Pierre, SD -(Ammoland.com)- A white Christmas is not only pretty, it also makes for great snowmobiling.
More than 12-15 inches of snow fell in parts of the Black Hills overnight, granting many snowmobile enthusiasts their holiday wishes.
“Folks have had to be a little patient this year, but it was well worth the wait,” said Shannon Percy, Black Hills Trails district supervisor. “This snowfall will create optimal conditions in several areas of the Black Hills.”
The central, east and northern portions of the 350-mile trail system received the most snow. Lighter amounts fell in the southern portions.
“Grooming operations will begin this evening and will continue throughout the rest of the week,” said Percy. “We anticipate these great conditions to last through the holiday weekend.”
Percy also reminds riders to be aware of obstacles due to the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic.
“Snowmobilers should be aware that trees, broken tree tops and dangling branches can fall at any time while riding on and off-trail,” said Percy. “Please be aware of your surroundings as trees and debris may cause obstructions.”
New this year, resident and non-resident snowmobilers with unlicensed sleds may purchase a 5-day, temporary snowmobile permit online at http://gfp.sd.gov/to-do/snowmobile/license.aspx.
The permit costs $40. In the past, this permit was only available at select trailside vendors, but now, riders can purchase it on their personal mobile device before they hit the trails. The East River snowmobile trails system is still waiting for snow, having received only rain and a light dusting of snow overnight.
Snowmobilers can keep up-to-date on current trail conditions online at gfp.sd.gov/snowmobiling as well as on the SDGFP Outdoors mobile app. Trail condition updates are also posted to Twitter accounts dedicated to both the Black Hills and the East River trails (www.twitter.com/SDsnowBHills and www.twitter.com/SDsnowEast).
For more information about snowmobiling in South Dakota, visit gfp.sd.gov/snowmobiling or call 605.584.3896 for Black Hills trails information or 605.882.5200 for East River trails.
About The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP)
The purpose of the Department of Game, Fish and Parks is to perpetuate, conserve, manage, protect, and enhance South Dakota’s wildlife resources, parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of the people of this state and its visitors, and to give the highest priority to the welfare of this state’s wildlife and parks, and their environment, in planning and decisions.