Snowmobile Trail WARNING In New York State

This is a bittersweet weekend for those who love the snow in New York State.

The National Weather Service has constantly updated the forecast to change the amount of snow that will eventually fall in portions of New York State. When it is all over, there will be some areas with as much as four feet of snow on the ground!

This is great news as we have been waiting for at least some sort of snowfall. However, the timing of the snow is a good news -bad news situation.

READ MORE: What Is The Future Of Gas Powered Sleds In New York State?

We spoke with numerous snowmobile club organizers and member and although we have lots of snow east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, the snowmobile trails in New York State won't officially open until after the deer season which is not until after the start of the new year.

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One source we spoke to warned that most of the trails are on private property and riding them before the start of the season, or an official opening, means you are trespassing.

Beyond the legalities of trespassing on private land, those who do so also put the trails at risk of being shut off. Clubs go above and beyond to maintain the trails and, most importantly, they maintain the relationships of the landowners and club members.

KIDS ON SLEDS

As far as kids being on the trail on a sled in 2025, there are specific laws for them as well. The Erie County Federation of Snowmobile Clubs posted that: "Youth ages 14 through 17 years old may operate a snowmobile, on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed, without adult or other supervision if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York. If youth ages 14 through 17 years have not completed the training course, they may operate a snowmobile if accompanied by (within 500 feet of) a person who is at least 18 years of age".