NY touts free snowmobiling for out-of-staters, Canadians over two weekends

Photo by Tom Rivers: A snowmobiler heads west on the Erie Canal towpath on Jan. 24 in Albion at a spot just east of the Ingersoll Street lift bridge.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced two free snowmobile weekends for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers to rev their engines and explore what New York has to offer.

New York State will waive registration fees for out-of-state snowmobilers Feb. 28-March 2 and March 7-9, encouraging out-of-state visitors to come ride the more than 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails in New York State.

“New York is home to more than 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails, making it the perfect place to explore everything from snow peaked mountains and endless forests to pristine valleys and the Great Lakes,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of the beauty our state has to offer, and we’re making it easier with free snowmobiling weekends for adventurers to see it for themselves.”

During the weekends, 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.