Ride Minnesota: Your Guide

from Destinations 2022

by Midwest Sports Publishing Network

RIDE MINNESOTAGUIDE

MINNESOTA MAKES IT EASY TO FIND A TRAIL

Veteran rider, or new to the sport, the information found in this issue of Destinations is your perfect guide to enjoying the 22,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in Minnesota.

Both paper maps and electronic apps are great sources to show trail routes and places to park. Snowmobilers should use both when riding, as they complement each other. Electronics can die quickly in cold temperatures.

To get up-to-date paper trail maps, contact local chambers and tourism offices, service stations or local hospitality merchants. Smartphone mapping apps are available for snowmobile trails, including the Polaris app, Avenza, and an electronic map from the Minnesota DNR.

STAY ON TRAIL

Trails are considered the safest way to snowmobile, as local snowmobile clubs sign, groom and maintain the majority of them. The majority of Minnesota trails are on private property, and property owners give snowmobile clubs special permission to build and maintain a trail on their land. Respect this generosity by staying on the marked trail; don’t cut corners or trespass.

Snowmobiles may operate in the roadway ditches of state and county roads, at the base of the ditch or along the outside slope of the rightof-way. Be especially alert for traffic, driveways and other hazards found in ditches, such as drainage culverts.

TRAIL ETIQUETTE

Treat the trails as you would the road. Stay to the right side of the trail; obey the signs and speed limits (max: 50 mph; slower on designated lakes); do not ride faster than you can handle; give proper distance between the sleds; do not stop in blind locations nor in the middle

of the trail; and give ample stopping distance. Ride alertly with the anticipation of unknown hazards or icy trail conditions.

Never drink alcohol and drive a snowmobile — margins are tight when snowmobiling and impairment of any kind is a serious hazard to yourself and others. A DUI on a snowmobile will impact your driver’s license.

Many snowmobilers use hand signals to indicate stopping, turns and to tell oncoming snowmobilers how many people to expect in their party. A raised hand is not just a friendly hello; it’s providing information. To learn about these and other snowmobile safety tips visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website and search for snowmobiling.

WHAT TO KNOW FOR FIRST-TIME SNOWMOBILERS

• Snowmobile Safety Course - All snowmobilers born after December 31, 1976, must have a safety training certificate. However, the course is informative and open to all snowmobilers. For more info: dnr.state.

mn.us/safety/vehicle/snowmobile/

Saferiderssafetyawareness.org also offers an online snowmobile safety program. • Guided Rides - Resorts renting snowmobiles often provide guide services and rent other snowmobile gear, such as jackets, boots and helmets. This is a good way to become oriented to the snowmobile, its gear and trail system. • Call a Club - Members of snowmobile clubs are often willing to take new snowmobilers on a ride in their area. A good way to thank a club for this kind of help is to join it. Find a list of clubs, organized by county, at mnsnowmobiler.org.

Resources

For trail information, conditions and trip planning assistance:

Explore Minnesota Tourism 888-VISITMN (847-4866)

exploreminnesota.com

Minnesota DNR

651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367

dnr.state.mn.us/snowmobiling

Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA)

To find clubs and trail information 763-577-0185