December 21, 2023
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NYS Parks Encourages Snowmobilers to Ride SafelyStay on Designated/Opened Trails, Avoid Frozen Bodies of Water and Check Speed |
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The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is reminding snowmobilers to ride responsibly and put safety first as they enjoy New York State’s outstanding snowmobiling opportunities. Historically, the two leading causes of snowmobiler injury in New York are excessive speed and operator intoxication. Additionally, riding on ice is a risk that should be taken seriously. Top OPRHP safety recommendations include:
Everyone operating a snowmobile should be familiar with safe riding practices and all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The best way to learn is by taking a snowmobile safety course. To find a course, please visit the following link: https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/education.aspx. A safety certificate is required for youthful operators between ages 10 and 17, if they want to ride solo on a New York State trail. Before heading out, riders are reminded to check the latest trail conditions with local snowmobile clubs. To find a club, visit the New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) website at www.nysnowmobiler.com. Also review the latest trail conditions, visit NYSSA’s trail map via the following link: https://webapps2.cgis-solutions.com/nysnowmobile/. Joining a snowmobile club helps support snowmobiling in New York State. Club members receive a discounted registration fee and help support the clubs who make up the backbone of the New York State snowmobile trail system. Snowmobile season begins at different times across the State, with regard to multiple factors: the close of Big Game hunting seasons for both the Northern and Southern Hunting Zones (per the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation: https://www.dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/deer-bear/seasons), local laws & ordinance, and sufficient snow accumulation in your area (greater than 3”).As such, please check with your local snowmobile club or contact NYSSA directly to learn whether local trails are opened or closed. OPRHP oversees the development, maintenance, and oversight of a statewide snowmobile program, which features approximately 10,500 miles of State-designated snowmobile trails. For more information on snowmobiling in New York, visit https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 79.5 million visits in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the OPRHP Blog. |
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