ride smart.
Return safe.
|
Conditions change. Preparation matters. Use the tools, forecasts, forms, and programs that help Montana riders and clubs make safer decisions.
|
|
Take the pledge
Protect access by doing the right thing. Responsible riding protects landowners, public access, and the future of Montana snowmobiling. |
Protect access for future generations through your choices today.
Ride off-trail only where you know it is legal and accepted.
Check before going off-trail when you do not know.
Encourage everyone you ride with you to take the pledge too.
|
Know before you go
Check the forecast. Read the terrain.
CARRY THE BIG THREE.
BEACON - PROBE - SHOVEL
Check the forecast. Read the terrain.
CARRY THE BIG THREE.
BEACON - PROBE - SHOVEL
|
|
|
National Avalanche Center Current conditions nationwide |
Gallatin Avalanche Center Southwest Montana Forecast |
Flathead Avalanche Center Northwest Montana Forecast |
Idaho Panhandle Western border conditions |
A forecast is only the beginning. Take an avalanche awareness course, practice with your rescue equipment, ride with prepared partners, and be willing to change your plan. During an Avalanche Warning, avoid avalanche terrain until conditions improve.
Find an avalanche course
Find an avalanche course
|
Before the first track
Trail passes & registration Residents and nonresidents need a Montana Trail Pass to legally use Montana’s 4,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Resident passes are valid for two seasons; nonresident passes are valid for one. Trail Passes apply to all dog sleds and "mechanized equipment" including snowmobiles, motorized snow bikes, and fat tire pedal bikes. Snowmobiles operating on public land must be properly registered and display the required decals. 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! Ride only when adequate snow cover protects the ground beneath you.
|
Club forms & downloads
Keep the paperwork easy to find.
One organized home for the forms clubs use throughout the season.
Keep the paperwork easy to find.
One organized home for the forms clubs use throughout the season.
|
|
Volunteer Hours Form Track meetings, events, trail work, grooming support and other volunteer time. Open Resource - |
|
|
Funding Montana’s winter trails
Grants & grooming support Montana FWP administers programs that support grooming, equipment, safety education, public outreach, trail construction, and stewardship. MSA also offers case-by-case support to member clubs in good standing. |
|
Resource library
Plan, learn, and ride informed. |
Reliable information for trip planning, rider education, regulations, mapping, and navigation.
|
|
Apps are planning aids—not substitutes for current forecasts, local knowledge, or good judgment. |
