East Aurora Advertiser

Snowmobile Safety Encouraged as Season Opens


The New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation reminds snowmobilers to ride responsibly and put safety first as they enjoy winter snowmobiling. The two leading causes of injury are excessive speed and operator intoxication.

Top safety recommendations include:

-SLOW DOWN. Ride responsibly. Ride within your ability, ride to the right and always operate at a safe and prudent speed.

-STAY ON MARKED TRAILS, respect landowners and obey posted signs.

-NEVER drink alcohol or use drugs and ride.

-Check over your snowmobile; make sure it is in good working order and carry emergency supplies.

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

-Always ride with a buddy or group and tell someone who is responsible where you will be riding and the expected return time.

-Do Not Ride on Ice. Riding on ice that is not thick enough can lead to tragedy. Frozen bodies of water are not designated trails; if you choose to ride on ice, proceed with caution and be aware of potential hazards under the snow; wear a snowmobile suit with flotation built in and carry a set of ice picks as a precaution. 

A safety certificate is required for youth ages 10 to 17-years-old to operate solo on a state trail.

Everyone operating a snowmobile should be familiar with safe riding practices and applicable laws, rules and regulations. The best way to learn is by taking a snowmobile safety course. One can be found at parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/education.aspx.

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 at www.nysnowmobiler.com. Joining a snowmobile club helps support snowmobiling in New York State. Club members receive a discounted registration fee and help support the clubs that make up the backbone of the New York State snowmobile trail system.

Statewide, snowmobile trails traditionally open after the close of the regular deer hunting season, which ended in early December in Northern New York and mid-December in Southern New York, and when trails are covered with three or more inches of snow or ice.

Snowmobile trails in State Parks and on Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) lands are now open, where snow conditions are appropriate. In State Parks and on DEC State Forests, snowmobiles can be used on designated snowmobile trails whenever the trail is completely covered with snow or ice. Snowmobilers can monitor trail conditions on the NYSSA Snowmobile Map, available as an app or online at webapps2.cgis-solutions.com/nysnowmobile/.

On private lands, trail networks are coordinated by local snowmobile clubs that determine trail open periods and closures based on snow conditions and landowner agreements and are not limited by hunting regulations. DEC and Parks remind everyone enjoying the outdoors to respect other users, and to “Share the Snow” this and every winter.

For more information, visit parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/.

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