More than 100 snowplow operators from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the city of Minneapolis are training during the next two weeks at Camp Ripley near Little Falls to learn how to safely and effectively plow snow.

According to a press release, MnDOT’s snowplow operator training program, known as SPOT, is a two-week session that highlights a variety of safety measures, plowing techniques and best practices. The session provides trainees with updates on new equipment and policies and procedures related to winter highway maintenance operations.

“We have more than 1,500 snowplow operators clearing 30,000 lane miles of state highway each winter to ensure that motorists can get to where they want to go,” said MnDOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle. “Getting people safely to their destinations is a team effort and our employees who plow snow are on the front line.”

As part of SPOT, MnDOT maintenance supervisors and other staff provide classroom and hands-on training and share their experience and insights with the trainees.

“Our snowplow operator training program offers unique and specialized training that makes our snowfighters ready for any kind of Minnesota winter,” said Steve Lund, state maintenance engineer.