Governor Cuomo Announces Free Snowmobiling Weekend March 7-8
No Registration Fee for Out-of-State and Canadian Snowmobilers
2015 Adirondack Winter Challenge Will be Held on March 8
$4 Million Awarded to Snowmobile Trail Maintenance
Launch of New Digital Ad Promoting Free Snowmobiling Weekend, Viewed
Here
Governor Andrew Cuomo made a number of announcements today geared toward
boosting Upstate winter tourism, including a free snowmobiling weekend
to be held in communities across New York on March 7 and 8 for all out-of-state
and Canadian snowmobilers. Registration fees will be waived for properly
registered and insured out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts wishing to
explore New York’s 10,400 miles of trails.
The Governor also announced that the 2015 Winter Challenge will be held
the same weekend, on March 8.
“Boosting Upstate tourism has been a top priority for this administration, and this free snowmobiling weekend, Winter Challenge and ad campaign showcase all New York has to offer – even in the Winter,” Governor Cuomo said. “I encourage New Yorkers and out-of-towners to plan a trip and experience these beautiful trails, vistas and world renowned resorts for themselves.”
Free Snowmobiling Weekend March 7-8
Currently out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers are required to register
their snowmobiles with New York State before hitting the State’s
trails, stretching from the Hudson Valley to the North Country to Western
New York. Snowmobile registration costs $100, but is decreased to $45
if registered through a local snowmobile club. This fee will be waived
for out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers during the promotional March
7-8 weekend provided they are properly registered and insured in another
state or Canada.
Town registration fees will also be waived March 7-8 for all in-state,
out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers, including in the town of Webb,
in Herkimer County, and the town of Inlet, in Hamilton County.
For information on snowmobiling, including online registration for out-of-state
snowmobilers, during non-promotional times, visit
http://dmv.ny.gov/registration/register-snowmobile.
The State’s snowmobiling community has a total economic impact of
$868 million, according to a 2011 study by the State University at Potsdam.
The promotional March 7-8 weekend is expected to provide a boost to local
small businesses and promote the State’s vast network of snowmobile
trails, which are groomed and maintained by more than 230 local snowmobile
clubs across the State. The State is also committed to holding a free
snowmobiling weekend again next winter.
Rose Harvey, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation said, “Through the efforts of Governor Cuomo, more
and more people are discovering how much New York has to offer to outdoor
recreation enthusiasts. This promotional weekend will allow visitors to
enjoy our wonderful state, park system and one of the most extensive snowmobile
trail systems in the country at no cost.”
New York State Snowmobiling Executive Director Dominic Jacangelo said,
“New York has the largest trail system outside of Maine and some
of the best trails in the Northeast. We applaud the Governor for designating
a free weekend for riders from the surrounding states and Canada to show
them what a great experience New York has to offer. From Chautauqua to
Plattsburgh, New York is the ‘State of Opportunity’ for snowmobilers.
This effort will support the thousands of New Yorkers who depend on snowmobiling
for their livelihood.”