Snowmobile Safety Course to be Offered in Ulster County

While to most of us snow is a not-so-nice four letter word, to winter sports and outdoor enthusiasts, it's the greatest word in the world. With winter just around the corner, it's time to make sure you have everything ready to enjoy the white stuff, including brushing up on safety tips for your winter gear, including snowmobiles. This is especially true if you are a new rider.

Ulster County Sheriff Paul J. VanBlarcum is encouraging both young snowmobilers and adults to sign up for the New York State Young Operators and Adult Certification Course to guarantee a place in one of the 2 remaining sessions offered. This course is required for riders between the ages of 10 and 17 by New York State law and is free of charge.

Topics will include instruction for young snowmobilers in proper riding habits, safety equipment, and laws and rules of the trail. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation: Bureau of Marine and Recreational Vehicles prescribes this course with the training by certified instructors with more than 50 years of combined experience snowmobiling in both the U.S. and Canada.

The session dates are Saturday, December 5 at the Tillson Firehouse on 5 Tillson Road from 9-5; and Saturday, December 12 at the Milton Fire Company at 21 Main Street in Milton from  9 to 5.

If you are interested in enrolling yourself or your child, or would like more information, call the Ulster County Sheriff's Office at 845-340-3803.