At the start of snowmobiling season, New York State urges riders to keep safety in mind, both when operating and during any breaks with fellow riders.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, snowmobile safety courses continue to be offered, said a press release from the state Parks and Recreation Department. Successful completion of this course, results in the issuance of a NYS Snowmobile Safety Certificate.

This certificate is required for youth between ages 10 and 18 to operate a snowmobile, but all riders can benefit from taking a course that provides fundamental information which all should possess to ensure the safety of both rider and other trail users.

State Park Police, State Troopers, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers and local enforcement agencies enforce State Laws on snowmobile trails, including instances of unsafe or reckless operation, speed limits including the state’s maximum speed of 55 MPH, and operating while intoxicated.

Those rules apply on all local and club trails, as well as the 10,500-mile Statewide Trail System, which traverses 45 counties and includes lands under the jurisdiction of state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), New York State Canal Corporation, local governments, and many private landowners.

State Parks is anticipating an increase in snowmobile trail use this season. Outdoor recreational equipment sales have increased during the pandemic, snowmobile registrations in New York are running ahead of last year’s figures and the current closure of the U.S.-Canadian border will prevent New Yorkers from going to that country for snowmobiling.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reminds New Yorkers to register their snowmobiles before hitting the trails. Snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually and may be renewed online on the DMV website.

Under COVID-19 guidance provided by the state Health Department, individuals must wear face coverings when they are in a public and are within six feet of distance from other individuals; in a situation or setting where they are unable to maintain six feet of distance from other individuals; or in a public or private transportation carrier or for-hire vehicle.

Snowmobile safety courses remain available, with limited class size under state Health Department safety guidance. A listing of available classes can be found online at https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/safety-courses.aspx.

Recommendations for safe riding include:

Prior to starting your ride, check over the snowmobile to make sure it is in good working order and carry emergency supplies.

Always wear a DOT- or SNELL-approved helmet and make sure to wear the proper snowmobile gear including bibs, jackets, boots, and gloves.

Always ride with a buddy or at least one other person.

Ride responsibly and within your abilities.

Always ride to the right side of the trail especially at hill crests and curves.

Operate at a speed which is safe and prudent for the given conditions.

Respect landowners, obey posted signs, and stay on the marked trail.

Frozen bodies of water are not designated trails. If planning to ride on ice, proceed with caution and be aware of potential hazards under the snow. Consider wearing 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.

For more information on snowmobiling in New York, visit https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles.