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Vol.7#2 3

WWW.NYSNOWMOBILER.COM

PUBLISHER Kent Lester | CO-PUBLISHER Mark R. Lester | MANAGING EDITOR Matt Lester | NYSSA EDITOR Anne O’Dell | FEATURE EDITORS John Arkwright, Matt

Lester, Mike Lester, Craig Nicholson, Dom Jacangelo, Jim Rolf | PUBLIC RELATIONS EDITOR Harold McAdam | ART & PRODUCTION Andrew Knor | ADMINISTRATION

Barb Lester, Leslie Austen | CIRCULATION Matt Lester, Garth Atkinson, Publication Partners. | MARKETING Vern Putzer, Gary Broderick, John Arkwright, Paul Stewart

WARNING: Some of the action shown in this magazine is potentially dangerous. Almost all riders photographed are professionals, racers or experienced experts. It is strongly recommended readers do not attempt to duplicate stunts beyond their capabilities. Always wear a helmet, boots and safety equipment.

NEW YORK STATE SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 1.888.624.3849Supertrax New York Snowmobiler Magazine is published twice yearly by Supertrax LLC. Mailing address for marketing and editorial is Dupont Center, Suite 408, 9801 Dupont Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55431. Copyright 2017 Supertrax LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by analog or digital means without the written consent of the publishers. Publishers are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. Address for subscriptions is: PO Box 197, Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0197. Toll free: 1.800.905.TRAX.

TOLL-FREE NUMBER FOR ADVERTISING AND SALES ONLY: 1.888.905.TRAX (8729)

NYSSA STAFFDominic Jacangelo, Executive Director

James E. Rolf, Trail Coordinator

Anne M. O’Dell, General Manager

Membership Help Line

WINTER 2017 Volume 7#2

PRESIDENT’S DESK: How Far We’ve Come.

EYE ON NYSSA: A Most Precious Resource!

TRAIL REPORT: Trail Safety.

NYSSA NEWS:Updates on Trails, Programs, Laws and Events.

INFORMATIONCOLUMNS

CONTENTS

THE C5A TRAIL REBUILD PROJECT

NYSSA promotes safe and responsible trail riding. All riders should stay on designated trails and have full control of their sled at all times. Some advertisements in this publication may not represent this policy.

RIDE NEW YORK:Clinton County.

TRAVEL

Vol.7#24

How far we’ve come!By Rosanne Warner, president@nysnowmobiler.com

This past fall I was checking out the vendor section of a snowmobile swap meet when I came across a real find. Many times at these events you will find your usual sale of parts, gear and vintage sleds but this year I found a vendor who was selling nothing but snowmobile memorabilia. Patches, pins, vintage owner’s manuals, you name it – he probably had it; everything

but parts and snowmobiles.

What? What did I buy? What did I throw my money away on? An anti-snowmobiling issue of LIFE magazine?!

After I read the entire article I sat and thought for a while about what riding used to be like back in the 70s and then my disap-pointment in the magazines subsided when I realized just how far the sport has come.

The story basically outlines how the ma-chines were a nuisance. A “minitank on rubber treads and skis”. The article cites 84 fatalities as a statistic for 1970 and notes that the machines reach speeds of 60 mph. It even likens the sound of a snowmobile to that of a “hysterical chainsaw” and focus-es on people using snowmobiles to camp jack, poach animals, ignore fences and run over trees.

The closing to the article states that as a result of the misbehavior of all the bad ap-ples, regulation and driver’s license require-ments needed to be made law and enforced.

The photo on the cover depicts a snowmobiler on a 1971 Ski Doo Olympic 399 jumping a snowbank with the cap-tion “Snowmobiler Arthur Mason crashed through a drift”. The headline of the maga-zine reads “UPROAR OVER SNOWMO-BILES” and based on the direction of the trees in the background, the photo was angled on purpose to make the jump ap-pear more dangerous than it probably was.

Not noticing any of that, I gave the maga-zine a quick once over being sure to check out the photos and without hesitation, paid the asking price of $10 for the magazine. I have to admit that I never really read it until I got home but when I did sit down to read it, I was kind of upset that snowmobiles were not exactly seen as a good thing in LIFE magazine’s eyes. As a matter of fact, the title to the story was “A million snow-mobiles noisily cruise the land Cool, Fast Fun – and Trouble, Too”

While carefully checking everything out that the tent had to offer I came across what I considered my weekend treasure, a copy of the February 26, 1971 edition of LIFE maga-zine. The cost back in 1971 was a much bet-

caught my attention. I’ll bet you never knew that a snowmobile had at one time graced the cover of the iconic LIFE magazine. I sure

snowmobile made it into a magazine known for its covers and ability to capture great mo-ments in history.

