Anchorage, AK – For lifelong rider Tom R. of Wasilla, a midwinter ride nearly turned fatal when thin ice gave way beneath his sled outside Big Lake last season. He was pulled to safety by another rider — shaken but alive. “It happened fast,” he recalled. “I thought I knew the trail, but the ice was weaker than ever.”
According to the Accident Data Center, roughly 200 people die in snowmobile accidents each year across the U.S., with speed, alcohol, and inexperience among the leading factors. Alaska officials say preparation and awareness are the best defenses.
In Alaska, trail permits are not required for out-of-state snowmobilers, but point-of-sale registration is mandatory — $10 for two years. Helmets are not required by law, though safety experts strongly recommend them. Insurance is optional, but riders must carry registration decals and numbers clearly displayed on their sleds.
Alaska’s road access is limited: road shoulders and ditches are closed to snowmobiles, and riders should assume roads are off-limits unless specifically opened for use. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources advises checking local trail conditions, avoiding unverified ice crossings, and carrying emergency gear, especially in backcountry areas.
Officials also remind snowmobilers that early-season conditions — thin ice, low daylight, and uneven snowpack — contribute to most serious crashes in November and December. Riders are urged to travel in pairs, avoid alcohol, and inspect sleds before hitting the trail.
For complete state rules, visit the Alaska Department of Recreation at dnr.alaska.gov.
