Red River Sno-riders

About Red River Sno-Riders

Red River Sno-Riders is a volunteer snowmobile club based in Horace, North Dakota, just south of Fargo. The club builds and maintains about 80 miles of marked snowmobile trail in southern Cass County, and it is a member of the East Central Valley Trail Association of Snowmobile North Dakota. Every mile of that trail is put in by hand each fall and taken out again each spring, by members who give their time so everyone else can ride.

Building the Trail Every Year

The Sno-Riders trail does not exist year round. It sits on farm ground, so the club recreates the entire system each season. That means installing more than 900 signs across roughly 80 miles, usually in November, after farmers finish in the fields and before the ground freezes.

It is the biggest job the club takes on, and it depends on volunteers. Signing crews typically meet in Horace on a Saturday morning in November and split up to cover different sections. Anyone with an ATV is especially welcome, since it speeds up the work a great deal. Blaze orange or fluorescent yellow clothing is expected for safety. The signs come back out in spring once the season ends.

When the Trails Open

The trails open only once there is a minimum four inch snow base, following Snowmobile North Dakota grooming requirements. Snow depth and current and forecast weather drive every grooming decision.

The club is candid that recent winters have been hard. Two seasons in a row brought too little snow to open the system, and the season after that was limited by warm spells and high winds. When the snow does come, the trail system opens and the groomers go to work.

One tip from the club that every rider should know: give a freshly groomed trail at least two hours to set up before riding it. A trail that sets up properly stays smooth far longer. Ride it too soon and it breaks down for everyone who follows.

Current conditions for the East Central Valley trail system are posted on the Snowmobile North Dakota website, and the club offers text message trail updates as well. Paper trail maps are available at local businesses and at trail stops along the system, and the map is also on the club website.

Riders should also watch for construction south of Horace, where a new bridge over the Red River Diversion and a roundabout at County Highway 16 have left rough, frozen ground in places.

Membership and Meetings

Memberships are due each December. Membership dues support both the local club and the statewide trail program, so joining is the most direct way to keep trails in the area open. Applications and renewals are handled on the club website.

The club meets in the evening at the fire hall in Horace, typically once a month from September through the spring, with the final meeting of the season covering board elections. Meetings are open, and newcomers are welcome to come learn what goes into running a trail system.

The club’s main fundraiser is its Annual Kickoff Party each October at a restaurant in Horace, supported by donations from local businesses.

Neighboring Clubs

Red River Sno-Riders is part of a network of clubs around Fargo and Moorhead. The club works alongside Rural Cass Snowmobile Club in the same trail association and has promoted Rural Cass’s SnowJam ride. Across the river, the Clay County Trailblazers maintain trails on the Minnesota side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Red River Sno-Riders trails?

In southern Cass County, North Dakota, based around Horace, just south of Fargo.

How many miles of trail does the club maintain?

About 80 miles, marked with more than 900 signs each season.

When do the trails open?

Once there is at least a four inch snow base, following Snowmobile North Dakota grooming requirements.

Where can I check trail conditions?

On the Snowmobile North Dakota trail conditions page for the East Central Valley trail system. The club also offers text message updates.

How long should I wait after grooming to ride?

At least two hours, so the trail can set up and stay smooth.

How do I join?

Through the membership application on the club website. Memberships are due in December.

Can I volunteer?

Yes. The club especially needs help with trail signing in November and sign pickup in spring. ATVs are a big help.

More information on Red River Sno-Riders; Click here https://snoriders.com/

For more snowmobile venues click here: https://www.plainspowersports.com/category/snowmobile/