Flagstaff, AZ – A winter trip near Greer almost turned tragic last January when 29-year-old rider Evan D. lost control of his snowmobile on an icy curve along a forest service trail. The machine rolled and pinned him beneath it for several minutes before another group helped free him. “I thought I’d broken my leg,” he said. “It made me realize how fast things can go wrong when you’re not focused.”
According to the Accident Data Center, about 200 people die in snowmobile accidents each year across the U.S., often due to speed, alcohol use, and inexperience. Arizona officials say riders in the high country should take extra care this winter as conditions shift quickly with elevation.
Arizona has roughly 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, mostly in the White Mountains and Coconino National Forest. To legally operate, every off-highway vehicle — including snowmobiles — must display an Arizona OHV decal, issued by the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
The decal applies only if the sled:
- Is designed primarily for off-road travel,
- Weighs under 1,800 pounds, and
- Has an Arizona license plate.
Riders must also have a certificate of title and valid registration. Helmets are recommended for all riders and passengers, though not legally mandated. Officials remind riders to stay on marked trails, respect private property, and check local snowfall before traveling — especially around Sunrise Park, Williams, and Heber-Overgaard, where rapid thaw-freeze cycles can create dangerous crust layers.
Law enforcement also warns that operating a snowmobile under the influence carries the same penalties as DUI laws for motor vehicles.
For current trail maps and OHV decal details, visit servicearizona.com.
