Official Government Website
Snowmobiling
Winter Vehicle
Snowmobiling is a fun and exciting sport that enables people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors in the winter.
Each year in Idaho the sport continues to grow. While snowmobiling is one of the best ways to enjoy Idaho’s backcountry, it can be hazardous if you aren’t prepared.
Snowmobile Safety
2025 IDPR Avalanche Awareness & Companion Rescue Clinic Schedules:
Snowmobile Stickers
Purchase one- or two-year resident and non-resident snowmobile/snowbike/tracked-OHV stickers at vendors or online. Stickers will be mailed to you, and your email receipt is your temporary permit.
Local Sticker Vendors
If you need to review your current, unexpired recreation permits and they do not appear when you access the online system, please call 1-888-922-6743 for assistance.
Rider Community
Check out the Idaho State Snowmobile Association for additional information, regional club lists, and more! Click here or the logo below to be re-directed to their site.
The Idaho Snowmobile Program
The Idaho snowmobile program is funded through certificate of number fees purchased by snowmobilers. On November 1 of each year every snowmobile operated on private or public land must be numbered.
Fees
Resident: $45.50
Non-Resident: $59.50
Rentals: $75.50
You may also purchase a resident 2-year for $89.50 and non-resident 2-year for $117.50.
Note: non-residents are not exempt from purchasing an Idaho snowmobile certificate of number.
Economic Impact
Download the Economic Impact and Importance of Snowmobiling in Idaho.
Designations
To ensure the area you ride has enough funding to operate throughout the season, please designate your certificate of number fees to the county you ride.
How is your certificate of number fee broken down?
- $1.50 vendor fee
- $1.00 snowmobile related Search and Rescue efforts
- 85% goes to the county operated snowmobile grooming programs
- Up to 15% goes to administration fees and the printing costs of registration stickers.
What are the certificate of number fees used for?
- Grooming
- Parking lot plowing
- Signing
- Clearing groomed trails
- Avalanche classes
- New rider classes
When does grooming occur?
Grooming happens as weather, snow and safety permit. The below bullets briefly identify when programs groom trails.
- When safety of the equipment and operators are not a concern.
- When there is a minimum of 18” of snow in the parking lot.
- When avalanche conditions do not pose a safety concern for grooming operations.
- When the grooming temperatures are between -20⁰F and 40⁰F.
- Avalanche Warnings
- Snow Conditions
- Road Conditions
- 10 Day Forecast
- View safety class schedule
- For more information, visit the Winter Safety & Education tab on this page
Read about 2021 changes to the snowmobile permit program here.
Why should I number my snowmobile?
Idaho snowmobile owners are legally obligated to number their snowmobiles on or before November 1 of each year.
How do I number a new or used snowmobile?
How do I renew my snowmobile certificate of number?
How much are certificate of number fees?
Certificate of number fees are $45.50 for residents and $59.50 non-residents and $75.50 for rental machines. Resident 2-year for $89.50 and non-resident 2-year for $117.50.
How long is my sticker valid?
For one year. All certificates of number are valid from November 1 to October 31 of the following year. Idaho Code 67-7103
Do I have to number my snowmobile if I am a not a resident of Idaho?
Idaho requires all out-of-state snowmobilers to purchase a nonresident snowmobile user certificate. The certificate costs $59.50 and is available at authorized snowmobile registration vendors. It is good for a period of one year. Short term certificates are not available. Nonresidents may designate their certificate fees to the county snowmobile program of their primary use.
Where do I put the certificate of number stickers on my snowmobile?
The validation sticker shall be located on the snowmobile and shall be completely visible and shall be maintained in legible condition whenever the snowmobile is in operation.
Where do my certificate of number dollars go?
Snowmobile Certificate of Number Designation Map
Your sticker purchase goes back into your sport! Certificate of number dollars collected go back into programs that benefit snowmobilers. You can designate which Idaho county you want your dollars to go. Each county with a snowmobile program is entitled to 85% of the numbering fees designated for that county. The money may only be used for county snowmobile programs such as maintenance and operation of snowmobile trail groomers, signing of snowmobile trails, plowing parking lots, and maintaining warming shelters. Up to 15% of the state snowmobile account generated each year may be used by the department for administrative costs, such as the cost of the sticker and mailing renewal notices.
