Trail funding from the state covers about 1/2 of the actual cost of grooming and maintaining trails. This doesn't include the cost of purchasing a groomer, which can run from $10,000 for a used machine up to $120,000 for a new one!

The difference between what the clubs get from the state and the actual cost, and the purchase of grooming equipment is totally dependant on club memberships, and the fund raiser the clubs hold.

There are appox 175,000 registered snowmobiles in NY. Club membership is about 1/10 of that.

So 1/10 of the snowmobilers are funding trails for everyone!

Out of those club members, about 1/10 do most of the work. The trail fairy doesn't come down from the sky to cut those trails, build bridges, groom, etc. Hard working volunteers do. Volunteers that make up 1% of the snowmobiers in NY. They are doing this work for the other 99%!

What can you do to help? Join a club. Most are only about $25 for a family membership. When you join a NYSSA member club (New York State Snowmobile Association) you also become a member of NYSSA. NYSSA is the snowmobilers voice in Albany, and they have a paid lobbyist working for you in Albany.

If you have the time, come to club meetings, get involved. You don't need to run a chainsaw or a groomer, volunteers are needed at all levels. Be it working on fundraiser, helping to write grants, whatever. Everyone is good at something!

What is in it for you? Please read below. And thank you for supporting the clubs where you ride!

Why Every NYS Snowmobiler Should Belong To A Club And NYSSA

Club volunteers gain landowner permission for trails.

Approximately 85% of trail mileage is on private land.

Landowners prefer that riders belong to Clubs and NYSSA.

Clubs work closely with landowners to meet their needs and keep trails open.

Without the graciousness of landowners and the volunteer work of Clubs and NYSSA (New York State Snowmobile Association) there would be NO interconnecting NYS trail system.

NYSSA holds the contract and administers the trail liability insurance policy, which makes the trail system possible.

NYSSA is recognized in Albany and across the state as the association that represents the rights and needs of snowmobilers statewide.

NYSSA has hired a Lobbyist and full-time Executive Director to further the objective of promoting and protecting snowmobiling in NYS. Keeping trails open and expanding the statewide trail system is a top priority.

Registration fees only pay for approximately 50% of the cost of maintaining trails. Club & NYSSA fundraisers and membership are necessary to raise the balance.

Clubs purchase and maintain grooming equipment.

Grooming equipment is very expensive. The cost of a groomer and drag costs up to $120,000.

The cost of trail liability insurance is approximately $95/ mile.

There are over 9,000 miles of funded (@50% cost) trails in NYS.

There are over 172,000 registered snowmobilers in NYS.

Clubs and NYSSA need YOUR membership to help fund trails and participate in promoting and protecting snowmobiling. Your membership will help assure trails in the future.

United We Trail. Divided We Fail. Join a Club and NYSSA today…Thank You!