ST. PAUL, MN (KDAL) – The official opening date for Minnesota snowmobile trails is December 1st, but this year a lack of snow has delayed the start of the riding season.
For trails to be opened and groomed for snowmobile travel, several conditions need to be met.
They include an adequate snow cover of about 12 inches for trail packing, the ground needs to be frozen where trails cross wetlands and 15 inches of ice are needed to support the weight of the trail groomers on lakes and rivers.
While waiting for the arrival of snow and groomed trails, the DNR says this is a good time to make sure registration is current, review safety training and to get snowmobiles in good operating condition.
Once the snow starts piling up, you can check snow depth and snowmobile trail conditions at the mndnr.gov/snow website.
