The South Dakota Snowmobile Association (SDSA)

We promote safe snowmobiling for all riders. Before taking a snowmobile ride, familiarize yourself with your sled and the area where you plan to ride and also, always follow these basic safe riding rules:

• Always ride with a buddy. It’s just foolish to venture out on the trail alone.
• Always maintain at least 3 seconds of distance between you and the person in front of you.
• Drinking alcohol and riding don’t mix; hold off on that beverage until you’re back at the lodge!
• Stop often if you are riding with a large group to make sure everyone is accounted for. Things can happen quickly, so make sure your group doesn’t get so spread out that you leave a rider behind.

We urge you to click on our Online Safety Course and to also visit the following links to learn more about safe snowmobiling practices:

SOUTH DAKOTA SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION free online safety course.

The SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF GAME, FISH AND PARKS provides information about the South Dakota snowmobile safety course along with basic information about responsible snowmobile operation and links to South Dakota rules and regulations, license information, trail maps and trail conditions.

SAFE RIDERS SAFETY AWARENESS PROGRAM Visit this online program to learn about basic snowmobiling safety. It provides detailed information covering: how to prepare for your ride, general safety, proper riding apparel and techniques, general snowmobiling rules and laws, parts on your snowmobile, basic snowmobile maintenance, how to prepare for emergencies, and dangers you should avoid. There are short quizzes at the end of each section to test your knowledge.

The SNOWMOBILE SAFETY AND ACCESS INFORMATION CENTER offers a wide range of snowmobile safety and avalanche education resources including education tools, best practices, a training calendar and a list of nationwide education providers.

The AMERICAN COUNCIL OF SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATIONS (ACSA) provides information about safe snowmobiling practices and operates the Snowmobile Safety and Access Information Center.

The INTERNATIONAL SNOWMOBILE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (ISMA) has developed SAFE RIDERS! materials and also provides snowmobile and avalanche safety information and materials.