Interested in snowmobiling? The Forest Preserves Ranger Police are holding a snowmobile safety education course from 8 am to 5 pm Saturday, January 20, at the Operations and Public Safety Facility, 19808 W. Grand Ave., Lake Villa.

Registration is required. To secure your spot, call 847-968-3404 from 6:30 am to 3 pm on weekdays. There is no cost to attend the course.

Upon successful completion of the class, participants who pass the written exam on the same day will be awarded a certification, granting them the authority to independently operate a snowmobile.

This program is specifically tailored for the training of individuals aged 12 to 16. Participation in the certification exam is restricted to students within this age range, and those under the age of 11 are ineligible to take part in the examination process.

Participants aged 12 and older who successfully fulfill the minimum eight hours of instruction and pass the final examination will be awarded a State of Illinois Certificate of Competency.

For students aged 11–12 years old, the certificate will be issued upon reaching their 12th birthday.

Illinois winters bring about unpredictable conditions, and when ample snowfall occurs, the excitement for snowmobiling is palpable. Beyond teaching fundamental safety principles, the course attempts to cultivate a mindset of respect for both fellow riders and the environment. The instillation of this respect, coupled with adherence to proper safety procedures, is crucial for the sustained growth of snowmobiling, ensuring it remains a source of countless hours of enjoyment as a recreational activity.

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources online for more information about Snowmobile Safety Education.

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