Helpful Resource Links
- https://parks.ny.gov
- https://parks.ny.gov/documents/recreation/snowmobiles/SnowmobilersGuide.pdf
- https://www.snowmobile.org/index.html
- https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/safety-courses.aspx
Importance Of Snowmobile Safety
Snowmobile safety is highly stressed by our club because of the high power machines currently in use today. Because of the constantly changing trail conditions, its very important to use common sense when our riding on our trail system. STAY RIGHT AND SLOW DOWN.
Trails can change by the minute exposing hidden dangers a previous rider unearthed. Fallen trees, newly opened creeks are just some things that can put and end to a nice day of riding or perhaps even your life in many situations. Every year there are fatalities in our state on snowmobiles because of people not using common sense on the trails. We want you to go home the same way you showed up, so please be careful!
Sheriff Patrol – Partially Funded By Your NYS Registration
Deputies from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s office regularly patrol the hundreds of miles of trails in Chautauqua County on marked 2006 Arctic Cat snowmobiles. They work closely with other agencies and the snowmobile clubs located throughout our county to make the trails in our county a safe place for families and tourists. The deputies have the same authority as they do in a patrol car for any violation, so lets be safe on the trails! Carry your registration and insurance, obey speed limits, slow down around corners and DO NOT drink and ride.
In addition, a Safety Patrol group made up of 25 local snowmobilers was formed to assist in being the “eyes and ears” of the deputies while they’re out riding the trails. They report accidents, suspicious activity, reckless behavior and violations they observe taking place.
If you need assistance on a trail please contact the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office (716)753-4929 or dial 911 for emergencies.
Youth Snow Safety Program
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.
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 and are available in fall and early winter.
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.
Please check our club calendar for the latest snow safety course times and locations.
Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program
The American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) has put together a very nice website any rider should take a moment to read no matter how long you have been riding a snowmobile. This website highlights many topics including hand signals, trail signs, ice and night safety and more… Please take the time to read each part of this website and pass the knowledge you learn onto other riders who might not know better.