Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

DNR urges people to complete snowmobile safety training now

With snowmobile season fast approaching, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is encouraging people to complete snowmobile safety training now.

“If you wait until the snow arrives before taking snowmobile safety training, you may be too late to enjoy the season,” said Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR Enforcement Education Program coordinator. “Classes fill quickly, and no Snowmobile Safety Certificate, no snowmobiling.”

Hammer said plenty of snowmobile safety training classes are available right now.

Minnesota residents born after Dec. 31, 1976, must complete a DNR snowmobile safety training course before they can legally ride a snowmobile anywhere in Minnesota, including private land.

By taking a snowmobile safety course, Hammer said students learn about the machine, the laws, safe operation, the ethics of the sport, how to avoid the most common causes of snowmobile accidents.

DNR snowmobile safety courses can be completed by either attending a snowmobile safety training course from a local DNR-certified instructor (11 years old and older) or by CD-ROM (available for those 16 or older).

The adult CD-ROM is free. The course fee is paid upon completion and is available from the DNR by calling (651) 296-6157, toll-free 1-888-MINN-DNR (646-6367), or by e-mail info@dnr.state.mn.us.

More than 1,800 volunteer instructors teach DNR snowmobile safety courses across the state. For more information on the dates and locations of these courses, visit the DNR Web site at www.mndnr.gov or call 1-800-366-8917.