A magazine that featured images of the Beatles, John F Kennedy, and even the Pope had a snowmobile on the cover. At one time LIFE magazine could be found in just about every home and business across the US. To see a snowmobile on the cover of one of the most notable magazines in the country just kind of struck me and instantly became one of those ‘had to have’ items.

Polaris fullpage ad

Vol.7#26

Continued

Fast forward forty-six years and no one can argue that the sport of snowmobiling has not come a very long way. We sure have baby!

The sport has become bigger and bet-ter organized. It has changed so much from the days back when everything was con-

direction, to the well-groomed system we see today. The lack of organization and a recognized trail system obviously caused mass trespassing issues, accidents and lost snowmobilers which inadvertently pro-moted more trespassing issues.

Back then, a good day might get you 50 miles - round trip. This was not done with-out numerous mishaps, breakdowns and towing a snowmobile was about as usual of an event as the mass trespassing was.

We wore full body snowsuits with cuffs around the wrists that balled up with snow and froze your hands. We had speckled open face brain buckets for helmets with bubble shields and who could forget the patches. Everyone collected them, every manufacturer had them and there were a fair share of humorous patches too including the ever popular “Don’t Eat Yellow Snow”.

Today, we still hear stories of trespassing but compared to what it once was, I’d say

know there is still more to do and trespass-ing is still an issue from time to time.

The trail system in New York has been

reaches over 10,000 miles. Hard working volunteers build and maintain the trails while riders support the work through their memberships and registrations fees.

Today, snowmobiling in New York State is close to a billion dollar industry with many communities depending on the mon-ey snowmobilers spend when they visit.

Over time, snowmobiling most certainly did get what LIFE magazine suggested

standards, noise emission laws and most

places recommend some kind of snowmo-bile safety class.

Snowmobiling got organized, built a political voice and continues to improve. The machines have moved to a place that people in the 1970s could only dream of. Heated hand warmers, heated seats, heat-ed shields, helmets with intercom systems, not to mention suspension systems that would make any rider in 1971 jealous.

It was the only time a snowmobile wound up on the cover of that magazine. As much as I would like to, I can’t include any of the photos from the issue for obvi-ous reasons but I think if you Google it, you will see what a great cover it was and the article although hard to stomach, was spot on for the times. If you’re interested in seeing the cover, try a Google search for ‘February 26, 1971 LIFE magazine’.

I’m sure that for those of you old enough to remember the Ski Doo’s of the 1970s, it will bring back some memories. For those of you not old enough to remember those days, be glad, they rode like lumber wag-ons with 2x4’s for suspension and no such thing as hand warmers back them.

Either way, I hope you get to see it and appreciate the cover as much as I did. Ap-preciate just how far we’ve come and un-derstand how much further we need to go.

Happy riding, stay safe and see you on the trails!

HERE’S WHY

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WHAT MATTERS ISWHAT’S NEXT.

OUR NE X T M X Z . YOUR NE X T CORNER.

Vol.7#28

Landowners: A Most Precious Resource!

NYSSAEYE By Dominic Jacangelo, NYSSA Executive Director, dominic@nysnowmobiler.com ON

This season there will be about 10,500 miles of trail which is in part supported through the registration fees we all pay. In ad-dition there is at least another 2000 miles of club supported trail throughout the state. What makes this possible? Obviously there are our countless volunteers who create the trail. But there is another volunteer who we frequently overlook and that

is our volunteer landowner.

allows snowmobiling on their lands in -

sands of acres they own in NY and in other states.

NYSSA has been work-ing with State Senator John DeFrancisco and

Assemblyman Angelo San-tabarbara on legislation (S4258

/ A5712) that would provide all our landowners with a small state income

tax credit for allowing a funded trail through their property. NYSSA feels that this modest tax credit is a great way to thank landowners. Considering the an-

note from you to your legisla-tor that you support this bill would go a long way.

Every rider has the responsibility to:

1. Thank a landowner. If you know a landowner,

thank them for opening up their land for snowmobiling! And then thank them again!

2. Stay on the marked trail. Because an owner gave the club permission to use their property for a trail it does not mean you have the right to ride anywhere you want. Stay between the stakes and on the trail. Stay off their winter crops!

3. Don’t ride with loud pipes. You may think you are cool for running those cans but all you are doing is contributing to owners closing trails.

4. Be respectful.down, stop, open your helmet or

take it off, and listen. He is stop-ping you for a reason and it

may be your own safety.

We are working on a letter that landowners

could send their member of the legislature. Watch www.

nysnowmobiler.com for details!

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Throughout NY thousands of land-owners voluntarily open their land to a trail. They are the ones who work with the local club to ensure the trail is properly located and properly po-liced by the local club. It is these landowners who are the steward of the land we ride on. Many of them have cared for this land for generations, paid taxes on this land, and sometimes have to put up with inconsiderate riders. Don’t be one of them.

