(UPDATE – since this was first written, all trails have been opened up for riding.)

On the first official day of winter, the Douglas Area Trails Association (D.A.T.A. Trails)reported that all trails were open (except for KOA-K). When you consider that the trails encompass more than 360 miles in and around Douglas County, that’s quite a feat. Groomers have been out packing down snow banks and cutting trails through reeds, woods and fields for weeks. It’s now a real good reason to travel to the area for a variety of rides.

If you do not have a snowmobile yourself, there are a few places that do rent them in the Alexandria area. (Arrowwood Resort and Lake Darling Resort). If you are born after December 31st, 1976 you will need to have a certificate from completing the Minnesota Snowmobile Safety Course.