FREE Snowmobiling Weekends in New York! Here’s How to Ride Without Paying a Dime

Go Explore NY
Feb 28
2 min read

Attention all snowmobiling enthusiasts! Whether you’re from out of state or Canada, New York is rolling out the red carpet for you with TWO FREE SNOWMOBILING WEEKENDS—no registration required!

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that from February 28–March 2 and March 7–9, 2025, out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers can hit New York’s 10,000+ miles of trails for FREE! This initiative, part of the state’s push to boost outdoor recreation and tourism, allows visitors to explore stunning winter landscapes without having to register their snowmobiles in New York.

Why This Is a Big Deal

New York is home to some of the best snowmobiling trails in the country, stretching from the Adirondacks and the Catskills to the Tug Hill Plateau and the Great Lakes region. Normally, out-of-state riders must pay a registration fee, but during these select weekends, they can ride for free—saving up to $100!

"New York is home to more than 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails, making it the perfect place to explore everything from snow-peaked mountains and endless forests to pristine valleys and the Great Lakes," said Governor Hochul. "I encourage everyone to take advantage of the beauty our state has to offer."

How to Ride for Free

To qualify, riders must:✔ Have their snowmobile registered in their home state or province✔ Carry the required insurance✔ Follow all trail safety rules

Where to Ride?

New York offers some of the most diverse snowmobile trails in the Northeast, including:🏔 Adirondacks – Remote, scenic trails through dense forests and frozen lakes❄ Tug Hill Plateau – Some of the snowiest trails in the country🌊 Great Lakes Region – Stunning coastal rides along Lake Ontario and Lake Erie🌲 Catskills & Hudson Valley – Rolling hills and historic sites

A Win for Snowmobilers & Local Businesses

These free weekends are a major boost to local businesses, hotels, and restaurants that rely on winter tourism. Hope Knight, CEO of Empire State Development, noted, "Tourism is crucial to our regional economies, and this initiative helps visitors explore, dine, and shop in New York communities."

More Investments in Outdoor Fun!

Governor Hochul’s 2025-26 budget is packed with $200 million in outdoor recreation funding, including:✅ $100 million for community centers (NY BRICKS)✅ $67.5 million for playgrounds (NY PLAYS)✅ $50 million for swimming facilities (NY SWIMS)

Safety First: Ride Smart!

Officials remind riders to follow safety precautions:⚠ Always wear a DOT-certified helmet⚠ Never ride under the influence⚠ Stick to marked trails and respect landowners⚠ Use extreme caution on frozen lakes