Snowmobiling is big in Grant County, with 500 miles of groomed trails along with four snow parks in the area. Snowmobile trails are groomed by volunteers from local snowmobile clubs. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular.

A state Sno-Park permit is required for parking at all snow parks. The permits cost $25 and are available from the Department of Motor Vehicles and some local stores. They can also be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/24c9y3jm. For more information about winter recreation, visit grantcountysnowballers.com.

Starr Ridge

The popular snow park at Starr Ridge features ample parking and primitive outhouse facilities. Across the highway is Starr Bowl, a popular sledding and tubing area for families, with a warming hut. Cross-country skiers typically use the groomed snowmobile trails, while backcountry skiers and snowshoers can head east toward the wilderness area. Starr Ridge is on Highway 395 about 16 miles south of John Day.

Huddleston

Snowmobilers can access hundreds of miles of groomed trails at the Huddleston Snow Park, which features a warming hut with a fireplace, restrooms and a large parking lot. The Skyline access is located about 1 mile before Huddleston. Snowshoers and cross-country skiers can access miles of groomed and ungroomed trails at Huddleston, which is located on County Road 62 about 22 miles south of Prairie City.

Blue Mountain Summit

Snowmobile trails groomed by three different clubs converge near this snow park, which is located on Highway 26 about 10 miles east of the Highway 7 junction.

Dixie

The old rope tow is back in commission after a long hiatus. For a few bucks, you can use the tow like a low-tech ski lift, letting it haul you to the top of the hill for sledding, inner tubing, skiing and snowboarding. In between runs, take a break in the warming hut. There are also opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on ungroomed trails. Located just off Highway 26 at Dixie Summit, about 9 miles east of Prairie City.