Black Hills Snowmobile Trails Open Tuesday
PIERRE, S.D. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Snowmobile trails in the Black Hills officially open Dec. 15, but a South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks spokesman says more snow is needed to cover bare spots.
“Even though the trails open on Tuesday, there are still some areas without snow cover,” says Ryan Raynor, trail program specialist in the GFP Division of Parks and Recreation. “Snowmobilers should be cautious when they hit the trails.”
The Black Hills trails will be open Dec. 15 through March 31.
Trails in eastern South Dakota have been open since Dec. 1, but those trails have yet to be groomed.
“Most of eastern South Dakota is still waiting for enough snow to get the trails going,” Raynor says.
He also reminds riders that the Aberdeen trails will not open this season due to flood conditions.
New this year: Snowmobilers can check trail conditions daily via Twitter. Follow the eastern trail conditions at www.twitter.com/SDsnowEast and the Black Hills conditions at www.twitter.com/SDsnowBHills.
Raynor says Twitter will be useful to many snowmobilers because it provides updates on cell phones using text messaging. Trail conditions are also available at the Game, Fish and Parks’ Web site or by calling 1-800-445-3474.
Snowmobile trail maps for the entire state can be obtained from most Game, Fish and Parks offices or by calling 605-773-3391. The maps outline the nationally-recognized Black Hill trails (350 miles) and 13 trails in eastern South Dakota (1,260 miles). The maps also include locations for food and fuel, as well as additional information about snowmobiling in South Dakota.
For more information about snowmobiling in South Dakota, contact Ryan Raynor at 605-773-3391.