Although snowmobile registration fees collected by the state Department of Motor Vehicles help provide grants for local snowmobile clubs to pay for trail maintenance, the state plans to offer two free snowmobile weekends for all visiting out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers.

This year’s events will occur March 1-3 and March 8-10.

The state hopes the free passes to ride will encourage out-of-state visitors to come ride the 10,500 miles of snowmobile trails New York has to offer, said a press release from the governor's office.

“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 1-3 and March 8-10, helps with tourism for state and local economies, and reinforces New York's commitment to the industry, the governor's office claims.

However, according to the press release from the governor's office, registration fees help support snowmobile trail maintenance. The state provides grants for trail maintenance which are 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, said the press release.

Safety on the trail

This announcement is also a good reminder for riders to observe trail conditions and safety procedures while snowmobiling, the state said. Trail conditions vary depending on snowfall amounts and other factors. State Parks caution snowmobilers, fishermen, skiers and snowshoers to put safety first and to proceed with extreme caution before venturing on ice- or snow-covered bodies of water. Historically, the two leading causes of snowmobile injuries in New York State are excessive speed and operator intoxication.

Top safety recommendations include:

INSPECT and properly maintain your snowmobile; carry emergency supplies

ALWAYS wear a helmet with DOT-certified standards and make sure you wear appropriate snowmobile gear including bibs, jackets, boots, and gloves to withstand the elements

ALWAYS ride with a buddy or group and tell a responsible person where you will be riding and your expected return time

SLOW DOWN. Ride within your ability

STAY ON MARKED TRAILS. Respect landowners and obey posted signs

NEVER drink alcohol or use drugs and ride

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. If you choose to ride on ice, wear a snowmobile suit with flotation built-in and carry a set of ice picks as a precaution.

Check the websites of area snowmobile clubs for information on trail conditions, including the status of grooming. Individuals operating a snowmobile should be familiar with safe riding practices and all applicable laws, rules and regulations. The New York State Snowmobile Association website provides information about snowmobiling and snowmobile clubs. Maps of the state snowmobile trail network are available on New York State Parks' website here.

More information on planning a great snowmobile getaway and other ways to enjoy winter in New York State is available at iloveny.com/winter.

DEC recently enacted speed limit regulations, effective immediately, for the length of the Adirondack Rail Trail which posts limits of 15 miles per hour in Saranac Lake and Lake Clear. Visit DEC’s website for more information on the Adirondack Rail Trail. Visit the DEC website here for more information on snowmobiling on Forest Preserve and other DEC lands.

The DMV reminds New York riders that snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually. DMV allows snowmobilers to renew 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.

DEC recently enacted speed limit regulations, effective immediately, for the length of the Adirondack Rail Trail which posts limits of 15 miles per hour in Saranac Lake and Lake Clear. Visit DEC’s website for more information on the Adirondack Rail Trail. Visit the DEC website here for more information on snowmobiling on Forest Preserve and other DEC lands.

The DMV reminds New York riders that snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually. DMV allows snowmobilers to renew 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.