No ‘SNIRT’ Run, 2025, according to Barnes Corners Sno-Pals

LEWIS COUNTY- ‘SNIRT’ Run, 2025 has officially been cancelled by the Barnes Corners Sno-Pals, the local snowmobile club in charge of organizing this North Country tradition for nearly two-decades.

The reason for cancelling? Well, it honestly depends on who you ask.

There has been some local controversy over the past few years, despite the fact that the run typically draws thousands of ATV’s and side-by-sides for a ride across the Rug Hill, with several North Country establishments receiving an economic boost.

According to a press release on Monday from club officials, it was noted that last-year’s ‘SNIRT’ Run was a “challenge” amidst mass gathering regulations, insurance requirements from Lewis County and certain local townships, as well as local codes that hindered the dates where certain trails could be used in select townships.

On the other hand, local government officials have since responded by clarifying that there have been no new policies or changes to Lewis County regulations since last year’s event.

For context, the New York Health Department requires a mass gathering permit for all events with over 5,000 attendees, the county government office says.

Insurance is also required for this type of event, due to liability of opening roads to allow access for ‘SNIRT’ participants.

In a second update from the Barnes Corners Sno-Pals late Monday afternoon, club officials clarified that they could not achieve the proper insurance to host ‘SNIRT’ this year.

"The cancelation of the SNIRT Run did not happen because of the Town of Montague, New York State, the dates we could have the event this year, or any of the local businesses," the club stated in their second update.

"The event was cancelled due to the insurance requirements placed upon us. We simply could not get insurance to meet those requirements for the event this year."

Lewis County’s Director of Recreation, Forestry and Parks, Jackie Mahoney, says that the county has met with the club “multiple” times to assist with what would have been this year’s event.

“We would love to see the event continue,” Mahoney stated. “But they must meet the event permit requirements to hold the event and help keep everyone safe.”

County officials said it is their goal to always support events that bring recreational and economic benefit to the area and that they hope to see ‘SNIRT’ continue sometime in the future.

Image via Stella Parent during the 'SNIRT' Run in April, 2023.