Snowmobile Rules in Lofsdalen
Remember that in Lofsdalen, skiers and snowmobilers share the mountain environment. Here, we show each other consideration and respect.
Snowmobiling in Lofsdalen
Two New Free Riding Areas
Free riding with snowmobiles is understandably very popular among snowmobilers. To accommodate this, two free riding areas have been designated within our regulation area: a larger one on state land at Kölsjöfjället and a smaller one in Strådalen. In these areas, snowmobiling is unrestricted, with no trail limitations, as long as the ground is well covered with snow and the snowmobiling season is open.
Prohibition on Off-Trail Riding
Off-trail riding is, under the municipal regulation, a legal violation that may result in revocation of your trail pass and a police report. Our hope, of course, is that this will never be necessary.
Overview Snowmobile Map
Regulation Area
Red-dashed area.
Kölsjöfjällets, Strådalens.
Special regulations apply.
General Terms and Regulations
- The snowmobiler must be aware of the terms and regulations in Lofsdalen’s regulation area.
- The snowmobiler is required to pay the specified trail fee by purchasing a snowmobile trail pass. The fee is outlined in a separate price list.
- This fee grants the right to travel with a snowmobile registered on the trail pass.
- Snowmobiling is only permitted during winter on well-snow-covered areas, once the trail has opened for traffic.
- Trail opening and closing dates will be announced on the Lofsdalsspår website and on Lofsdalsspår’s social media channels.
- Please note that throughout the entire municipal regulation area, off-trail snowmobiling is prohibited and punishable. Such riding can be reported to the police.
- In the regulated area, riding is only allowed along designated and marked trails, as well as in parking and rest areas.
- Free riding with snowmobiles is permitted within the designated free riding areas shown on the map above (in red).
- Riding is allowed anywhere within these areas.
- Note: All snowmobiling is done at your own risk!
- Snowmobile trails are marked with snowmobile trail symbols, and in mountain areas, also with trail crosses. Where the trail crosses waterways, only branches or poles mark the route.
- It is the snowmobiler’s responsibility to verify that the trail is passable.
- Special caution must be exercised when crossing ice, waterways, and snow bridges. Before crossing ice, the driver must ensure it is safe and secure.
- Speed limits must be observed at all times.
- The snowmobile must be in its type-approved condition—“trim pipes” and other modifications that cause loud and disruptive noise are not allowed.
- Respect the environmental regulations, outdoor activities, agriculture, forestry, and reindeer herding as prescribed by law.
Please Observe the Prohibition
Anyone violating these terms and regulations may have their snowmobile trail pass revoked without compensation and/or be banned from further use of the trails. Such offenses are legal violations and may be reported to the police.
Exceptions for Off-Trail Driving
For complete exceptions and conditions, please see the attached PDF file at the bottom of the page. The following is a simplified selection of exempted groups within the regulation, not a detailed list of conditions:
Emergency personnel, reindeer herding, agriculture and forestry, nature and trail wardens on duty, hunting rights holders and their guests, fishing rights holders, retrieval of hunted game, ski trail grooming, residents, and landowners, among others.
Landowners and their families have the general right to operate on their own land within the restricted area for purposes related to appropriate land use. Permanent residents (registered) within the regulation area and legal owners of agricultural properties within the regulation area are also permitted to operate motor vehicles on well-snow-covered land within the regulation area, provided they have obtained the consent of the relevant landowner.
Off-Trail Riding — Snowmobiler's Responsibility
When using a motorized vehicle off roads and snowmobile trails within the regulation area, it is the individual’s responsibility to: Be able to provide appropriate proof to police or other authorities that they are authorized to travel in the area under one of the exemption provisions. Observe respect for environmental conservation, outdoor activities, agriculture, forestry, and reindeer herding as prescribed by law.
Cautionary Rules for Permanent Residents and Landowners
Driving on and off snowmobile trails that disturbs wildlife, nature, agriculture, forestry, reindeer herding, or recreational activities in the area should be avoided. Anyone traveling off-trail must have a specific destination and purpose for their journey. Free riding on a mountainside, for instance, is not allowed. Extra caution should be exercised near trails designated solely for skiing and within the regulation area’s terrain above the alpine tree line. If the rules are misused, a review may be conducted in consultation with affected parties, potentially leading to restrictions or revocation.
For the system to work effectively, everyone covered by exemption rules must exercise significant caution. The special travel rights for permanent residents need to be combined with both collective and individual responsibility regarding the purpose of the regulations.
Owners of Holiday Homes within the Prohibited Area
Owners of holiday homes within the prohibited area, with a cabin located on their own land or leased land, are permitted to use a snowmobile on well-snow-covered ground for travel to and from the cabin. This exception applies only to the most direct suitable route from an authorized snowmobile trail or from a private or public road to and from the affected property. The exception applies to the property owner/tenant and their “company.” The term “company” includes not only family members of the property owner/tenant but also guests traveling in their immediate presence. One cannot claim to be part of someone’s “company” unless they are in close proximity during the journey.
Areas with Zoning Plans
The prohibition on snowmobiling also applies to all densely populated areas and areas with zoning plans within the prohibited area. Existing decisions regarding exemptions (permits) for trails within such areas will continue to apply.
Outdoor Activity Providers
Snowmobile Trail Opening Dates
The snowmobile trails are open until May 1 each year, provided the ground remains well covered with snow. The free riding area at Kölsjöfjället closes annually on April 20. Trails may close earlier if necessary for safety, environmental, wildlife, or reindeer herding reasons. For up-to-date information, visit the Lofsdalsspår website and Facebook page.
General Rules for Snowmobiling in Lofsdalen
Please respect that driving is only permitted on marked trails. Off-trail riding is not allowed in Lofsdalen. The following speed limits and rules apply on trails in and around Lofsdalen:
- Driver’s license for snowmobiles is required. A tractor license or driver’s license issued before the year 2000 is also valid (Swedish law).
- Minimum age is 16 years (Swedish law).
- Right-hand traffic applies.
- Maximum speed is 70 km/h (Swedish law).
- Skiers and pedestrians always have the right of way, on trails and at crossings between snowmobile trails and other trails or roads (Swedish law).
- Snowmobiles must stop when crossing public roads, regardless of whether there is a stop sign (Swedish law).
- No passengers are allowed to sit on the snowmobile or in a trailer when crossing a road (Swedish law).
- Be extra cautious in the evenings when the snowcat is grooming the trails. The snowcat takes up the entire width of the snowmobile trail.
- Avoid aggressive riding on freshly groomed trails in the evening. The snow needs time to settle and freeze.
- Trim pipes are strictly prohibited in Lofsdalen. Violations will be reported to the police.
- ATVs with track systems are not allowed on snowmobile tracks according to municipal regulations.
Your Responsibility as a Snowmobiler
No matter what vehicle you drive, as the driver, you bear the primary legal responsibility. It is essential to adjust your speed so that you can stop within your line of sight. Do not drive faster than you can safely stay to the right on the trail at curves and crests, ensuring you can handle any oncoming vehicles that may appear.
