Q: When does the snowmobiling season end for riding on state grant-in-aid trails?
A: Grant-in-aid snowmobile trails officially closed April 1, when permits with private landowners expire. State trails remain open on public land while weather and snow conditions permit. Even if snow conditions are good after April 1, the DNR reminds snowmobilers not to ride trails that traverse private land without the landowner’s permission. That would be trespassing.
Late season snowmobilers need to be aware of changing conditions, including bare spots, flowing water and exposed rocks. Some gates may be closed on grant-in-aid trails. As the temperatures rise, riding conditions are likely to deteriorate. The DNR advises checking conditions before hitting the trails.
The statewide snow depth map and state trail conditions are updated by 2 p.m. every Thursday atwww.mndnr.gov/snow.
For the most up-to-date trail conditions, contact the local trail administrator. Contact information can be found online at www.mndnr.gov (www.dnr.state.mn.us/snowmobiling/trailcontacts.html) or by calling the DNR Information Center, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367.
The grant-in-aid trails are maintained by thousands of local snowmobile club volunteers who work throughout the year to ensure that trail corridors are maintained, permission for trail routes secured, signs installed, and trails groomed.
-Andrew Korsberg, DNR trail program coordinator
