Moose Snowmobile Trail Reports for Friday, January 3, 2025

Snowmobiling 2025 is underway across upstate New York and the North Country.

Just days ago, bare ground was very prevalent across much of the local region, but as of Thursday, a significant band of lake effect snow organized and parked itself along the eastern shores of eastern Lake Ontario.

Typically, whenever lake effect snow comes up in discussion, it is very easy to think about the Tug Hill region in Jefferson and Lewis Counties, but that isn’t necessarily the case for this specific system.

In fact, some of the heaviest snowfall is forecasted to be well south of Lowville, NY.

Portions of the southern Tug Hill region are aimed to pick up some beneficial snow accumulation, but the heaviest bands have set up and impacted locations in parts of Oswego and Oneida Counties.

Marcy and Utica, NY, for example, have received significant snow accumulations, while towns north of Boonville have received merely a dusting to a few inches.

Keep in mind that several trail systems have been closed leading up to this latest report – while some clubs have yet to even officially open for the riding season.

Expect conditions to vary and change as the weekend progresses. If you encounter any closed trails, local snowmobile club officials plead to stay off and ride only trails that are officially open.

Here are the latest reports we have gathered from around the North Country:

NOTE: Conditions are likely and do tend to change on a moment’s notice. Be sure to keep checking our website for any updates (you can also check in with your favorite snowmobile clubs for more in-depth details).

Barnes Corners Sno-Pals: Trails from Barnes Corners to Montague and Mad River gate are groomed; conditions vary.

Brantingham Snowmobile Club: Trails are CLOSED.

Long Pond Sno Sled Club: Unfavorable conditions persist for the time being.

Lost Trail Snowmobile Club: Grooming fleets are active; Tow Path and White Lake Trails are open.

Missing Link Snowmobile Club: Trails CLOSED.

Osceola Snowmobile Association: No reports since December 27.

Ohio Ridge Riders: Some trails have opened, while some remain closed.

Old Forge/Town of Webb: Trails remain marginal as of this publication; expect changing conditions amidst latest snowfall.

Penn Mountain Snow Riders: Stay tuned for updates; grooming fleets are expected to be active.

Southern Tug Hill Sno-Riders: All trails are open.

Trackside Blazers: Stay tuned for updates; grooming crews will be assessing the trails.

Turin Ridge Riders: Lower trails are CLOSED; conditions on Tug Hill Seasonal Roads vary.

Valley Snow Travelers: Varying conditions reported on the Tug Hill trails; the trails to Lowville and Maples Trails remain CLOSED.

NOTICE: Local law enforcement and snowmobile club officials are warning all riders to obey any and all rules and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to: respecting closed trails and staying off from private property. Police warn to never snowmobile while intoxicated or under the influence of any substance. Watch your speeds and remember to look out for and give right-of-way to groomers on the trails.

Image via the Valley Snow Travelers from January 3, 2025.