By Joe Sarnicola
When there is enough snow to ride on, snowmobilers will be out on the many trails from the Finger Lakes region to the North County.
For those who are ready to haul their sleds on a trailer, there are more than 10,500 miles of marked and groomed trails in New York state. The New York State Snowmobile Association has an interactive trail map on its website, https://nysnowmobiler.com, plus other helpful information.
Although many people enjoy just riding trails alone or with a friend or two, SnowGoer magazine recommends joining a local club.
Club dues provide funds to maintain and mark trails, clubs can negotiate with owners to access private land, traveling with a group is safer than sledding alone and it provides a social gathering for people with similar interests.
SnowGoer magazine’s website (https://snowgoer.com) lists clubs from more than 25 states and NYSSA has an interactive map listing all member clubs in New York state by county.
For inexperienced riders, experts recommend riding on easy, well-marked and maintained trails, dressing appropriately for the weather and letting other people know where you will be if you are riding alone.
Dan Koelbel, the president of the Kasoag Trailblazers snowmobile club in Oswego County, said, “There is a cost savings when you prove you have joined a club, but it also keeps your money local when you ride. This means your dollars will be spent on grooming your local trails.”
The Kasoag club, the oldest in the county, just celebrated its 50th year of service.
Koelbel also offered a few tips for new snowmobilers.
“For good snowmobiling conditions, a couple of feet of snow or more is best, with steady cold conditions,” he said. “These factors allow the groomer to work the trail to a nice smooth surface that will hold up to traffic and allow for an enjoyable ride.
“Purchasing a sled is a personal decision. A good suspension is key to an enjoyable ride. The best option is to shop around and find a sled that meets your riding style and experience, along with your budget.
Clothing needs to be able to protect the rider from cold temperatures and wind conditions encountered while riding along at trail speeds.”
There are several different types of snowmobiles. According to Yellowstone Adventures, trail sleds are “entry-level rigs at an entry-level price, so they are highly recommended for newer riders who are still learning the sport and still exploring different ways to enjoy it. They are simple sleds with fairly basic construction, which means you don’t have either the expense or the weight of some of the elaborate features seen in other categories.”
The other three main types are mountain sleds, for the more adventurous riders, crossover sleds, which have longer tracks for riding on a wider range of trail conditions, and touring sleds, which are higher end sleds with extra features for comfort.
Whatever your experience level and budget, there is a snowmobile that will meet your expectations and allow you to enjoy this popular sport. Spend some time outdoors and enjoy the ride.