Snowmobile trails across South Dakota open tomorrow (Dec. 15).
The Black Hills have not yet received much for snow accumulation, so officials say the majority of trails are in poor condition. East River trails will see minimal grooming by opening day. Snowmobilers are encouraged to check local conditions before riding.
Black Hills trails manager Shannon Percy says it’s important snowmobilers pick up a 2019 trail map this season. He says the trail system undergoes 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. A $20 snowmobile motorcycle trail pass is available for residents who use a motorcycle conversion kit.
The snowmobile season runs until March 31.
Riders can request a map by calling 605.584.3896 or 605.773.2885.
Permits can be picked up at the Black Hills Trails office in Lead, 605.584.3896 or at Farm Island Recreation Area in Pierre, 605.773.2885.
Trail condition updates are posted to Twitter accounts dedicated to both the Black Hills and the East River trails (www.twitter.com/SDsnowBHills and www.twitter.com/SDsnowEast). New trail cameras were installed at various locations last year. Current images of trail conditions can be found online at gfp.sd.gov/snowmobiling.
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.
