The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said though there is no requirement for snowmobile trails to close during the Holiday Hunt period of December 26 through January 1, confirming trail openings is particularly important in the Southern Zone where hunting seasons are on-going during the last week of December. In addition to checking with local clubs, you can also check with your county Sheriff’s department to see if your local trail is open.

To find a club, you can visit the New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) website at www.nysnowmobiler.com.

The Office said the two leading causes of injury are excessive speed and operator intoxication.

Top safety recommendations include that snowmobilers should slow down, stay on marked trails, never drink or use drugs and ride; wear a helmet and proper gear; ride with a buddy or a group; and avoid riding on ice.

Snowmobile safety certificates are required for youth ages 10 through 17 if they want to operate solo on a state trail.

Snowmobile safety courses can be found here: https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/education.aspx.

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Snowmobile Bureau said for public safety reasons, grooming generally may not begin until the closure of Big Game hunting season.

They said snowmobilers should exercise restraint when operating snowmobiles before the start of the season.

The Snowmobile Bureau advises that snowmobiles should never be ridden on ice. They said all frozen bodies, regardless of rivers or lakes, are dangerous as the thickness of ice is not the same and ice doesn’t form evenly all over the whole surface of water bodies. When covered by snow, the lake’s surface may appear ridable. Ice thickness can vary on every body of water or even within the same body of water. The presence of snowmobile tracks or footprints on the ice should not be taken as evidence of safe ice conditions. Riding on ice that is not thick enough can lead to tragedy.

Snowmobile safety courses are required for kids between the ages of 10 and 18. To find a course, go to https://www.register-ed.com/programs/new_york/251-new-york-snowmobile-safety-course.

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.

New York has 10,500 miles of state-designated snowmobile trails and is considered a premier destination for snowmobiling