Free snowmobiling weekend for outof-state and Canadian snowmobilers
ALBANY, N.Y. » Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that March 14 and 15 will be a free snowmobiling weekend for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers - a move that is meant to further strengthen the winter tourism industry in the North Country and across New York.
The governor made the announcement before snowmobiling with his three daughters Cara, Mariah and Michaela at Saranac Lake.
“New York is home to more than 10,000 miles of some of the best snowmobiling trails in the nation, all with the backdrop of stunning natural beauty that has to be seen to believe,” Governor Cuomo said in a press release. “With this free snowmobiling weekend, we are encouraging visitors from far and wide to come to the North Country and points between, experience our great outdoor recreational activities for themselves and further strengthen New York’s booming tourism industry.”
During the promotional weekend, fees will be waived for visitors from out-of-state with properly registered and insured vehicles wishing to explore New York’s nearly 10,500 miles of snowmobile trails.
I LOVE NEW YORK will promote the weekend by launching a digital and social media campaign targeting out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts.
To further support the community this season, the state has awarded $4.2 million in local grants for snowmobile trail maintenance and grooming across New York.
The state’s snowmobiling community has a seasonal economic impact of $868 million, according to a 2011 study by SUNY Potsdam.
Winter tourism activities also support economic growth across the state, generating nearly $14.4 billion in direct visitor spending.
The North Country attracted more than 13 million visitors in 2018, up 21.6% since 2011, which has increased direct spending by more than 23% to $1.26 billion.
Participants in the free snowmobiling weekend must operate a snowmobile with valid registration in their home state or Canadian Province, and must carry any applicable insurance as required by their home state or province.
Non-New Yorkers who wish to use a snowmobile in New York state before or after this promotional weekend can use the NYS Registration for Outof-State Snowmobile service to get a 15-day registration and operate their snowmobile here immediately. DMV will send a permanent registration in the mail.
The I LOVE NEW YORK social media campaign will supplement the overall $4 million winter tourism campaign currently underway, which features snowmobiling and a wide array of winter activities in television, print and digital advertising, public relations and social media initiatives, and other promotional efforts.
Sledders can get more information about snowmobiling at popular destinations such as Speculator, Long Lake and the Tug Hill Plateau, as well as updated information about the Free Snowmobiling Weekend, at iloveny.com.
Additionally, the Town of Webb and Inlet will also host their annual SnoFest on March 7 and 8. Snowmobilers who purchase their 2021 trail permit at SnoFest will be able to ride the rest of the current season free, and the town will waive local trail fees for anyone that attends the weekend.
The $4.2 million local grants will support the maintenance of designated trails across the state for snowmobilers to safely enjoy. The program is funded by snowmobile registration fees collected by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and deposited into the Snowmobile Trail Development and Mainte
nance Fund.
County and municipal governments will distribute the grants to about 230 snowmobile clubs across the state, which in turn will groom and maintain the trails.
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said in the release, “As part of Governor Cuomo’s effort to make New York a wintertime destination, these funds help keep trails safe and wellgroomed for residents and visitors who visit New York to enjoy our outstanding trail network. This work is made possible by a partnership with hard-working members of snowmobile clubs across the state.”
Department of Environmental
Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos added, “New York’s network of snowmobile trails is a driver for local economies and offers world-class winter recreation to residents and visitors alike. DEC works with State Parks, municipalities, and volunteers from local snowmobile clubs to maintain and enhance trails during the season and this new funding will support these efforts. I encourage anyone interested in venturing out to engage in a safe and enjoyable snowmobile adventure in the natural winter beauty of New York’s landscape.”
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President and CEO-designate Eric Gertler continued, “New York State offers more than 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails and this free registration weekend offers the perfect opportunity for out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers to plan a winter getaway, visit and stay in our communities, and experience some of the unique craft food, beverages and attractions that invite visitors to find what they love.”
Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said in the release, “We are proud to say we have made the process to register a snowmobile fast and easy. We join the Governor in encouraging sledders to take advantage of the free snowmobiling weekend and New York’s outstanding trails.”
New York State Snowmobile Association president Rosanne Warner noted that low snow conditions have not made it easy to get the trails ready for this season. “We thank the Governor and the State Office of Parks for getting these grants out to the participating municipalities,” she said in the release. “This funding makes possible the 10,000 plus miles of trail the clubs maintain each year through their volunteer efforts.”
Trail conditions may vary depending on snowfall amounts and other factors. Snowmobilers are advised to check the websites of area snowmobile clubs for information on trail conditions, including the status of grooming. The New York State Snowmobile Association website has information about snowmobiling and snowmobile clubs, and maps of the state snowmobile trail network are available on New York State Parks’ website.
The DMV reminds New York riders that snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually. Snowmobilers can renew their registrations online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office.
Snowmobile registration costs $100, but is decreased to $45 if the snowmobiler is a member of a local snowmobile club.
New York State supports snowmobiling with a Statewide Snowmobile Trail System traversing 45 counties, maintained by clubs, and funded through 51 municipal sponsors. More information on snowmobiling is available online at parks. ny.gov.
Further information on winter tourism in New York state is available at www.iloveny.com/winter and on the free I LOVE NY mobile app, available for download on the iTunes and Google Play app stores or at www.iloveny.com/mobile.