Despite Recent Snowfall, Minnesota Snowmobile Trails Won’t Open Until December 1st

Many people complain each year about the first snowfall, especially when it seems to come all at once for us. However, there is always a group of people cheering for more, and they are called snowmobilers. Even though the ground is snow covered, the trails don't open until December 1st for several reasons.

The ground needs to freeze to allow crossing over wet areas, trails need at least 12 inches of snow, trails need to be cleared of dead fall, and other permits must be in place for private land.

Many of the snowmobile trails across the state pass through private property which requires permission from the land owners. The permits run from Dec 1st through March 31st.

But don't worry, at this rate, trails should be in good shape by Dec. 1st!