PIERRE, S.D. -(Ammoland.com)- Snowmobile trails across South Dakota open Thursday, Dec. 15.
Officials in the Black Hills say the majority of trails are in fair to good condition with a few thin spots.
“It’s important that snowmobilers pick up a 2017 trail map,” reminds Black Hills trails manager Shannon Percy. “The trail system incurs a number of re-routes each year and having a current map will help avoid trespassing.”
Snowmobile trail maps can be picked up at various businesses along the trails. Riders can request a copy by calling 605.584.3896 or 605.773.7885.
East River trails will see minimal grooming by opening day. Snowmobilers are encouraged to check local conditions before riding.
Current trail conditions are available online 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 (twitter.com/SDsnowBHills and twitter.com/SDsnowEast).
A $20 snowmobile motorcycle trail pass is available for residents who use a motorcycle conversion kit. Those permits can be picked up at the Black Hills Trails office in Lead, 605.584.3896, or at Farm Island Recreation Area in Pierre, 605-773-7885.
The snowmobile season runs until March 31.
South Dakota’s Snowmobile Trails Program is entirely self-sufficient. The program receives no general tax fund dollars. The program relies on snowmobile registration fees, fuel tax reimbursement and a 4 percent initial registration tax on the purchase price of snowmobiles.