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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced March 14-15 will be a free snowmobiling weekend for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobiler's --a move that will further strengthen the winter tourism industry in the North Country and across New York.The Governor made the announcement before snowmobiling with his three daughters Cara, Mariah and Michaela at Saranac Lake."New York is home to more than 10,000 miles of some of the best snowmobiling trails in the nation, all with the backdrop of stunning natural beauty that has to be seen to believe,"Governor Cuomo said."With this free snowmobiling weekend, we are encouraging visitors from far and wide to come to the North Country and points between,experience our great outdoor recreational activities for themselves and further strengthen New York's booming tourism industry."During the promotional weekend, fees will be waived for visitors from out-of-state with properly registered and insured vehicles wishing to explore New York's nearly 10,500 miles of snowmobile trails. I LOVE NEW YORK will promote the weekend by launching a digital and social media campaign targeting out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts. To further support the community this season,the State has awarded $4.2 million in local grants for snowmobile trail maintenance and grooming across New York.The state's snowmobiling community has a seasonal economic impact of $868 million according to a 2011 study by SUNY Potsdam. Winter tourism activities also support economic growth across the state, generating nearly $14.4 billion in direct visitor spending. The North Country attracted over 13 million visitors in 2018, up 21.6% since 2011, which has increased direct spending by more than 23% to $1.26 billion. Participants in free snowmobiling weekend must operate a snowmobile with valid registration in their home state or Canadian Province, and must carry any applicable insurance as required by their home state or province. Non-New Yorker's who wish to use a snowmobile in New York State before or after this promotional weekend can use the NYS Registration for Out-of-State Snowmobile service to get a 15-day registration and operate their snowmobile here immediately. DMV will send a permanent registration in the mail. The I LOVE NEW YORK social media campaign will supplement the overall $4 million winter tourism campaign currently underway, which features snowmobiling and a wide array of winter activities in television, print and digital advertising, public relations and social media initiatives, and other promotional efforts. Sledders can get more information about snowmobiling at popular destinations such as Speculator, Long Lake and the Tug Hill Plateau, as well as updated information about the Free Snowmobiling Weekend, at iloveny.com. Additionally, the Town of Webb & Inlet will also host their annual SnoFest on March 6 and 7.  Snowmobiler's that purchase their 2021 trail permit at SnoFestwill be able to ride the rest of the current season free, and the town will waive local trail fees for anyone that attends the weekend.  The $4.2 million local grants will support the maintenance of designated trails across the state for snowmobiler's to safely enjoy. The program is funded by snowmobile registration fees collected by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and deposited into the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund. County and municipal governments will distribute the grants to about 230 snowmobile clubs across the state, which in turn will groom and maintain the trails.  A full list of awards by county is available here.  New York is home to more than 10,000 miles of some of the best snowmobiling trails in the nation, all with the backdrop of stunning natural beauty that has to be seen to believe.