MARQUETTE — This weekend marks the 2025 free snowmobiling weekend, where Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can legally ride snowmobiles without registration or trail permit.

The free weekend of snowmobiling is part of a Michigan legislature approved program to create an opportunity for experienced riders to introduce friends to the activity and hope they get hooked.

“We hope to allow people who haven’t ridden in a while to or people who want to take their sleds out of the garage that have been in there for a few years to get re-interested in the sport,” said Upper Peninsula Trails Coordinator Ron Yesney. “If they get reinterested in the sport and maybe buy a trail permit later in the year if they are re-energized. Over the past few years the number of permits purchased has gone down.”

Riders can legally use any of the 6,000-plus miles of Michigan Department of Natural Resources-designated snowmobile trails, roads and authorized public lands.

While all trail permit and registration requirements will be waived for the weekend, all other snowmobile rules and regulations are still applicable.

Following those rules and regulations are of vital importance, as severe injuries or death can occur while operating the sleds improperly.

Beyond riding safety, another important impact this weekend will be the weather. The National Weather Service is predicting a possiblity of single-digit temperatures in the Upper Peninsula, with wind chills dipping well into the negatives.

“The most important thing is just to dress appropriately,” Yesney said. “It’s a good idea to have a full face helmet with a shield on it rather than just goggles and an open faced helmet. With just the helmet you’re at risk for frostbite.”

For a list of michigan snowmobile rules and regulations, visit https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/snowmobiling/rules for more information.

Maps of snowmobile trails can be found online at https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/snowmobiling/snowmobile-maps-in-list-format.