Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Q: What is S.A.M.?
A: S.A.M. stands for the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts whose charter is “Committed to Enhancing Safe Snowmobiling in Massachusetts. Read an overview of S.A.M.

A: Snowmobiling in Massachusetts: A Beginners Guide
Are you new to snowmobiling? The beginners guide outlines what you need to know in order to snowmobile in Massachusetts.

Q: What is required to ride in Massachusetts?
A: To ride in Massachusetts, you must have a registered snowmobile in Massachusetts, and obtain a Trail Pass from a club. It has been a law since 1998. See below for age requirements.

Q: What are the age requirements to ride a snowmobile?
Excerpt from 323 CMR 3.00: THE USE OF RECREATION VEHICLES AND SNOW VEHICLES
(e) A person, between the ages of 10 and 14, may operate while directly supervised a snow vehicle in preparation for, or while a participant in, a sanctioned race, rally or organized event which is supervised by a person aged 18 or older and which has been authorized or approved by a municipal permitting authority.
(ii) a person under 10 years of age may operate an age and size appropriate snow vehicle while directly supervised on land on which the operator is domiciled, but in no circumstance with a stock engine capacity greater than 150 cubic centimeters,
Go to http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/eea/ohv/materials/ohv-pamphlet.pdf to view the complete, unedited document.

Q: How do I register in Massachusetts?
A: Please refer to the Mass. State Registration website

Q: I have a MA registration, why do I need a “trail pass”?
A: Snowmobilers that ride SAM club trails on private property, other than their own, must display a SAM membership decal (aka: trail pass). Memberships and trail pass decals are available through local SAM clubs. Membership and trail pass locations. SAM club listing.
You may ride on your own property or property that you have written permission to travel on, such as a friend’s property. However, you must carry that written permission with you at all times. The easiest way to ride the trails is to join a club and display a SAM trail pass. Support the volunteers who maintain the trails and make snowmobiling possible.

Q: What if I do not purchase a trail permit?
A: Massachusetts Environmental Police can issue you a ticket for trespassing and have the right to tow your vehicle. If you do not have a Massachusetts registration, the fines will be significantly more.

Q: Where do I get a membership trail permit?
A: You can purchase membership trail permits through your local club. Membership in a SAM affiliated club is necessary to purchase a membership trail pass. A list of locations can be found here.

Q: Can I get a replacement trail pass?
A: There are cases where you can get a replacement trail pass if a decal falls off or you purchase a different snowmobile. You can read the policy and procedure here.

Q: Where can I get Massachusetts Trail Maps?
A: You may purchase Massachusetts trail maps through your local club.

Q: Why don’t you post local and MA trail maps?
A: SAM wants you to become involved in snowmobiling. If we posted all of our maps on the internet, there would be less of a reason to look into local clubs. We are a non-profit organization that depends on volunteers and donations. To join a local club is to get involved in your community and know the work that goes on behind the scenes. Trails in your town do not magically appear each year. Local clubs spend countless hours and a large sum of money on the trail systems every year and depend on private funding to survive. The State of Massachusetts returns zero ($0.00) dollars to SAM or snowmobiling in general.

Q: Can I rent a sled in MA. and where?
A: At this time, there are no known rental companies in Massachusetts.