Governor Hochul Announces Annual Snowmobile Free Weekend

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that from March 3 to 5 this year, and then annually, the first Saturday and Sunday in a row in March will be free for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobile drivers. During this promotional weekend, the NYC registration requirement is waived for properly registered and insured out-of-state snowmobile enthusiasts wishing to explore NYC’s 10,500 miles of snowmobile trails.

“With the support of local governments and snowmobile clubs, we are thrilled to welcome out-of-state snowmobilers to New York State trails every year.” Governor Hochul said. “By offering this free snowmobile weekend at the same time each year, we hope to spark friendships, get annual trips on the calendar, and encourage upstate tourism. Our extensive snowmobile network provides visitors and tourists with an incredible opportunity to explore our state.”

Free snowmobile event participants from out of state and Canada must operate a snowmobile registered in their home state/province and must have appropriate insurance if required. In addition to this promotion, out-of-state and Canadian snowmobile riders must register their snowmobiles with New York State before heading down state trails from the Hudson Valley to the North Country and Western New York.

This year’s Free Snowmobile Weekend, running March 3-5, 2023, highlights the importance of tourism to the state and local economies, and New York City’s commitment to the industry in the wake of the pandemic. New York State has an ongoing commitment to maintaining snowmobile trails, and our local grants program is funded by snowmobile registration fees collected by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and paid into the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund. The county and municipal governments distribute grants to approximately 230 snowmobile clubs across the state, who in turn maintain and maintain the trails. Trail grants support 10,500 miles of designated trails across the state for snowmobilers to enjoy safely.

Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Eric Kullesade said: “There is no limit to what New Yorkers can experience in our state, and now we are thrilled to welcome even more outdoor winter lovers to the Empire State. I am grateful to the snowmobile clubs and local governments who help maintain the trails and make sure they are safe and well maintained for residents and visitors alike.”

Empire State Development Vice President and Tourism Executive Director Ross D. Levy said: “New York City has thousands of miles of snowmobile trails that offer visitors a great way to explore the state’s winter scenery. With unique outdoor activities, original accommodations, and delicious food and drink, our free snowmobile weekend completes any vacation. This is a great opportunity to plan a trip to be part of the frosty fun that all of New York State is waiting for.”

Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chairman of the Governor’s Highway Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder said: “DMV is delighted to be able to make it as easy as possible for people to enjoy New York City’s great trail system for snowmobiling. If the taste of trail riding gets people excited enough to do it on a regular basis, we’re ready, willing, and able to get your snowmobile registered and ready to go. Of course, it goes without saying that lugers should ride safely and responsibly, not when they could be injured.”

Jennifer Senf, Executive Director of the New York State Snowmobile Association, said: “We commend Governor Hohul for announcing and promoting the March 3-5 free snowmobile weekend in New York for out-of-state residents. The weekend is a great opportunity for out-of-state guests to come and explore over 10,000 miles of trails in New York State.”

Track conditions vary depending on the amount of snowfall and other factors. State parks are warning snowmobilers, fishermen, skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts to put safety first and exercise extreme caution before venturing into icy or snowy waters. Unusually warm weather forecast for next week and associated runoff could erode existing ice. The thickness of the ice can vary on each body of water; even within the same body of water. Given the warmer temperatures we’ve had this winter, lakes and ponds that appear frozen can be deceiving. Be aware of potential hazards under ice or snow-covered bodies of water. The presence of footprints or snowmobile tracks on ice should not be taken as evidence of safe ice conditions. People are strongly advised to check the ice conditions on site and avoid situations that pose even a remote risk. Going out on insufficiently thick ice can lead to tragedy and we want outdoor enthusiasts to have a good time and take the proper precautions to stay safe. Government funded snowmobile trails never cross frozen bodies of water.

Check the websites of local snowmobile clubs for information on trail conditions, including grooming status. Snowmobile operators must be familiar with safe driving and all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The New York State Snowmobile Association website contains information about snowmobiles and snowmobile clubs. Maps of the state snowmobile trail network are available on the New York State Parks website here.

An I LOVE NY guide to snowmobile trips available in the state can be found here.

The DMV is reminding New York City drivers that snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually. The DMV allows snowmobile riders to renew their registration online at the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Snowmobile registration costs $100, but drops to $45 if the snowmobile driver is a member of a local snowmobile club.

Out-of-State residents who wish to drive their snowmobile in New York State before or after this promotional holiday can use the Out-of-NYS Snowmobile Registration service to receive a 15-day registration and drive their snowmobile here immediately. The DMV will mail the permanent registration.

For snowmobiling information, visit parks.ny.gov. Visit the DEC website here for more information about snowmobiles on public lands.