NH Open Snowmobile Weekend 2020 is a new program. The format of Reciprocal Weekend, as we knew it, has changed in the Northeast. In the past New Hampshire law allowed Vermont or Maine registered snowmobiles to operate in NH with their respective registrations so long as NH registered snowmobiles were allowed to operate in those states during the same time period, typically a three-day weekend.

Free Weekend Format Change

Many states and Canadian provinces now host a form of Open Snowmobile Weekend which allow anyone with a current registration from another state or province to ride for free during a designated weekend.

New Hampshire has adopted the Open Snowmobile Weekend model thanks to recently passed legislation, which was driven by the NHSA, the Trails Bureau, and Fish and Game.

The new law allows anyone with a current snowmobile registration from another state or province to ride in NH during a three-day weekend chosen by the Fish and Game Executive Director.

NH Open Snowmobile Weekend 2020

The dates for this season’s New Hampshire Open Snowmobile Weekend are March 6, 7, 8, 2020. Snowmobiler are not required to purchase a NH registration when riding during the three-day period so long as they have a valid registration from another state or province. All NH laws, rules and regulations must be followed.

Support the Clubs

Just because it’s free doesn’t mean there isn’t a cost. While the clubs love to showcase the trails, it does require a significant amount of time and expense to maintain them. It would be a nice gesture to join a local snowmobile club in the area you decide to ride to support grooming.

Open Snowmobile Weekends in the Northeast

The list below outlines open snowmobile weekends in the Northeast. We cannot vouch for accuracy or details and encourage you to check with those associations or agencies.

• New Hampshire: March 6, 7, 8, 2020
• Vermont: February 7, 8, 9, 2020
• Maine: January 31, February 1, 2, 2020.
• New Brunswick: February 21, 22, 23, 2020
• Quebec: January 18, 19, 2020

Keep in mind that open weekends do not necessarily correspond on the same dates. You may not be able to travel from one region to another during any given weekend.

There may also be significantly different rules or requirements. Check before you go and be certain you are legal and have the appropriate registrations and supporting documents.

For additional information on riding in the state, please visit our Snowmobile NH page.