Purchase stickers online or at a local vendor.
If you need to review your current, unexpired recreation permits and they do not appear when you access the online system, please call 1-888-922-6743 for assistance.
Sign up for a Snowmobile Safety Class
These classes are divided into classroom and field exercises and are held regularly during winter months. For information about dates of classes in your region, contact your region coordinator:
Southeast Idaho
Mike Taylor
Office: (208) 769-1511
Cell: (208) 416-3119
Rich Gummersall
View or download IDPR’s Avalanche Safety Brochure.
“Snowmobiling in Idaho” Brochure
Idaho Trails Map with Grooming Status
FAQs
The best thing you can do is take a free snowmobile safety and avalanche safety course from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. It’s helpful to join a club to get to know other riders. Also, know your snowmobile. Take the time to read your owner’s manual.
- DOT and SNELL approved helmet
- Goggles or face shield
- Polypropylene base layer for wicking moisture (long sleeve shirt and pants)
- Warm fleece insulating layer (jacket & pants)
- Waterproof/windproof/breathable outer layer (jacket and bibs)
- Warm merino wool or wool socks that wick moisture
- Waterproof/insulated winter pac boots or snowmobile specific boots
- Waterproof/insulated gloves or mittens
- Warm hat
- Take a free snowmobile safety and avalanche course from Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Always keep to the right on snowmobile trails.
- Don’t ride alone; two snowmobiles traveling together are much safer than one.
- Don’t drink alcohol and ride.
- Be familiar with your snowmobile; try short trips and practice in open areas to become thoroughly familiar with its controls and operation before going on extended trips.
- Always wear adequate winter clothing and protective glasses, goggles or face shields.
- Use sun screen to protect your skin from sunburn.
- Take a free snowmobile safety and avalanche safety course from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Be prepared for harsh weather.
- Wear synthetic and waterproof/windproof clothing.
- Bring a GPS or cell phone and keep in close contact with people.
- Be prepared to spend a night out in the woods if necessary. Preparedness can mean the difference between being a little uncomfortable or becoming a statistic.
- Make it a point to assemble a survival kit and be sure to carry it with you every time you go out.
- Always let someone know where you are headed.
- Waterproof matches in a waterproof container
- Several disposable lighters
- Cell phone
- Plastic whistle
- Map, compass, GPS
- Small flashlight with extra batteries
- 50 feet of 1/4-inch rope
- First aid kit
- Space blanket
- Candles
- High energy food
- Signal mirror
- Knife
- Metal cup
- Folding saw
- Extra drive belt, spark plugs and tool kit
- Tarpaulin or plastic windbreak
Idaho snowmobile owners are legally obligated to number their snowmobiles on or before November 1 of each year.
A snowmobile must be numbered before it leaves the premises of a snowmobile dealer/retailer at the time of sale. The purchaser of a used snowmobile, which has been previously numbered, must transfer the certificate of number within 15 days of the sale. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation or its vendors will prepare a new certificate of number with the purchaser’s name and address. The transfer fee is $4.50. Applications for an Idaho title must be filed at the nearest county assessor’s office. Idaho Code 67-7103.
- I will be a good sports enthusiast. I recognize that people judge all snowmobile owners by my actions. I will use my influence with other snowmobile owners to promote safe snowmobile conduct.
- I will not litter trails or camping areas. I will not pollute streams or lakes.
- I will not damage living trees, shrubs, or other natural features. I will go out only when there is sufficient snow so that I will not damage the land.
- I will respect other people’s property and rights.
- I will lend a helping hand when I see someone in distress.
- I will make myself and my vehicle available to assist search and rescue parties.
- I will not interfere with or harass hikers, skiers, snowshoers, ice anglers or other winter sports enthusiasts. I will respect their rights to enjoy our recreation facilities.
- I will know and obey all federal, state, and local rules regulating the operation of snowmobiles in areas where I plan to ride.
- I will not harass wildlife.
- I will avoid areas posted for the protection of wildlife.
- I will not ride under the influence of alcohol.
Best Parks for Enjoying Snowmobiling