This summer we were all reminded how important all our landowners are when one of them thought they might not allow a trail

property owner felt very strongly that their voice was not being heard by local gov-ernment. I am very pleased to report that Woodwise has informed the club that they will allow the trail to open on their land. Woodwise deserves recognition for being a very generous landowner who not only

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Vol.7#2 9

Vol.7#210

A future groomer operator takes a ride in the groomer while Mom and Dad try out the sleds during a Take a Friend Snowmobiling Event in Pulaski, NY.

NYSSA NEWS

SLEDNY: Education, Promotion, and Safe Snowmobiling

What is SLEDNY? Assisting NYSSA with it mission is another

At the 2012 NYSSA Annual Meeting the delegates authorized NYSSA to form a

charitable arm is known as SLEDNY. SLEDNY is a tax exempt, sales tax exempt organization which mission is to educate the public and participants on all aspects

By Dom Jacangelo, NYSSA Executive Director

does not participate in lobbying on the federal, state or local level.

How is SLEDNY organized?The SLEDNY Budget is adopted by its board of directors in May of each year. The SLEDNY Board of Directors are the

Budget and Finance Committee and the NYSSA Executive Director. No member

of snowmobiling. Promotion and safety are both part of SLEDNY’s mission. While not an acronym the name was derived from “Snowmobile Leadership and Education in NY.”

What can SLEDNY do? What can’t it do?SLEDNY may receive tax-deductible gifts which may take many different forms consistent with the IRS Code. SLEDNY

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INDIANLAKEEA@FRONTIERNET.NET

518-648-5828

DON’T FORGET TO LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

INDIANLAKEEA@FRONTIERNET.NET

518-648-5828

DON’T FORGET TO LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

>>

>2018 SUPER RAFFLE

10 $500 Cash - Onondaga County Snowmobile Assn11 $500 Cash - Seven Valley Snow Goers12 $500 Cash - Wayne County Snowmobile Clubs13 2 night stay+dinner for 2 - The Old Schoolhouse Inn & Rest14 2-night stay in a Jacuzzi Suite, off peak - The Edge Hotel15 $300 Cash - Greenwood Lake Snowballers Snow. Club16 $300 Cash - Snowrats Snowmobile Club17 The Ride Lite Classic Combo - 2 pack - Quad County Snow Club1819 $250 Cash - Delaware Valley Ridge Riders20 $250 Cash - Marilla Sno-Mob Snowmobile Club21 $250 Cash - Onondaga County Snowmobile Assn22 $250 Cash - Rock Tavern Sno Riders23 $250 Cash - Shawangunk Snowmobile & Rescue Club24 $250 Cash - Shawnee Sno Chiefs25 Arctic Appeal Jacket in Berry or Blue - Divas Snow Gear26 Safety Equip Pkg incl Snobunje - Unstuckables27 $200 Cash - Caledonia Trailblazers Snowmobile Club28 $200 Cash - Cattaraugus County Federation of Snow Clubs29 $200 Cash - Childwold Sno Packers30 $200 Cash - Cranberry Lake Mountaineers31

5th PRIZE: $1,350 2-day Snowmobile Rental for 2 & 2 nights @ Lake Pleasant Lodge - Village Motorsports, Speculator, NY6th PRIZE: $1,300 Cash donated by the Snowmobile Clubs of Chautauqua County, NY 7th PRIZE: $1,000 Cash donated by Fisk Distributing (Triton Trailers), Lyndonville, NY8th PRIZE: $1,000 Cash donated by Columbia County Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club9th PRIZE: $650 Value Complete Traction Package & Woody’s Wear - Woody’s

Sponsored by

ONONDAGA COUNTY SNOWMOBILE ASSOC. INC. In support of N.Y.S. SNOWMOBILE TRAILS

$5,000 Cash

OR

OR

OR

323334 $200 Cash - Enchanted Mountains Border Riders35 $200 Cash - Hilton Sno Flyers3637 $200 Cash - Lehigh Valley Snow Riders38 $200 Cash - Madison County Snowmobile Association39 $200 Cash - Niagara County Snowmobile Federation40 $200 Cash - Northern Warren Trailblazers41 $200 Cash - Oneida County Area Snowmobile Assn42 $200 Cash - O-T-Go SnoGoers43 $200 Cash - Penn Mountain Snowmobile Club44 $200 Cash - Royal Motor Company, Cortland NY45 $200 Cash - Salisbury Ridgerunners Snowmobile Club46 $200 Cash - Seneca Sledders47 $200 Cash - Washington County Assn of Snowmobile Clubs48 $200 Cash - Wyoming County Snowmobile Federation49 $150 Cash - Cayuga County Snowmobile Assn50 1 nights lodging & hot breakfast - Tailwater Lodge51 $100 Cash - Tioga Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club

Sun & Snow Recreation

2018 ARCTIC CATZR 200 SLED

NYS Polaris Dealers

2018 Polaris Indy600 SLED

NYS Ski-Doo Dealers

2018 SkidooMXZ Sport 600 SLED

Courtesy of NYSSA - www.nysnowmobiler.com

The 1st Prize Winner will select one of the four prizes above; 2nd will choose next; 3rd will choose next; and the 4th prize winner gets the remaining prize.

