CAMP RIPLEY — It’s not quite fall yet, but Minnesota snowplow operators already are getting ready for winter.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation opened a two-week training program for snowplow drivers Monday at Camp Ripley near Little Falls.

More than 110 drivers are taking part in the snowplow operator training program, known as SPOT. The program features safety measures, plowing techniques and best practices.

In addition to new MnDOT employees, veteran MnDOT employees participate as well as snowplow operators from township, city, county and tribal governments

The program began in 2004. MnDOT will have trained more than 1,000 snowplow operators when the current session ends Sept. 30.