Snowmobiling in New England
Snowmobile Rides Are Fun Sport in Maine, New Hampshire, And Vermont
Jan 8, 2009
With large annual snowfall rates Northern New England States are ideal for the winter sport of Snowmobiling. Some destinations have near 200 inches of snow every year, keeping snowmobile trails in excellent shape.
The snowmobile rider has three options for riding snowmobiles in New England:
- Registering and riding his own machine
- Renting a snowmobile
- Or going on a guided tour
Many local New Englanders own their own sleds and transport them to the trails via trailer or rent a storage facility near a trail during the off-season. Owning a snowmobile is a large financial commitment, some high-end machines can run around $12,000. For the part-time enthusiast renting a sled can be a satisfying experience without the high cost.
Snowmobile Rentals in New England
Depending on the lessor of the snowmachine, options may vary from a four hour rental, to a full day. A substantial deposit is commonplace as well as signing a contract ensuring that the lessee will pay for repairs should the machine become damaged in his care. A temporary registration may be required by local snowmobile laws.
Snowmobiling in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire the snowmobile rider must be 12 years of age or older and possess either a current motor vehicle Driver’s License or have successfully completed an approved education class for snowmobiles or off highway recreational vehicles. New Hampshire does not require a trail fee so sled renters are not required to pay anything extra to ride. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department provides registration and can be contacted at 603-271-4300.
Where to Snowmobile in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has over 6,000 miles of snowmobile trails to offer the snowmobiler. Local clubs maintain trails and are a great way for the snowmobile owner to stay in touch with other riders.
- Great North Woods – provides the longest snowmobiling season in New Hampshire, borders Canada
- White Mountains – bike paths become snowmobile trails in the winter in this area
- The Lakes Region – covers the middle of New Hampshire
- Lake Sunapee and Dartmouth area – borders Vermont and is considered the “High Country” in the winter
- Merrimack Valley – offers a short season for snowmobiling
- Seacoast – has the shortest winter season in the State
The New Hampshire Snowmobile Association keeps updated information on events and laws in the state.
Snowmobiling in Maine
The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife provides registration for ATVs and Snowmobiles for residents and non-residents: 207-287-8000. Maine no longer has a reciprocity law so anyone snowmobiling in Maine must be on a machine registered in Maine.
Where to Snowmobile in Maine
Maine has a whopping 13,000 plus miles of snowmobile trails, including the Interconnected Trail System. Regional and local trails can be found all over the state and many connect into the Interconnected Trail System allowing a rider to get around a good portion of the State. The Maine Snowmobile Association keeps an updated list of regional and local trails contacts.
Snowmobiling in Vermont
Vermont has set speed limits on state lands at 35 miles per hour. Liability insurance is required for all individuals operating a snowmobile in Vermont. Helmets are required for every rider on the trail system. Vermont allows a special provision for snowmobilers from surrounding States and Provinces to go three miles into the state for purposes of fuel, food, repairs and lodging. Contact the State of Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles for registration information at 80-828-2000, or the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers at 802-229-0005 for information on snowmobiling in Vermont.
Where to Snowmobile in Vermont
Vermont has over 6,000 miles of snowmobile trails in the state. Snowmobiling is available virtually throughout the state and is supported by 135 community clubs and the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST).