Drawing: April 21, 2018. Winners announced at the SLEDNY Educational Forum, Niagara Falls Conference Center, Niagara Falls, NYDonation: $5.00 per ticket - Ticket holders do not need to be present to win.

WINNER’S CHOICE!

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

$5 Tickets Available from

Clubs October 21!

Contact NYSSA: PO Box 1040, Pine Bush, NY 12566-1040 - EMAIL: nyssaoffice@nysnowmobiler.com - TOLL FREE: 888.624.3849 - FAX: 888.317.2441 - www.nysnowmobiler.com

Vol.7#212

of SLEDNY are reviewed by an outside

of the SLEDNY are reviewed by the NYSSA Budget Committee at the NYSSA

Board meetings. The SLEDNY Board meets each month immediately before the NYSSA business meeting and is open to

ContinuedNYSSA NEWS

of the Board of Directors receives any compensation from SLEDNY and SLEDNY has no employees. The bylaws of SLEDNY were adopted by the NYSSA Board of Directors and may only be amended with

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An experienced rider leads a group of Take a Friend participants, while another experienced rider follows behind. A mix of SLEDNY sleds and volunteer-donated machines are used.

Vol.7#2 13

Your $1 donation to SLEDNY, collected when you join your club, helps fund the helmets, gloves, and sleds used in the Take A Friend Snowmobiling program.

The future of snowmobiling begins with you! Take a kid snowmobiling today!

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Ride Chautauqua

Play, Laugh, Learn & Stay866-908-4569 tourchautauqua.com

There is no snow like the lake effect snowfalls of western New York.

Sled on 400 miles of groomed trails over old railroad beds, open

fields, forests, and seasonal roads. Enjoy the ride, then relax at

Peek’n Peak Resort, visit Lake Erie Wine Country, or stop by a winter

festival. Snowmobile trails open a week before Christmas, weather

permitting. Call the trail conditions hotline for updates:

1-800-242-4569; press 2 for Chautauqua County.

New York’s LARGESTSnowmobile Parts Store

all directors and NYSSA members who have an interest.

How is SLEDNY funded? SLEDNY may receive tax deductible gifts of money, grants and other items of value. Sleds have been donated to SLEDNY. Every membership in NYSSA and our clubs includes $1 to SLEDNY. That $1 goes a long way to supporting programs which advance snowmobile safety and education. SLEDNY supports safety material such as “Ride Between The Stakes”, educational material such as “Loud Pipes Close Trails,” and safety bookmarks. SLEDNY organizes and funds the Educational Forum, sponsors the Take a Friend Snowmobiling series of events, and promotional videos to encourage the public to try snowmobiling.

SLEDNY is really all of us working together to make snowmobiling better and better understood by our friends and neighbors.

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Vol.7#214

Your Membership Discounts!

Joining your club each year isn’t just about getting that $55 discount on your sled registrations! There’s so much more! You’re now a part of the largest snowmobile association in the world.. and membership has its benefits.

NYSSA NEWS By Anne O’Dell, NYSSA General Manager

New Discounts This Year! ProFlowers and more!We’ve added a whole host of new discounts for you. They are all listed on our website, here: nysnowmobiler.com/membership/member-discounts

THESE TRAVEL DISCOUNTS REQUIRE YOU TO ENTER A CODE TO VIEW THEM. THAT CODE IS… NYSSA

NYSSA Travel Discount ProgramNYSSA is pleased to offer an exclusive worldwide travel discount service to our members. Savings average 10-20% below-market on all hotels and car rental suppliers around the world.Save time and money. Let us negotiate the best deals and comparison price for you. Any hotel, any car, anywhere, anytime.www.localhospitality.com/nyssa.html

Vol.7#216

RIDE NEW YORK:

CLINTONCOUNTY

You can see Canada from here!

By Tom Highers, Clinton County Director

Clinton County is located in the very northeast of New York which borders Canada and Vermont. There are 5 clubs in the county that groom 305 miles of trails with 6 large

groomers and 6 smaller snowmobile groomers. Since it is out of the “lake effect” range, the area does not get the deepest snow. The lower elevations will get snow; it will come and go all season long. When the higher elevations get snow, it will last most of the winter.

