Alaska Opens North Slope Coast to Snowmobiles

The state Department of Natural Resources allowed snowmobile travel on eastern and western North Slope coastal areas for permit holders starting November 9, 2026.

Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Skiing

Flat-color editorial illustration of a snow-covered Arctic tundra plain with a single thin track line and a distant dark sea edge under cool navy and cream tones. — Alaska's state Department of Natural Resources will allow permit holders to ride snowmobiles on the eastern and western North Slope coast starting November 9, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Alaska's Department of Natural Resources opened the eastern and western coastal areas of the North Slope to off-road snowmobile travel, effective November 9, 2026. The opening applies only to operators holding valid off-road vehicle travel permits for state-owned North Slope lands.

Why it matters

Overall snow cover is appropriate for snowmobile travel, even though snow depth and soil temperature criteria for general winter off-road travel have not been met. The narrower opening limits riders to permit holders and to snowmobiles only, with state inspections to ensure compliance.

The opening took effect November 9, 2026, and applies only to permit holders for state-owned North Slope lands. Snow depth and soil temperature criteria for general winter off-road travel have not been met, so the access is limited to snowmobiles.

The players

Alaska Department of Natural Resources

The state agency that manages public lands and resources in Alaska and issued the travel opening for the North Slope.

Division of Mining, Land and Water

A division of Alaska's Department of Natural Resources that issues off-road vehicle travel permits for state-owned lands.

The details

Permit holders may designate environmental staff to approve snowmobile use for the remainder of the 2026-27 winter season without contacting the DNR permit-issuing division. Any snowmobile use must be reported on tundra travel completion reports, and areas of low snow should be avoided.

November 9, 2026: Eastern and western North Slope coastal areas open to snowmobile travel.
2026-27 winter season: Permit holders may designate environmental staff to approve snowmobile use.

Season Trajectory

The opening follows the permit framework Alaska uses for state-owned North Slope lands, extending limited access to snowmobiles while broader winter off-road criteria remain unmet. It reflects a narrow, condition-dependent approach rather than a general reopening of the tundra for the season.

Snowmobile riders with valid North Slope off-road permits can travel the eastern and western coastal areas starting November 9, 2026. Riders should avoid areas of low snow and report any snowmobile use on tundra travel completion reports for the season.

The takeaway

Permit holders planning snowmobile trips on the North Slope should confirm snow conditions and keep records for required tundra travel completion reports. Following the avoidance guidance for low-snow areas helps protect fragile terrain.