Snowmobiling
Over 3,500 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.
Non-residents using state trails must purchase an out-of-state public trails access permit either online or at various locations throughout the state.
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:
- 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 closed for the season.
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.
Non-resident riders 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 at any state park, participating snowmobile dealerships or online by going to https://www.idctech.net/Snowmobile.
Information needed to order a non-resident trail access permit includes:
- Drivers license number
- Snowmobile VIN number(s)
- Make
- Model
- Color
- Engine size.
- You will also need your current snowmobile registration number, the year it expires, and the state which issued it.
When are snowmobile safety courses held?
Youth ages 12 and older who do not have a valid driver's license must successfully complete an approved youth safety course. Courses are held at various locations across the state during the fall and winter months.
Upcoming Youth Snowmobile Safety Classes
Date |
Location |
Time |
No classes scheduled at this time |
TBA |
TBA |
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 2007-2009 North Dakota Snowmobile Safety & Operation Guidelines booklet.
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