There is a wide variety of riding in the county from riding down an old railroad bed,

of course the north woods.All the clubs in Clinton County are always

trying to improve the trails. The groomer

realize that if you have an old groomer that breaks down all the time, you are spend-ing more time repairing the groomer than grooming! One club downsized from three groomers to one groomer to become more

been put into bridges to because of heavier equipment and the age of the bridges.

GETTING THERENorthern Tier Sno-runners’ northernmost trail in the county, C8C, is accessible from the Adirondack Northway, exit 43. Turn south on Route 9, and then right on Perry Mills Road. Further South, the Trail Finders’ portion of Secondary 82 is accessible from the Adirondack Northway, exit 35. Park at Livingood’s Restaurant, 697 Bear Swamp Road Peru, NY 12972. In the northwest part of the county, trail C8F crosses Route 11 near the Northern Adirondack Middle/High School in Ellenburg Center. The Mountain Lions maintain trail C8A from Route 30 just south of Dannamora, into the mountains. In the southwest part of the county the Trailg-roomers maintain trail around Taylor Pond.

CLUBS IN CLINTON COUNTY

Mountain Lions Snowmobile Clubmustangway@wildblue.net896 Standish RoadSaranac, NY 12981518-293-8219 or 518-492-2641

Northern Adirondack Trailbreakers Snowmobile Clubnatbsnow.com/index.htm trombleybobcat36@aol.com441 Ellenburg Center Rd Ellenburg Center, NY 12934518-594-7081

Northern Tier Sno-Runners Inc. northerntiersno-runners.webs.com dragoonr1973@yahoo.com917 Durand Rd Plattsburgh, NY 12901518-561-6315

Trail Finders Snowmobile Club Inc.deborahwells888@ymail.comPO Box 231 Peru, NY 12972518-643-8839

Trailgroomersamber_smart@hotmail.com 853 Jersey Swamp RdMorrisonville, NY 12962518-293-1424

Vol.7#2 17

Find your winter adventure… snowmobiling, ice fishing & cross country skiing.

Call for a free snowmobile map.

Visit www.chenangony.org

or 607.334.1400

www.facebook.com/ChenangoTourism

DESTINATION

Find your winter adventure…

bili

Chenango!

Camden, Taberg, Rome, Boonville, & All Points In Between

GET AWAY & ExploreOur winters are among the finest in America. Boonville consistently

ranks in the nation’s snowiest places, sometimes topping the list. With

more than 500 miles (804km) of trails, it’s the perfect destination for

snowmobiling. Take a ride around Oneida Lake, through the North

Country, the Tug Hill Plateau, and the world-renowned Adirondack

Park trails.

Off the trail, take advantage of over 300 restaurants, local

attractions, museums, sporting events, two casinos, brewery tours,

and much more.

Add some variety to your winter when you…

get away to it all in Oneida County!

TheGetawayRegion.com/snowmobiling800.426.3132

® NYSDED, used with permission

TRAILS NEAR HOLLAND PATENT

Vol.7#218

totaling 600+ labor hours. Parker’s Ex-cavation/Tree Service, Brian Wallis, and the ATV club were generous in provid-ing dump trucks and other equipment. A two-mile stretch has been completed be-fore the upcoming 2017-2018 snowmo-

SUMMER is a time of BBQs, camping, toasting marshmallows, and swimming, with snowmobiling being the furthest thing from a mind. But on the other

hand the Volunteers that maintain the snowmobile trails are just as busy in the summer with pre-season snowmobile preparations as they are in the winter – brushing trails, fixing/ replacing bridges, working with landowners and securing the permits and permissions needed to continue the use of trails on state lands. NO SNOW – But a Club’s work never ends!

THE C5A TRAIL REBUILD PROJECT

This summer big trail improvement projects were in full swing to include a major trail surface rehabilitation on a 5-mile section of C5A between Pulaski and Altmar. Water holes on this trail have been a real nuisance for a few years, damaging grooming equipment with deep water and ice chunks ripping the track apart and also causing transmission damage. The area has become more swampy muck type from recent winters warmer than normal for longer periods of time. This is a key corridor trail that extends through many clubs in Oswego County and in the Tug Hill,

businesses in Pulaski and Altmar. Moving / relocating the trail is not an option in that particular area.

During the Summer of 2016 the De-partment of Environmental Conservation (DEC) allowed us to do a trail surface

improvement process that included in-stalling culverts, cleaning and improving existing drainage ditches, and installing 14’ x 8’ x 6” thick wooden mud mats that are covered with gravel to raise grade of the trail and gets rid of the standing water holes. This is the same procedure that utility companies install in muddy, swampy areas to gain entry to maintain power poles. This section of the trail was a huge success the 2016-2017 snow-mobile season as this repaired area held snow consistently and had no exposed water. While doing this test run we could accurately estimate the cost to improve this section of C5A.

