Snowmobiling Information
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Snow
Winter lays a white blanket across the hills inviting all to come outdoors and play.
Snowmobile down endless groomed trails. Michigan is a snowmobiler’s paradise, boasting more than six million acres of state and federal lands along with hundreds of miles of privately owned trails
It’s Snow Time for West Michigan Snowmobilers Michigan ranks among the top eight snowmobiling states in the nation. It’s first in sheer beauty, with thousands of miles of groomed and ungroomed public trails. They span whole regions of countryside, winding across rolling fields, then plunging down woodland ravines up into deep pine forests, from town to town in West Michigan.
If wintry trails beckon you, West Michigan has it all. In fact, a growing number of hotels, motels and resorts offer door-to-trail proximity.
No agency has been more active in transforming West Michigan into a haven for snowmobile enthusiasts than the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). They are the creators and guardians of West Michigan’s major trail network through the state park system. But to use MDNR trails, you must have a permit. The cost is $45. Permits may be obtained by calling WMTA at 1-800-246-0260.
If you enjoy snowmobile racing, you won’t want to miss the North American Snowmobile Festival Sno-Cross Races in Cadillac, January 31, and February 1. The winter equivalent to motorcycle racing, competitors will run a manmade course of jumps, moguls, twists and turns. Race classes will be available for anyone over 10 years old. To enter the racing events, call the American Snowmobile Racing Association at (905) 476-7182.
The races signal the start of Cadillac’s North American Snowmobile Festival, February 3-8. In its 14th year, the event features a poker run, fireworks and a chili cookoff. Activities for kids and grown ups alike range from snow sculptures to winter softball, snowmobile safety classes, trail lunches and a cross-country ski tour. For information on the Snow-Cross Race the Snowmobile Festival or any of West Michigan’s other outstanding snowmobile events, call WMTA at (800) 442-2084.
Snowmobiling is becoming more and more a family sport. Safety is paramount. Most accidents occur when drivers override their headlights at high speeds on remote trails. Alcohol is frequently a factor. When you snowmobile in West Michigan, observe state laws. Protect the environment and your own safety by sticking to established trails. Use common sense and courtesy. And enjoy!