NY waives registration for out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers from March 3-5

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that beginning March 3 to 5 this year, and annually thereafter, the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in March, will be free for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers.

During this promotional weekend, the requirement to register in New York is waived for properly registered and insured out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts wishing to explore New York’s 10,500 miles of snowmobile trails.

“With the support of local governments and snowmobile clubs, we are so glad to welcome out-of-state snowmobilers each year to New York State trails,” Governor Hochul said. “By offering this free snowmobiling weekend at the same time each year, our hope is to spur friendships, get annual trips on calendars and boost promotion of upstate tourism. Our expansive snowmobile network gives visitors and tourists an incredible opportunity to explore our state.”

Out-of-state and Canadian participants in the free snowmobiling event 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.

This year’s free snowmobiling weekend, March 3 to 5, 2023, reinforces the importance of tourism to state and local economies, and New York’s commitment to the industry in the wake of the pandemic.

New York State has made an ongoing commitment to snowmobile trail maintenance and our local grants program is 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. The trail grants support 10,500 miles of designated trails across the state for snowmobilers to safely enjoy.

A guide from I LOVE NY to snowmobile trips available in the state can be found by clicking here.

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.

Non-New Yorkers who wish to use a snowmobile in New York State before or after this promotional weekend can use the NYS Registration for out-of-state Snowmobile service to get a 15-day registration and operate their snowmobile here immediately. DMV will send a permanent registration in the mail.

For information on snowmobiling, visit parks.ny.gov.