With permission from the private land-owners, the Pulaski-Boylston Snowmo-bile Club and Oswego County ATV Club jointly installed 100+ 8’x14’ wooden mud mats and drew in 75 loads of gravel, all

BY CHRISTINE POWERS-GROSS, SECRETARY - PULASKI-BOYLSTON SNOWMOBILE CLUB

Vol.7#2 19

bile season, with the hope of giving the ultimate snowmobiling experience.

Some of the worst water hazards were

typical income sources - New York State Snowmobile Trail Grant, membership dues, and local donations from area businesses are stretched to include other trail repairs – bridge replacements and to create more trail head parking.

During the off season members are writing grants and hosting fundraising activities to help offset the costs associated with maintaining nearly 100 miles of trails - Spring

from the Oswego County Fair Association to thank the club for parking cars during the county fair. Now through April 2018

tickets - ONLY $5.00 Ticket for chance on 51 prizes, including snowmobiles & cash. To request tickets email: pulaskisnow@gmail.com or text 315-430-1754.

PBSC continues to improve their trail system, but it is challenge to do without new and younger members to carry on the work. Come join our club - make new friends - make a difference. The Fall season brings about trail brushing, trail signing, and repairing bridges, and maintenance of the grooming equipment.

TRY SNOWMOBILING!! Take a ride with us at our 3rd Annual

“TAKE A FRIEND SNOWMOBILING” event, 10:00AM Saturday & Sunday, January 27th & 28th at the club barn on 5001 N. Jeffer-son St., Pulaski. Dress warm – sled & helmet furnished!. Learn safety and the fun of snow.

FACEBOOK! FIND US! LIKE US! Follow current trail conditions, work day/event announcements, and view photos. We can also assist out of town snowmobilers with area accommodation and restaurant informa-tion. www.pulaski-boylstonsnow.com

Vol.7#220

Trail Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility!

By Jim Rolf, NYSSA Trail Coordinator

Since the season is upon us, I wanted to take the opportunity to offer up some safety advice and to point out some things riders should be prepared for prior to taking that first ride of the new season. Remember, the Clubs officially open their trails after hunting seasons end, AND when there is sufficient snow cover to ride without damaging the land or your sled.

Check out your snowmobile thoroughly. Make sure all of the lights work; ensure that the throttle moves freely; check that all of the grease

the registration sticker in the correct place with the annual registration sticker on; have your sled insurance

(brake reservoir, chain-case, crank-case on 4-stroke models, and the oil tank on 2-strokes); and make sure the exhaust system isn’t plugged-up by some critter’s newly built home.Know all of the NYS snowmobile laws BEFORE heading onto the trails, especially new laws. (NOTE: see other notice in this magazine with info on the updated UNREGISTERED SLED law).Make sure to carry spare plugs and an

a tool kit.Additional items to carry in case you become stranded are waterproof

gloves and socks, a compass, a small blanket, a pocketknife, an extra starter

items in a waterproof bag will keep them dry throughout the winter season. Get a new local snowmobile trail map each year. This is key to becoming aware of any trail changes/re-routes or even trail closures from the previous season. The local snowmobile clubs and businesses that sell snowmobiles and parts should have them. Downloadable digital maps for smart phones are available, but be aware they may not all be updated with current GPS data.Never ride alone. It is safer to ride snowmobiles with at least one other person in case anything does happen.Do not litter! Take out what you take in. This is YOUR responsibility!Stay on the trails and to the right on the marked trail at all times. Trails are marked by pairs of stakes outlining the outside boundary of the safe trail, setting the “gate” that riders are to ride between. Do not venture outside of those posts, as clubs cannot verify the safety of the trails outside of these posts and many landowners do not want the trail other than where the signs and stakes are placed. On

Double staking - Penn Mountain Snowmobile Club has identified the safe corridor for you to cross this field. Your job is to keep right, and stay between the stakes.

blind hills, obey the signs that divide the trails from each other and think safety at all times. If you see a missing sign or a knocked down post, please contact that club to let them know. They appreciate your help. Obey the 55 mph MAXIMUM speed limit, unless otherwise posted lower. RESPECT THE LANDOWNERS!!! Loud pipes and reckless snowmobilers truly do endanger our future use of the snowmobile trail system we have today.

#1 complaint from current landowners as well as potential new landowners as they reason why they will not allow clubs to re-route trails across their property, and is the main reason why snowmobilers have a bad reputation with the non-snowmobiling public. Due to the complaints, those who ride with illegal exhaust will be heavily targeted this year again by NYS Law Enforcement agencies on the trails. It is against NYS law to modify a sled’s exhaust to be louder than what it was in stock form.

stock sleds going by their trailside checkpoints all day long, and they are trained to be able to pick out the ones

Illegal ATV use is the #2 reason landowners complain to club representatives. PLEASE respect the landowners who are generous enough to allow our snowmobile trails across their lands! Thank You!

