Lake Co. Forest Preserves Hosts Snowmobile Safety Education Course

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Forest Preserves will host a snowmobile safety education course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Operations and Public Safety Facility, 19808 W. Grand Avenue in Lake Villa.

Registration is required and you can secure your spot by calling 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, according to a news release from the Lake County Forest Preserve District.

This program is specifically tailored for the training of individuals ages 12 to 16 years old. 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.