Make Snowmobile Safety a Top Priority All Winter Season

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Tourism Office reminds snowmobile riders to keep safety a top priority during International Snowmobile Safety Week Jan. 10-18 – and all season long.

“Oswego County’s legendary lake effect snowfall makes it a prime destination for snowmobilers,” said Oswego County Deputy Director of Tourism Daniel Breitweg. “Volunteers of our area snowmobile clubs work tirelessly to ensure the roughly 400 miles of trails in the county are maintained and safe for riders.

“We encourage people to get out and enjoy our trail network, but remind them to also ride safely,” he continued. “Always wear a helmet and adequate clothing, stay within the designated riding areas, operate at safe speeds for the conditions and avoid snowmobiling alone.”

Follow these tips to ensure a safe snowmobiling experience:

• Know your riding abilities and do not go beyond them.
• Be familiar with your riding area. Keep a map with you in case you get lost.
• Never operate a snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol.
• Keep your snowmobile in good condition and know its capabilities.
• Dress appropriately for the weather. Wear layers of clothing so you can adjust based on the conditions. Be sure to wear a windproof outer layer, warm gloves or mittens, boots and a NYSDOT-rated or SNELL-certified helmet.
• Make sure your helmet is in good condition, fits well and is safety certified. A visor is essential to ensure clear vision. The chin strap should be snug.
• Wear glasses or goggles that protect your eyes from the sun and wind.
• Make a snow plan and share it with friends and family. Let them know your planned route and travel times and update them when you have arrived and are leaving.
• Use basic hand signals to indicate to other snowmobilers and car drivers when you’re stopping, turning, slowing down or when there are oncoming sleds.
• Stay alert and be cautious of potential hazards. Riding in low-light, darkness or overcast conditions require extra attention. Slow down and watch for others.
• Be aware of water hazards. Never cross lakes or rivers and be on the lookout for water holes while on the trail.
• Always follow local regulations and rules while out on the trails. Stay on marked trails and yield to the groomer.
• Review the New York State Snowmobilers Guide for information about safety, regulations, and more. The guide can be accessed online at https://nysnowmobiler.com/safety/nys-snowmobilers-guide/ or a physical copy can be ordered from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Snowmobilers must also ensure their snowmobile is properly registered. Any snowmobile operating in New York State must be registered with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), even if it is registered in another state or province, except under special circumstances. Snowmobilers are required to always carry the snowmobile’s original certificate of registration.

To register or renew your registration, visit any Oswego County DMV location:

• Oswego: 384 E. River Rd., 315-349-8300
• Fulton: 200 N. Second St., 315-591-9136
• Pulaski: 2 Broad St., 315-298-6521

Snowmobile trails in Oswego County are maintained by club members of the Oswego County Snowmobile Association. It is comprised of the Fulton Area Snow Travelers; Kasoag Trailblazers; Mexico Trail Riders; Pulaski-Boylston Snowmobile Club; Redfield Snowmobile Association; Square Valley Trail Blazers; Sterling Trail Tamers; Vanderbilt Snowmobile Club; and Winona Forest Recreation Association.

During snowmobile season, Oswego County Tourism provides weekly winter trails reports as clubs provide updates. To access the report, visit https://visitoswegocounty.com/outdoor-activities/winter-trails-report/ or call 1-800-248-4FUN (4386) and select option 3.

For more snowmobile safety tips, visit the New York State Snowmobile Association website at  https://nysnowmobiler.com/.

For more information on snowmobiling in Oswego County, visit the Oswego County Tourism website at https://visitoswegocounty.com/.

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