New York State has announced two free snowmobile weekends for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers to rev their engines. This year’s events will occur March 1- March 3 and now March 8 – March 10, encouraging out-of-state visitors to come ride the 10,500 miles of snowmobile trails in New York State.
“Winter is here in New York, and we are ready to welcome visiting snowmobilers to our trails,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “With the help of local governments and clubs, we are now offering two free snowmobiling weekends this year to boost tourism and support local economies. Plan your trip to explore a scenic, beautiful upstate trail this season.”
New York State already set aside the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in March as free for out-of-state snowmobilers, and is now adding a second. During this time, the registration requirement in New York is waived for already properly registered and insured out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts. Participants in these free snowmobiling events must operate a snowmobile that is registered in their home state/Province and must carry any applicable insurance as required. Outside of this promotion, out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers are required to register their snowmobiles with New York State before hitting the state’s trails – from the Hudson Valley to the North Country to Western New York.
These free snowmobiling weekends, March 1 – March 3 and March 8 – March 10, 2024, helps with tourism for state and local economies, and reinforces New York’s commitment to the industry. New York State has made an ongoing commitment to snowmobile trail maintenance and our local grants program is funded by snowmobile registration fees collected by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and deposited into the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund. County and municipal governments distribute the grants to about 230 snowmobile clubs across the state, which in turn groom and maintain the trails.
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “We invite you to explore the many snowmobile trails groomed and maintained by snowmobile clubs, counties and municipalities. As we celebrate our Centennial at State Parks, we are so excited to have the support of Governor Hochul and help introduce outdoor winter enthusiasts to the Empire State. I’m grateful to all those who help with the upkeep of the trails and make sure they are safe for all.”
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “New York State offers some of the nation’s most extraordinary and scenic trails for snowmobilers to explore and enjoy. These two free weekends in March provide a great opportunity for visitors try a new ride along any of the state’s thousands of miles of public snowmobile trails and experience the natural beauty of New York’s great outdoors.”
