When the cold winds blow and the snow begins to fly, many people head to the mountains to pursue their favorite seasonal pastimes. For those who are addicted to the excitement of speeding through the snow, snowmobiling is perfect for you. For people who have taken to the trails, snowmobiling can be fun, exciting and challenging. The picture-perfect trails, the sun glinting off the snow-covered landscape and the camaraderie of friends and family out for a day of winter sport makes snowmobiling a primary means of recreation for many in New York State.

Snowmobiling is a particularly popular activity in what is known as “Utsayantha Country,” that region of the Catskill Mountains surrounding Routes 30, 10 and 23. The town of Stamford is often referred to as the hub of the region, which extends beyond the boundaries of the greater Stamford area to include the towns of Grand Gorge, Harpersfield, Kortright, Davenport, Meredith, Plattekill and Bovina. It even sneaks into Schoharie County to include the towns of Jefferson, Summit and Gilboa. Some residents extend the borders even further, to include any towns where one can see the spectacular summit of Mount Utsayantha.

Utsayantha Country’s magnificent snowmobile trails are among the best trail systems in the Catskill Mountains and, along with Tug Hill in the Adirondack Mountains, among one of the best trail systems in New York State. There are over 100 miles of groomed trails, including 25 miles of trails on Mount Utsayantha, maintained by four professional groomers and a host of volunteers. The trails are an integral part of the New York State trail corridor that connects all of the trails right up to the Canadian border. The Central Catskill Trail Association is a tremendous resource for snowmobilers in the Catskill Region; the New York State Snowmobile Association named it “Club of the Year” for 2002. For trail conditions and maps (available to members only), visit their Web site at www.centralcatskilltrail.com. You can also check them out on Facebook.

Snowmobiling is permitted in the Catskill Forest Preserve on dedicated snowmobile trails, which are marked with round, orange snowmobile trail markers. South central Delaware County has 23 miles of dedicated trail in the preserve. For maps and regulations, please contact the Department of Environmental Conservation at 607 652 7365 or visit their Web site at www.dec.state.ny.us. For general information on snowmobiling in New York State, contact the New York State Snowmobile Association at their Web site: www.nyssnowassoc.org. In addition to the dedicated trails in the Catskill Forest Preserve, there are hundreds of miles of privately-maintained snowmobile trails in the Catskill Region and a number of facilities that offer snowmobile access. Contact your local chamber of commerce or tourism agency for an up-to-date list of snowmobile clubs and businesses that maintain snowmobile trails.

Finally, while skill plays a big part in how much fun you can have, an equally important part of the equation is safety. The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA), based in Haslett, MI, has issued an important safety booklet that outlines some of the ways snowmobilers can ensure that riders reduce risks to both themselves and others on the trails. Visit the ISMA Web site at www.snowmobile.org for a list of safety tips. By following all of these tips, you will make sure that your snowmobiling experience is a fun and safe adventure.