Hi-Viz - Consider adding a high visibility vest if you’re the group leader or if snow is compromising visibility on the trail. Photo by Glenn Hayton.

Vol.7#222

Continued

S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K ________________________________________________________________________

4542--B

2017-2018 Regular Sessions

I N S E N A T E

February 17, 2017 ___________

Introduced by Sens. LITTLE, DeFRANCISCO, ORTT -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said commit- tee -- reported favorably from said committee and committed to the Committee on Finance -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee

AN ACT to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law and the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the definition of "snowmo- bile"; to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in relation to increasing state aid to localities for enforcement of provisions relating to snowmobiles; and to amend the vehicle and traf- fic law, in relation to penalties for operation of an unregistered snowmobile

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM- BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

1 Section 1. Subdivision 3 of section 21.05 of the parks, recreation 2 and historic preservation law is amended to read as follows: 3 3. "Snowmobile" shall mean a self-propelled vehicle EQUIPPED WITH A 4 MOTOR, ORIGINALLY MANUFACTURED AND designed for travel on snow or ice, 5 steered by skis or runners and supported in whole or in part by one or 6 more skis, belts or TRACKED cleats. 7 S 2. Subdivision 2 of section 27.15 of the parks, recreation and 8 historic preservation law, as amended by chapter 839 of the laws of 9 1973, is amended to read as follows: 10 2. The amount of state aid to be allocated to counties, cities, towns 11 or villages shall be determined by the commissioner as hereinafter 12 provided. The commissioner shall determine the percentage proportion 13 which the authorized expenditures of each individual county, city, town 14 or village, but not exceeding [twenty-five] FIFTY thousand dollars for 15 each county including the municipalities therein, shall bear to the

EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted.

S. 4542--B 2

1 total authorized expenditures of all the counties, cities, towns or 2 villages for enforcement of such provisions during the fiscal year. Such 3 percentage proportion shall then be applied against an amount equal to 4 twenty-five percent of the amount received by the state in fees received 5 for registration of snowmobiles during such fiscal year, to the extent 6 only and not exceeding the sum of [one] TWO hundred [fifty] thousand 7 dollars. The amount thus determined shall constitute the maximum amount 8 of state aid to which each county, city, town or village shall be enti- 9 tled. Provided, however, that no county, city, town or village shall 10 receive state aid in an amount in excess of [one-half] THREE-QUARTERS of 11 its authorized expenditures as approved by the commissioner for such 12 fiscal year. The commissioner shall certify to the comptroller the 13 amount thus determined for each county, city, town or village as the 14 amount of state aid to be apportioned to such county, city, town or 15 village. 16 S 3. Subdivision 1 of section 2221 of the vehicle and traffic law, as 17 added by chapter 839 of the laws of 1973, is amended to read as follows: 18 1. Snowmobile. Any self-propelled vehicle EQUIPPED WITH A MOTOR, 19 ORIGINALLY MANUFACTURED AND designed for travel on snow or ice, steered 20 by skis or runners and supported in whole or in part by one or more 21 skis, belts or TRACKED cleats. 22 S 4. Subdivision 1 of section 2222 of the vehicle and traffic law, as 23 added by chapter 839 of the laws of 1973, is amended to read as follows: 24 1. Except as hereinafter provided, no person shall operate any snowmo- 25 bile within the state unless: (A) such snowmobile has been registered 26 and numbered in accordance with the provisions of this article, and the 27 registration number for such snowmobile is in full force and effect AS 28 HEREINAFTER PROVIDED; and (B) THE REGISTRATION NUMBER FOR SUCH SNOWMO- 29 BILE IS displayed as hereinafter provided. 30 S 5. Subdivision 2 of section 2230 of the vehicle and traffic law, as 31 amended by chapter 609 of the laws of 2005, is amended to read as 32 follows: 33 2. [Any] A. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH B OF THIS SUBDIVISION, ANY 34 person who violates any provision of this article or regulation adopted 35 pursuant thereto shall be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine of 36 UP TO two hundred dollars, and one-half of such fine shall be deposited 37 in the snowmobile trail development and maintenance fund as set forth in 38 section 21.07 of the parks, recreation and historic preservation law. 39 B. ANY PERSON WHO VIOLATES THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH A OF SUBDIVI- 40 SION ONE OF SECTION TWENTY-TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO OF THIS ARTICLE SHALL 41 BE GUILTY OF A VIOLATION PUNISHABLE BY A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN TWO 42 HUNDRED DOLLARS NOR MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS, EXCEPT IF THE 43 VIOLATION CONSISTS OF FAILURE TO RENEW A REGISTRATION WHICH WAS VALID 44 WITHIN SIXTY DAYS THE FINE SHALL BE NOT MORE THAN FIFTY DOLLARS. 45 ONE-HALF OF SUCH FINES SHALL BE DEPOSITED IN THE SNOWMOBILE TRAIL DEVEL- 46 OPMENT AND MAINTENANCE FUND AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 21.07 OF THE PARKS, 47 RECREATION AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION LAW. 48 S 6. This act shall take effect January 1, 2018.

