Youth Snowmobile Safety Classes
Date |
Location |
Time |
| Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009 | Williston, Xtreme Marnie, 13877 Hwy 2, W |
4:30-8:30 pm |
| Friday, Dec. 4, 2009 | Wahpeton, Community Center, 304 5th St. S | 5-9 pm |
| Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009 | Fargo, Depot, 701 Main, Ave | 10 am - 2 pm |
| Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2009 | Devils Lake, Lake Region State College, 1601 College Dr. ND | 5-9 pm |
| Thursday, Dec. 12, 2009 | Bottineau, Technology Center, 519 Main St. | 5-9 pm |
Course Outcomes and Objectives
The course is approximately four hours long and prepares the rider with the knowledge, skill, and attitude to operate snowmobiles in a safe and efficient manner. This is important because the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 13,400 people are hospitalized each year in snowmobile related accidents. Below are the focus areas of the safety class:
1. Explain safety procedures for operation of a snowmobile, taking into account:
- Terrain
- Snow conditions
- Speed restrictions
- Operation on trail system
2. Explain protective gear requirements appropriate to operating conditions
3. How to do a pre ride inspection before every ride
4. Operate a snowmobile in a manner that will not harm the environment
Once completed, young riders who successfully complete the course will receive a safety certification card in the mail within 10 business days.
Agency, Non Profit and Private Industry Snowmobile Safety Classes
The North Dakota Parks and Recreation offers snowmobile safety classes upon request, depending upon staff availability, to other government agencies, non-profit organizations and private sector businesses.
The course is approximately 4 hours long and prepares the rider with the knowledge, skill, and attitude to operate snowmobiles in a safe and efficient manner. Course outcomes and objectives are similar to the youth course, but geared toward an older audience. Please call for more information.
Avalanche Safety Information
It is very important that when traveling west to the steep terrain to bring proper avalanche gear. This includes a shovel, probe, and avalanche beacon. If you cannot justify spending the money to buy a beacon you can rent one at many of the locations that we go snowmobiling. Also remember to practice using the beacon. Make sure that you and your group are prepared to perform a rescue in the field. Also know the snow conditions before you go. You can visit these web sites to learn more about avalanche safety also look up the avalanche risk in the area you are heading.
www.avalanche-center.org
www.fsavalanche.com
www.avalanche.org
What laws govern snowmobile use in North Dakota?
Snowmobiles are governed under Chapter 39-24 of the North Dakota Centery Code. Laws and regulations governing snowmobile ownership and use can also be found online in the 2009-2011 North Dakota Snowmobile Laws & Safety Guidelines booklet.
Snowmobile Dealer resources - Dealer Report
Upon sale of any snowmobiles, dealers collect a $5 safety fee from the buyer. This is a one time assessment to support snowmobile safety education and promotion. Snowmobile dealer fees may be submitted with a written dealer report and check.
Where can I find more information about snowmobiling?
Snowmobile North Dakota
International Association of Snowmobile Administrators
GoSnowmobiling.org
2008-2012 Snowmobile Program Strategic Plan
2007 Snowmobile Enthusiasts Survey
