Rapid City, SD – For Chad W., a 41-year-old rider from Spearfish, a weekend trip near Lead-Deadwood nearly turned tragic when he struck a hidden stump under fresh snow. “I thought it was just powder,” he said. “The sled flipped, and I was lucky my buddy was behind me to help dig me out.”
According to the Accident Data Center, around 200 people die in snowmobile accidents each year across the United States, often from excessive speed, lack of visibility, or impaired riding. South Dakota officials are urging riders to prepare early this season and ensure their machines are properly insured and registered before hitting the trails.
The state maintains about 1,585 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, with the majority located in the Black Hills region. The South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Department oversees snowmobile licensing and trail maintenance.
While trail permits are not required, liability insurance is mandatory for all snowmobiles operated in the state. Riders must also register their sleds annually, at a cost of $10 per year, and display valid decals. Helmets are not required, but safety officials strongly encourage their use, especially on backcountry and forest service trails.
Snowmobilers may ride on roads that have not been plowed and may use road ditches and shoulders only when no ditch is present. The posted speed limit applies when riding within a road right-of-way; outside those areas, riders must travel at safe and reasonable speeds based on conditions.
Officials remind snowmobilers that alcohol-related crashes remain a leading cause of fatalities. “It only takes one bad decision to end a good ride,” said a Game, Fish & Parks spokesperson.
For registration details and current trail conditions, visit gfp.sd.gov.
