Snowmobile safety courses, education offered
SARATOGA COUNTY, N.Y. >> New York State is a leader in snowmobile education and offers one operator training course for snowmobilers of all ages beginning at age 10.
This course provides fundamental information which all snowmobilers should possess in order to ensure the safety of riders and other trail users.
Successful completion of this course results in the award of a NYS Snowmobile Safety Certificate. Classes in Saratoga County in December will be taught on the following date:
Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019
Ballston Town Hall, 323 Charlton Rd, Ballston Spa N.Y. 12020 (Saratoga) Kristin Zalucki (518) 384-7756
Must Pre-Register, call/email firecatgirl@nycap.rr.com
Courses are taught by experienced snowmobilers who volunteer their time to make the sport safer and more enjoyable for everyone. They are usually sponsored by snowmobile clubs, agricultural extension offices, law enforcement agencies, or similar groups, and are available in fall and early winter.
View a list of courses being offered throughout New York State. This list is updated on a weekly basis during the snowmobile season.
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. Youth ages 10 through 13 may operate a snowmobile, on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed, if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York and are accompanied by (within 500 feet of) a person who is at least 18 years of age.
Children less than 10 years old or less than age 14 without a safety certificate may operate a snowmobile only on lands owned or leased by their parent or guardian.
A non-resident operator who is a resident of another state or country and is the holder of a valid snowmobile safety certificate issued by that state or country shall be considered the same as the holder of a New York State Safety Certificate.
The New York State Snowmobile Program exists by mandate from the Legislature. The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP)
has been given the responsibility to plan for the development, maintenance and oversight of a statewide snowmobile program. The Legislature finds that it is in the public interest to:
• Encourage the sport of snowmobiling as a family activity,
• Promote the proper and safe use and operation of snowmobiles,
• Provide an adequate safety educational program for youthful operators,
• Limit the operation of snowmobiles upon public highways and private property without the consent of the owner,
• Protect and preserve the state’s natural resources, including its wildlife, wild forests, waters and scenic and wilderness character,
• Reduce the effect on the environment of excess noise,
• Insure privacy of remote areas,
• Afford opportunity for compatible enjoyment of various recreational activities on the state’s lands and open spaces.
It is the purpose of this title to promote the safe and proper use of snowmobiles for recreation and commerce in this state by encouraging their use and development and minimize detrimental effects of such use upon the environment.
Program funding is obtained through snowmobile registrations. With the exception of the first ten dollars collected, the registration fees are used to support snowmobiling in New York State. These fees are deposited into a State Special Revenue Snowmobile Account that provides financial support to accomplish what was mandated.
This revenue is used to support local areas through grants-in-aid for snowmobile trail development and maintenance.
OPRHP works closely with the New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA). NYSSA represents over 200 snowmobile clubs and acts as an advocacy and advisory organization for the snowmobile clubs it represents. OPRHP is also a member of the International Association of Snowmobile Administrators (IASA).