Safety and Resources
Snowmobile smart. Preserve today. Ride tomorrow.
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Take the Pledge
I pledge to ride off-trail only where I know it's legal and accepted. I pledge to check before going off-trail if I don't know. I pledge to protect access for future generations by doing the right thing. I pledge to protect access by encouraging those I ride with to take the pledge as well. |
Make sure to check the events page for additional in the know details!
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Know Before You Go: Get Your Local Avalanche Forecast
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Avalanche Centers National Avalanche Center: www.Avalanche.org Gallatin National Forest: www.mtavalanche.com Flathead Avalanche Center: www.flatheadavalanche.org Idaho Panhandle: www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org |
With spectacular mountain terrains comes the added safety concern of avalanches. You can minimize your risk by taking an avalanche awareness course and carrying the proper equipment. Essential "Big Three" must haves—an avalanche transceiver (beacon), a probe, and a shovel. Avalanche Courses |
Club Forms | Downloads
- MSA Join Application - Two-sided join form.
- Volunteer Forms - Track all volunteer hours to include meetings, events, trail work, fundraisers, and etc.
- Daily Grooming Log - Record grooming activity.
MSA Grant Application - For Club requests.
Club Leadership Contacts - Update your clubs contact information. - Email: [email protected]
Trail Passes & RegistrationMontana Trail Passes Did you know? To ride legally on Montana’s 4,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, residents and non-residents require a Montana Trail Pass. Trail Passes apply to all dog sleds and “mechanized equipment” including snowmobiles, motorized snow bikes, and fat tire pedal bikes. ✅ Residents - Valid for two seasons (double the fun on one pass!). ✅ Non-Residents - Valid for one season. Montana Trail Pass (Purchase Online) Montana Trail Pass (Participating Vendor List) |
Snowmobile Registration
Montana residents register their sleds just once at the County Treasurer’s office—good for life (well, at least until you sell it). One and done, then it’s all throttle and snow! Buy and Apply Snowmobiles operating on public land must be registered and display decals placed in a conspicuous space on the left side of the cowling. Registration is different for Montana residents and nonresidents. |
To avoid damaging the environment, use your snowmobile only when there's adequate snow on the ground.
Resources & Information
Rider Information
Montana Snowmobile Program Management
Education and Safety
- Montana Snotel Report - Updated report
- Montana Recreational Planner - With geography-related features (via ArcGIS Web AppViewer)
Montana Snowmobile Program Management
Education and Safety
- Montana's Snowmobile Handbook (pdf)
- Avalanche Conditions
- Snowmobile Operation on Public Roads
- Montana Snowmobile Safety eCourse
- Safe Riders! Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program
- Snowmobile Safety Posters
- Snowmobiling State Laws and Rules
- TrailTreker - Because being lost is never fun.
- onX Offroad (App) - Save 30% promo code: MTSNOW30
- Polaris Ride Command (App)
- SnoTel NRCS Stations (Google Play Store App)
- SnoTel Backcountry-Beta (ios App)
Grant Programs
Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks is proud to administer 11 grant programs. These grant programs help provide funding for recreational opportunities - both motorized and non-motorized, habitat improvement, conservation efforts, education opportunities and more. Of the 11 programs, 5 are related to trail construction and maintenance and 3 are critical to winter recreation (RTP, TSP and the State Snowmobile Grant Program). Each program is specifically linked below--for the main FWP Grant site, visit: FWP Grant Programs
Snowmobile Program
Supports trail grooming, the purchase and repair of grooming equipment, safety education, public outreach, and law enforcement. This grant funding is mainly available to all snowmobile clubs or regional organizations that perform trail grooming.
Recreations Trails Program (RTP)
Applications are typically due no later than January 15 - Annually.
Trail Stewardship Program
The 2025 grant application cycle will begins from November 1 - January 15, 2026.
Off-Highway Vehicle Program
The next application cycle runs November 15 - February 28, 2026.
MSA Grants (New!)
Additional support for clubs. All funding requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must have majority approval from the MSA Board of Directors. Applying club must be MSA member in good standing. Applications should be submitted via hard copy by mail or electronically via email.
Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks is proud to administer 11 grant programs. These grant programs help provide funding for recreational opportunities - both motorized and non-motorized, habitat improvement, conservation efforts, education opportunities and more. Of the 11 programs, 5 are related to trail construction and maintenance and 3 are critical to winter recreation (RTP, TSP and the State Snowmobile Grant Program). Each program is specifically linked below--for the main FWP Grant site, visit: FWP Grant Programs
Snowmobile Program
Supports trail grooming, the purchase and repair of grooming equipment, safety education, public outreach, and law enforcement. This grant funding is mainly available to all snowmobile clubs or regional organizations that perform trail grooming.
Recreations Trails Program (RTP)
Applications are typically due no later than January 15 - Annually.
Trail Stewardship Program
The 2025 grant application cycle will begins from November 1 - January 15, 2026.
Off-Highway Vehicle Program
The next application cycle runs November 15 - February 28, 2026.
MSA Grants (New!)
Additional support for clubs. All funding requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must have majority approval from the MSA Board of Directors. Applying club must be MSA member in good standing. Applications should be submitted via hard copy by mail or electronically via email.
Our Partnerships
