Snowmobiling season winding down

The general snowmobiling season on 800,000 acres of the Flathead National Forest ended March 31, but several areas remain open for late-season snowmobiling as conditions permit.

That includes groomed routes in the Canyon Creek area through April 14, the Sixmile Area through April 30, the Challenge/Skyland area through May 14, and the Lost Johnny area through May 31.

Snowmobiling will also be allowed on open, designated roads unless the road is plowed or drivable by conventional motorized vehicles.

Snowmobile access the summit of Big Mountain at Whitefish Mountain Resort via Canyon Creek closed at the ski area boundary on April 5.

Riders are restricted to the groomed Canyon Creek Trail corridor only through April 14.

Snowmobile-use maps are available from any Flathead National Forest office or online at www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead.

Designated wilderness areas, such as the Bob Marshall, Great Bear and Mission Mountains, as well as the Jewel Basin Hiking Area, are not open to snowmobiling.

All backcountry recreationists are reminded to stay current with local weather conditions and avalanche danger, available online at www.glacieravalanche.org or by calling 257-8402.