Early Snow Opens Minnesota's Snowmobile Trails

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Even though it's not officially winter, it is officially snowmobile season in Minnesota.

The Minnesota DNR says early snow and cold temperatures helped prepare most of the state's 22,000 miles of trails.

There are still some trails that aren't ready yet.

Snowmobiling is a $1 billion industry and a big part of Minnesota life.

"We know that our winters are long, and when they start in November, like they did this year, we need, as Minnesotans, to take every opportunity we can to find things to do outside," said Tom Landwehr, the DNR's commissioner.

The majority of the trails are groomed and managed by volunteers.

Before you go, the DNR says be sure to check on conditions at their website.