(Dec 7, 2009) - Waiting to sign up for a snowmobile safety class may mean sitting out the snowmobile season, according to officials from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“Some snowmobilers wait to see how much snow is in the forecast or on the ground before getting around to taking a DNR snowmobile safety training course,” said Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR Enforcement Education Program coordinator. “In some instances it’s too late because classes have already concluded or are full. No Snowmobile Safety Certificate, no snowmobiling.”

To legally ride a snowmobile in Minnesota, residents born after Dec. 31, 1976, need a valid snowmobile safety certificate.

Plenty of training classes are available right now and may be taken in a classroom or through a CD ROM delivered program.

Classroom courses are taught in your local community by volunteers and are available for anyone 11 or older. Find a list of classes on the DNR Web site.

The DNR Adult or Youth Snowmobile Safety CD ROM for PC and MAC is available for those 16 or older.

“Snowmobilers can learn from the comfort of home, fill out the quizzes and exam, and send their results in to be officially certified. It’s as easy as that,” Hammer said. To obtain a copy of the CD, contact the DNR by phone at 888-MINNDNR (646-6367), 651-296-6157 or send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .'; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text34044 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For a copy of DNR’s 2009-2010 Minnesota Snowmobile Safety Laws, Rules, and Regulations handbook, call 888-MINNDNR (greater Minnesota) or 651-296-6157. It is also available on the DNR’s Web page.