The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Snowmobile Bureau is reminding snowmobilers that despite the large snowfalls in the Tug Hill and in western New York, snowmobile trails are not open at this time.
For public safety reasons, grooming generally may not begin until the closure of Big Game hunting season. Snowmobilers should exercise restraint when operating snowmobiles before the start of the season.
Operators must always wear a helmet, stick to designated trails and avoid riding on ice.
The Snowmobile Bureau advises that snowmobiles should never be ridden on ice. All frozen bodies regardless of rivers or lakes are dangerous. As the thickness of ice is not the same and ice doesn’t even form evenly all over the whole surface of water bodies.
When covered by snow, the lake’s surface may appear ridable. It is not. Ice thickness can vary on every body of water or even within the same body of water. The presence of snowmobile tracks or footprints on the ice should not be taken as evidence of safe ice conditions. Riding on ice that is not thick enough can, and often does, lead to tragedy.
New York has 10,500 miles of state-designated snowmobile trails, plus many miles of undesignated trails. It is a premier destination for snowmobiling. Knowing the safety regulations and following them will help ensure riders and their families have a great time.
Everyone operating a snowmobile should be familiar with safe riding practices and all applicable laws, rules and regulations. The best way to learn is by taking a snowmobile safety course. To find a course, click here. A safety certificate is required for youth between ages 10 and 18.
Before heading out, riders are reminded to check trail conditions with local snowmobile clubs. To find a club, visit the New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) website. Joining a snowmobile club helps support snowmobiling in New York State. Club members receive a discounted registration fee, and help support the clubs and volunteers who make up the backbone of the New York State snowmobile trail system.
Top safety recommendations include:
- Check over your snowmobile; make sure it is in good working order and carry emergency supplies.
- Always wear a helmet and make sure you wear the proper snowmobile gear including bibs, jackets, boots and gloves.
- Always ride with a buddy or at least one other person.
- Ride responsibly. Ride within your ability, ride to the right and operate at a safe and prudent speed at all times. Respect landowners, obey posted signs and stay on the marked trail.
- Frozen Bodies of water are not designated trails; if you plan to ride on ice, proceed with caution and be aware of potential hazards under the snow. It is recommended that you wear a snowmobile suit with flotation built in and carry a set of ice picks as a precaution.
- Never drink alcohol or use drugs and ride.
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) oversees the development, maintenance and oversight of a statewide snowmobile program, which features approximately 10,500 miles of state-designated snowmobile trails. For more information on snowmobiling in New York, click here.
Read about the history of snowmobiling in New York State in John Warren’s series of essays here.
Photo: Snowmobilers clear a trail near Nicks Lake in the winter of 1966-67.
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