Reno, NV – For Sarah P., a Reno-area rider, what began as a clear February morning near Galena Creek turned into a nightmare. A hidden rock caught her sled track, throwing her into a tree. “It broke my collarbone, but it could’ve been much worse,” she said. “I wasn’t speeding — just not watching for early-season hazards.”
According to the Accident Data Center, about 200 people die in snowmobile accidents every year across the U.S., and thousands more are injured. Nevada wildlife officials are asking riders to start the 2025 winter season with extra caution and proper registration before heading into backcountry zones around Lake Tahoe, Elko, and the Ruby Mountains.
Nevada shares many snowmobile regulations with neighboring California, offering access to roughly 1,800 miles of groomed trails. Trail permits are not required for out-of-state snowmobilers, but every sled must be licensed or display a non-resident permit if registration isn’t required in the owner’s home state. The registration fee is $21 for two years, according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Helmets are not mandatory, though highly recommended. Roads are generally open to snowmobiles, but shoulders and ditches are closed unless specifically signed otherwise. Riders should obey all posted signs and maintain safe and reasonable speeds, with a 15 mph limit in congested or lodge areas.
Law enforcement reminds snowmobilers that DUI laws apply identically to off-road vehicles, and insurance—while not legally required—is advised to cover potential property or medical claims.
Before riding, officials suggest checking snowpack reports and avalanche conditions, especially in mountainous terrain above 6,000 feet.
For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov for current registration and safety updates.
