EDWARDSBURG — While the spring-like rain showers that pelted the area Monday may suggest otherwise, there is still plenty of winter left before the weather breaks — which means plenty of opportunities are left for snowmobiling.

To help ensure that young operators remain safe behind the steering post this season, members of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office will be offering some lessons and pointers on snowmobile usage to local teenagers next month.

The law enforcement agency will host a snowmobile safety class from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Edwardsburg Snowmobile Club, 26839 Redfield St., Edwardsburg. The class is intended for teenagers 12 to 17 years old, and will be offered free of charge.

A pair of sheriff deputies will be teaching the course, which will show youth basic snowmobile operation and safety, as well as inform them of state and local laws regarding the vehicles. Following instruction, participants will be required to take a 60-question examination. Students must correctly answer at least 75 percent of the questions in order to pass.

“Once they take and pass the test, they are given a permit, so can operate a snowmobile safely and knowledgably,” said Cass County Undersheriff Clint Roach.

Pre-registration for the Feb. 3 class is mandatory. People who wish to register for the upcoming safety course may do so by calling (269) 445-1240.

“The class is completely free,” Roach said. “Just call and let us know who is coming.”

Per state law, any teenager over the age of 12 but less than 17 years old must have completed a certified safety course to operate on any state-owned snowmobile trail (without direct supervision from someone 21 years old or older) or to cross any highway or street on their vehicle, Roach said. Several state trail systems cross through western and central Cass County, in particular around Edwardsburg, where the class will take place next month.

For people over the age 17, a valid Michigan driver’s license is all that is required to use a snowmobile on highways, though they must purchase an annual permit to drive on state trails.

People are allowed to operate a snowmobile on private property without any restrictions, Roach said.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office has been teaching at least one snowmobile class every year in an effort to promote safe operation for as far back as Roach can recall, the undersheriff said.

“I participated in a class by the sheriff’s office when I was a kid, which was a long time ago,” he said.

While snowmobiles are smaller and slower than automobiles, there is still plenty that may go wrong while someone is operating one, especially during heavy snowfall. Several weeks ago, a Dowagiac man was hospitalized after he struck a vehicle with his machine after failing to yield at a snowmobile crossing in Silver Creek Township due to the severe weather conditions, Roach said.

For more information, people may call the sheriff’s office at (269) 445-2481 or visit ccso.info.