Safety Series: How to Ride Right on Michigan's Snowmobile Trails
As snow blankets Michigan, there's no better way to explore this winter wonderland than by hitting the trails. With more than 6,500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, including 3,000 miles across the Upper Peninsula, riders have access to some of the most scenic winter terrain in the country.
Navigating these beautiful trails safely is essential. Each year, preventable crashes on Michigan's snowmobile network result in injuries and fatalities. In 2022 alone, the state reported multiple fatal accidents in just the first few weeks of the season.
"You have to be very intentional when riding a snowmobile," said Ron Yesney, Upper Peninsula Trails Coordinator with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "The risks are higher because you're not surrounded by a cage of metal like you are in a vehicle."
To help riders stay safe, the DNR created the Ride Right campaign, which unites trail groups, safety educators and manufacturers under one message: Ride home safe to your family and friends.
"Ride Right is about reminding people to stay alert and think about who's waiting for them at home," said Yesney.
The top risks on the trail
Operate within your limits and ride at a safe speed. Most crashes trace back to riding too fast for conditions – tight corners, flat light, unknown terrain or other traffic.
"Almost all accidents are related to speed," said Yesney. "Oftentimes you're going faster than you realize and you come up on an intersection or a corner and you're not able to slow down."
Ride with your group's least experienced rider in mind. When you're riding with friends or family, the pace should always match the person with the least experience.
"An experienced snowmobiler who's ridden for years has to be very conscientious of who they're riding with," Yesney said. "We've seen the snowmobilers who are leading the rides outriding the people who are behind them, and then the people behind them are trying to catch up and they get in over their heads and they get in an accident."
More ways to ride right
Staying safe on the trails goes beyond speed and group dynamics. These additional practices are equally essential.
1. Stop – and stand – at intersections.
When crossing roads, driveways or other trails, come to a complete stop and raise off the seat to look both ways. Standing gives you a better vantage point over snowbanks or flat light and forces you to pause fully. Cross only when clear one sled at a time.
2. Ride sober.
Save the celebratory drink for after the ride.
3. Stay to the right.
Snowmobile trails are two-way. Always ride on the right side, especially around corners and hills. Treat every blind spot as if another rider is coming.
4. Use your lights and helmet.
Michigan law requires you to keep lights on at all times and to wear a DOT-approved helmet with eye protection. Visibility and protection are your first line of defense.
5. Keep your distance.
Avoid riding too close behind another sled. Snow dust and poor lighting can reduce visibility and reaction time. Stay back far enough to see hazards and stop safely.
6. Don't Double Up Unless …
Only carry passengers on snowmobiles manufactured for this purpose. Riding double on a single-rider machine throws off balance and control.
7. Stay on the trail.
More than 400 miles of Michigan snowmobile trails have been lost due to riders trespassing or causing noise complaints. Many trails cross private land with generous permission. Respect those boundaries, or risk losing them for everyone.
8. Be prepared for the season.
Conditions vary throughout the season. Always ride cautiously when the snow is thin, the trails are icy or the weather's been erratic.
"Late season and early season have more obstacles and barriers to be concerned about,” said Yesney. "Maybe there's a spot where a stream is thawed, maybe there are rocks coming through the snow or a stump that's been exposed because the sun's been beating on it."
9. Create a ride plan and share it.
Before heading out, let someone know your route, estimated return time and check-in points. Cell service is often spotty in remote areas.
10. When you need to stop, don't block the trail.
Only stop in designated areas along the trail and remove your helmet. Pull fully to the right. Never stop in the middle of the trail, on hills or near corners. Make sure sleds are single-file to keep lanes clear for others.
11. Share the trail – and the responsibility.
Some snowmobile trails are shared with ORVs, skiers and hikers. Yield to nonmotorized users and give groomers space to work.
Be aware of trail conditions and closures.
Snowmobile trails are subject to weather, storm damage and changing land access. After a major 2025 ice storm, entire trail systems were temporarily closed for tree removal and safety work. Before you ride, always check the DNR's Trail Report and Advisory Updates for conditions, closures or reroutes.
Respect the trail, your machine and your fellow riders. At the end of the day, the best ride is the one where everyone gets back safely ready to do it again tomorrow.
Learn more about how to Ride Right with the Michigan DNR here.