Montana offers over 4,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trail. Trails are groomed by local clubs or the chambers of commerce with grant money provided by FWP. Grooming funds are derived from snowmobile gas tax refund and decal fees. Trail maps are available from local clubs or Forest Service offices or contact the Montana Snowmobile Association.

Safe Rider

Snowmobiling is a fun and exciting sport the whole family can enjoy. However, winter offers certain challenges that require snowmobilers to take precautions.

• Know your abilities and your snowmobile's capabilities and don't go beyond them.
• Know your riding area. Get a map. Talk to the local snowmobilers.
• Check local weather forecasts and plan for unexpected conditions.
• Maintain your snowmobile in top form for a dependable ride.
• Cross roads carefully. Come to a complete stop and make sure no traffic is approaching from any direction. Then cross at a right angle to the road.
• Dress for changing weather conditions. Wear layers of clothing so you can add or remove clothing as needed. Always wear a helmet.
• Plan for the unexpected by carrying a tool kit, first aid kit and survival items. Let someone know your plans so searchers will know where to look if you are lost or overdue.
• Never ride alone. Small problems can become big problems when riding alone.
• Check ice conditions before traveling on frozen lakes or rivers.
• Learn to recognize avalanche areas and avoid them. Carry avalanche rescue equipment including a transceiver, probe pole and shovel, and know how to use them. Review the local avalanche advisory when available.
• Ride sober. Alcohol increases the chance of frostbite and hypothermia, and affects the skills you need to ride safely.
• Operate at safe speeds and be prepared to stop within your line of sight. Slow down and enjoy the ride.
• Beware of darkness. Low light and darkness require special care. Slow down. Don't over-drive your headlights. Ask yourself, "Am I driving slow enough to see an object in time to avoid a collision?" At night on lakes and large open fields, estimating distances and direction of travel may become difficult.
• Stay alert. Avoid focusing on the tail light of the snowmobile ahead of you; scan ahead and alongside your path of travel and those you are following. Reaction times slow when you are tired. Be aware that even though you may not feel tired, the motion, darkness, wind, and vibration of the machine may begin to dull your senses.
• Use basic hand signals. Other snowmobilers and car drivers need to know what you're up to:
  • Left turn: left arm extended straight out
  • Right turn: left arm out, forearm raised, with elbow at 90-degree angle
  • Stop: left arm raised straight up
  • Slow: left arm out and angled toward the ground

Preride Inspection

The performance of a preride inspection is paramount to a safe, stree-free ride. Most equipment failures can be avoided by periodic maintenance and inspections. [Learn more]

Winter Safety

Many people are unaware of the hazards of winter recreating. It is important to be aware of weather, road, and avalanche conditions and to be prepared for the unexpected. [Learn more]

Snowmobile Safety Education Course

To obtain a snowmobile operator's safety certificate a person must attend and successfully complete a Montana-approved snowmobile safety education course. Classes are taught by volunteer instructors across the state. Contact your local club or FWP at (406) 444-7317.

Nonresidents should contact their state snowmobile association or the agency responsible for their state's snowmobile education program to find a snowmobile course offered locally. Course certificates from other states will be approved by FWP on a case-by-case basis.

Persons living in areas where a snowmobile course is not offered may take the FWP snowmobile home-study course. However, the temporary certificate expires on June 30.

Click here to request a home-study course.

Laws for Road Riding

MCA 23-2-631 states that snowmobiles may operate on maintained streets, roads or highways only if:

• the roadway is drifted or covered by snow to such an extent that travel is impossible by other motor vehicles
• the local government allows snowmobiles to travel on plowed roads with wheeled vehicles
• the snowmobile operator posses a motor vehicle driver's license or a snowmobile safety certificate (see the Snowmobile Safety Education Course above) and travels under the visual supervision of an adult.

General Snowmobiling Laws

• Crossing roads—Be careful when crossing roads of any kind. Come to a complete stop and make absolutely sure no traffic is approaching form any direction. Then cross at a right angle to traffic.
• Operation at night—When operating during the hours between dusk and dawn a snowmobile must use a lighted headlight and taillight.
• Accidents—The owner or operator of a snowmobile that is involved in any accident, collision, or upset in which personal injury or fatality occurs to any person shall report the accident to the nearest law enforcement agency immediately.
• Firearms—A person may not discharge a firearm from or upon a snowmobile.

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