Recently, the NYS Legislature and Governor Cuomo

for those that ride off their own property without the required NYS DMV snowmobile registration.

$200.00”, but the new law reads “…minimum of $200.00, and a maximum of $500.00”.

The reason for this change was the severity of the number of riders who are reportedly riding on the NYS snowmobile trail system, which is main-tained by all-volunteer clubs and a few municipali-ties who all rely on the trail funding portion of the sled registrations via the reimbursement program administered by NYS Parks, without registering

will go into effect as of January 1st, 2018.Included in this law is also a better definition

of a “snowmobile” by NYS regulations and other agency laws. DMV had been receiving an alarming number of registration attempts by people look-

loophole. The wording has been corrected, and now

“a snowmobile” from the original manufacturer for snow and ice use AND meets all of the other NYS requirements of a snowmobile (driven by a track and

In most cases, lands open to snowmobile use are NOT open to ATVs, off-road bicycles, or even trucks

Additionally, the updated law provides a little more money to the law enforcement agencies who patrol the snowmobile trails as well. Those patrols have not seen any increase in their revenue since the law was enacted back in the late 1980’s, and with budgets being sliced, they needed some

-vide more of their safety patrols out to catch riders

drugs or alcohol, and breaking any other laws. Pro-viding safe trails is their goal, and also that of the New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA).

NYSSA advises those who in the past have cho-sen to skirt the registration laws and ride on trails without paying your annual fees to reconsider your actions, not only due to the new higher penalties, but because it’s the right thing to do in order to help offset the massive expense it takes to maintain and groom the NYS snowmobile trail network’s system.

NYSSA thanks the snowmobile community who supported the legislation by submitting letters to

representatives who passed the updates to this law, especially Senator Betty Little, who was the Senate Sponsor, and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, who carried it through the Assembly.

NYS UNREGISTERED SNOWMOBILE FINES INCREASE TO “UP TO $500.00” ON JANUARY 1, 2018!

RENEGADE BACKCOUNTRY X: IS IT THE FIRSTTRUE X-OVER?

Side to Side Mass Centralization Shows Up In Sharp Handling.

RAS 3 Double A-Arm Front Suspension

rMotion Skidframe

Real Dual PurposeThe all-new G4 Renegade Backcountry X breaks new ground in the increasingly popular crossover segment. Built on the G4 platform, the Backcountry X is unique among all long tracked Ski-Doo variants. Using a combination of MX-Z and Summit independent front suspension components, it achieves exceptional on-trail handling without giving up any of the deep snow mobility the Renegade has always delivered. With a variable 38-40 inch ski-stance, riders can select the kind of handling they prefer most on any given day.

146 Inch cMotion The Backcountry X debuts an all-new cMotion 146-inch rear suspension designed to provide superior deep snow agility and uncompromised trail-riding compliance for a wide selection of track widths and lug depths. cMotion uses an uncoupled rear arm and tipped rails to deliver transfer reactive acceleration and light, predictable handling while eliminating unwanted understeer - a trait often associated with longer tracks.

Balanced, Efficient PowerThe G4 chassis is the first snowmobile platform to centralize mass not only in the fore and aft dimension but in the side-to- side plain, too! The extremely narrow 850 E-TEC engine delivers industry leading, durable 2-stroke power and transfers more of that power to the snow thanks to the incomparable efficiency of Ski-Doo’s pDrive roller primary clutch. E-TEC’s precise fuel metering produces exceptional mileage and smoke free, oil efficient performance, unequalled in its class.

Trail Sled, Boondocker or Both?Finally, there’s a sled that delivers exactly the crossover attributes customers have been asking for without having to settle. The new Renegade Backcountry X is the first no-compromise crossover with all the power you need to take you where the trail, or the powder leads.

REV Gen 4 Chassis With Integrated Heat Exchanger

A D V E R T O R I A L

See your dealer or visit ARCTICCAT.COM today to see the entire 2018 lineup.

Trail certified and perfect for kids who have outgrown their ZR 120, it’s the first sled of its kind. And it’s snappy, up to 30 mph

to keep up with the rest of the clan. It’s time for a family snow trip, into

Always wear a helmet and don’t drink and ride. ©2017 Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. All rights reserved.

THE INDUSTRY-FIRST 2018 ZR® 200 IS HERE. Introducing the ultimate machine for snow-hungry youth.