The snow will be flying soon here in Western New York. We’ve already had a taste of it, and the Buffalo Airport has recorded more than 3 inches of snowfall this month! Of course, that’s nothing compared to the years when feet of lake-effect snow have barreled in off Lake Erie or Lake Ontario.

Winter Fun Across Western New York

For those who love the snow, WNY is one of the best places to be. From skiing and downhill sledding to building a backyard snowman, winter moves a lot faster when you’re actually enjoying it. And for many, the next level winter adventure is snowmobiling.

When Do Snowmobile Trails Open in New York State?

Snowmobile trails in New York State typically open after the first of the year, once deer season wraps up and hunters have cleared out of the woods. Trails open based on snow conditions and the approval of the local clubs that maintain them.

These snowmobile clubs across New York State do an incredible job maintaining relationships with landowners. Without that cooperation, there would be no snowmobiling.

New Snowmobile Laws Parents Should Know

If you ride and have little ones at home, there are important laws and requirements you should be aware of. New York State now requires snowmobile safety courses for riders ages 14 to 17.

But what about younger kids? Surprisingly, New York State does allow children as young as 10 years old to operate a snowmobile, provided they complete an approved safety course and have the proper permission.

There’s one more key rule parents should know:

According to New York State law, riders ages 10 to 13 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older who stays within 500 feet of them while on an approved trail.

Passing Down the Snowmobiling Tradition

I talk a lot about passing on outdoor traditions like hunting to the next generation. There’s something truly special about being in the woods with kids, friends, and family. Snowmobiling is no different, and it’s a great way to introduce children to winter in New York from a whole new perspective.

New York’s snowmobile trail system is incredible, especially as you get into the backwoods and more mountainous terrain of the state. Hats off to the clubs that not only work during snowstorms to keep trails groomed but also put in year-round effort to maintain some of the best and safest trail systems in the Northeast.

Why You Should Join a Snowmobile Club

If you haven’t joined a club yet, this winter is the time to do it. Membership gives you a discount on your annual snowmobile registration and the chance to support the volunteers and organizations who keep the trails open and safe. There is no trail system without the dedication of these clubs—the backbone of the sport we all love.

Read More: Major Burn Law For Those Who Have A Fireplace In New York State

Get the Kids Outside This Winter

Take a kid out this year and introduce them to snowmobiling! Show them the beauty of riding through a snow-covered forest on a quiet winter afternoon. There are plenty of opportunities to take the required safety courses and prepare your young riders for the safest and most enjoyable snowmobiling experience possible.

Until then, pray for snow! Once hunting season wraps up, here’s hoping Western New York gets the conditions we need for a great riding season.

Massive Snowmobile Fire In New York State

Gallery Credit: Clay Moden