The weather is about to change here in New York State, as a blast of cold air is set to return. The snow that recently melted into puddles may soon be piling up east of the Great Lakes, which could mean great news for snowmobiling enthusiasts. Areas along the Tug Hill Plateau are expected to receive significant snowfall over the next few days, and portions of Western New York are already under winter weather advisories. That means it’s time to get those snowmobiles ready once again.

A Wild Winter So Far Across the Northeast

It has certainly been an interesting winter so far across the Northeast. A fairly significant January thaw moved through the region, with some days seeing temperatures climb into the 60-degree range. Even at the time of this article’s publication in mid-January, the thermometer was sitting at a comfortable 43 degrees. But as anyone who lives in Western New York knows, that can all change quickly, and it looks like it’s about to.

Preparing for Lake-Effect Snow and Trail Openings

While we wait for the lake-effect snow machine to fire back up, now is the perfect time for snowmobile owners to run through another inventory checklist and make sure everything is ready for when the trails open.

It’s important to remember that trail systems are opened and maintained by local snowmobile clubs. Joining the clubs where you ride not only supports the volunteers who make the trails possible, but also keeps you informed. Be sure to monitor trail conditions and opening updates through club websites and social media pages.

According to a post on Facebook from the Southern Tug Hill Sno-Riders (as of January 13) “Trail conditions are mixed across the system. Some fair, some good, and some excellent. Word on the trail: get out and ride”!

A Tug Hill Reminder: Fuel Quality Matters

I can’t help but think back to our trip to Tug Hill last year when we noticed heavy smoke coming from one of the snowmobiles ahead of us on the trail. That machine ended up catching fire. The working theory was that the fuel inside had been sitting since the previous season and may have contributed to the issue.

Thankfully, no one was hurt, and incredibly, that snowmobile has since been repaired and is back in action for the 2026 season. Hats off to the service crew that managed to bring it back to life.

Clay Moden Photos

Clay Moden PhotosWhy Fresh Gas Is Critical for Snowmobiles

If you own any type of small engine or motorized off-road vehicle, fuel quality is extremely important. I don’t think I truly understood just how important it was until I watched that snowmobile smolder on a cold January day.

There are several ways to help protect your engine, including using fuel stabilizers or even draining the tank completely at the end of the season. These steps can help ensure your machine runs properly when the next riding season arrives.

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Some riders swear by starting the season with 87-octane fuel, believing it is often the freshest gas available at most stations. Others prefer to run higher-octane gasoline to keep their snowmobiles running at peak performance. In areas like Tug Hill, 91-octane fuel is commonly used and is often just as fresh as 87-octane elsewhere due to high demand.

Follow Manufacturer and Dealer Recommendations

The best advice is to check with your snowmobile’s manufacturer to see what fuel they recommend. It’s also smart to consult a professional service technician or your local motorsports dealer. They can guide you on proper fuel use and storage procedures, whether you’re preparing for your first ride of the season or putting the sled away after the last one.

Snowgoer.com recommends that: “When fueling up a sled, buy what the owner’s manual suggests. Don’t choose high-octane fuels because you think a machine will run better or faster. Fuel with a higher octane rating will not improve power in an engine that has been calibrated to run on 87-octane fuel”.

Hoping for Snow, Cold, and Open Trails

Here’s hoping for colder temperatures, steady snowfall, and maybe even a strong blast of lake-effect snow. With the right conditions, local clubs can get out to maintain, groom, and open trails, setting the stage for a fun and safe remainder of the snowmobiling season.

Be safe, have fun, and let’s ride.

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Gallery Credit: Clay Moden