While some of the snow has melted, it will most likely return time and time again before the winter ends. A good pack of snow can mean ideal conditions for winter recreation activities such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Snowmobiling is vastly popular in Minnesota and rightfully so. The terrain is perfect for it and riding them can be a fun, seasonal activity for the entire family.

However, as with all motorized vehicles, cars, trucks, and even quads, operating them carelessly can lead to a major accident or injury or both.

There’s always going to be those people, who — similar to those wanting to see how fast their car can go in a corn field or on a downtown street — will ignore state snowmobiling rules and regulations such as avoiding driving after alcohol consumption or staying below the 50 mph maximum speed limit.

Hopefully those riders will learn soon enough that risking injury to them or someone else isn’t worth it.

A free copy of the state’s snowmobile safety laws, rules and regulations can be obtained through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources by calling (651) 296-6157.

Read through it, have fun and stay safe.