STATE REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION
Note: Please check individual state regulations carefully.
Some states have no course requirements, others for certain category of riders, others for all riders.

State    Required        State Information
MA        NO               Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts
VT         YES             Vermont Association of Snow Travelers  
Vermont offers an online snowmobile safety course. Take the course and test online!
NH        YES             New York State Snowmobile Association
ME        NO               Maine Snowmobile Association
CT         NO               Connecticut

Are you looking for a local  safety class? Type "safety course" or "safety class"  in the search box on the homepage of sledmass.com or browse the Events page. 

Want to learn more about snowmobile safety? Check out these stories.
Read our Snowmobiling Beginers Guide
 

Why Take a Snowmobile Safety Course?

For many folks the exciting sport of snowmobiling starts with a trip to the dealer where a new snowmobile and snowmobiling outfit are purchased. Usually the dealer remembers to tell you about snowmobile registration requirements and trail pass requirements for the areas in which you will be riding. However not all dealers take the time to explain that snowmobiling can be a very dangerous sport. In fact a recent study placed Snowmobiling 4th in the list of most dangerous sports categories, measured in deaths per 100,000 participants, just behind Mountain Climbing, Hang Gliding, and Parachuting. Alcohol, high speed, unsafe ice crossings, unfamiliar terrain, and unfamiliar equipment are significant contributors to the high death rate. One way to drastically increase your chances of making your snowmobiling adventure a safe one for you, for your family and for other trail users is to take a snowmobile safety course. It makes sense for a couple of reasons: 1) It’s the law in Vermont for any person, 12 years of age or older, born after July 1, 1983 2) It’s the smart thing to do, and 3) you might even get a break on your snowmobile insurance.

The Vermont State Police Safety Education Program Snowmobile Safety Course is a 6 hour course designed to help you learn about safe snowmobiling. I know what you are thinking - You live and ride in Massachusetts so why take the Vermont Safety course. The answer is simple; because over 90 percent of the course is applicable to Massachusetts as well as Vermont. While riding on trails in either state, you must know how to deal effectively with snowmobile pre-ride preparation (proper dress, snowmobile safety checks, maintenance, fueling, personal supplies, snowmobile supplies, etc.), snowmobile operation in various weather conditions (snow, ice, cold, rain, etc.), snowmobile operation in hazardous terrain (curves, hills, lakes, rivers, road crossings, railroad crossing, etc.), and handling emergencies (mechanical, medical, getting stuck, getting lost, etc.).

What is taught in the snowmobile safety course?

1. An Overview of the Sport
2. Laws and Regulations
3. Getting Aquatinted with the Snowmobile 
   Parts of the snowmobile 
   How snowmobiles operate 
   Maintenance 
   Troubleshooting
4. Pre-ride Preparation 
   Personal preparation 
   Snowmobile preparation
5. Riding Skills 
   Starting, riding skills and techniques, riding double, towing 
   Handling various types of trail conditions 
   Night riding, group riding, trail signs, hand signaling techniques
6. Trail Emergencies 
   Mechanical breakdowns and medical emergencies

Who should take the snowmobile safety course? In Vermont any person 12 years of age or older, born after July 1, 1983 must take and pass a snowmobile safety education course before operating a snowmobile on the Statewide Snowmobile Trail System or SSTS. The Snowmobile Safety Certificate must be carried when operating a snowmobile and presented upon demand of an enforcement officer.

When and where is the course offered? The course is offered in Massachusetts and Vermont. Check the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts’ newsletter, or website {www.sledmass.com} or contact a local club to find when a course will be offered at a location near you.

Although snowmobiling is a potentially dangerous sport, with adequate education and training you and your family can safely enjoy this exciting winter sport. Snowmobiling must be made safe for you and the other outdoor enthusiasts you encounter along the trail. Remember the snowmobile industry’s official safety message.