CONCORD, NH - It's time to start making plans for the New Hampshire-Vermont-Maine reciprocal snowmobile weekend, coming January 29-31, 2016 (Friday through Sunday). The tri-state event gives snowmobile enthusiasts a chance to explore new trails in northern New England.

"This weekend is one of the highlights of the winter for many resident and non-resident riders," said N.H. Fish and Game Major John Wimsatt, who coordinates Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle enforcement and education for New Hampshire.

Following are the ground rules for the weekend:

All snowmobiles legally registered in New Hampshire will be able to operate in Vermont and Maine during the reciprocal weekend. All other Vermont and Maine snowmobile laws and rules must be complied with, including Vermont's mandatory liability insurance, safety education certification (if born after 7/1/1983), and youth operation requirements.

All snowmobiles legally registered to ride in Vermont and Maine will be able to operate on New Hampshire trails during the three-day open weekend. To be legally registered in Vermont, snowmobiles must display, pursuant to Vermont law, a valid Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, Inc. Trails Maintenance Assessment, also known as the Trails Pass. All other New Hampshire laws and rules regarding the operation of snowmobiles must be adhered to, such as speed limits, youth operation standards, etc.

The Three-State Reciprocal weekend will occur annually in January/February (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), provided that our neighboring states continue to participate.

For information on snowmobiling in New Hampshire, visit:

N.H. Fish and Game Department at www.ride.nh.gov

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N.H. Bureau of Trails at www.nhtrails.org

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N.H. Snowmobile Association at www.nhsa.com

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For information on snowmobiling rules in Vermont, visit www.vtvast.org.

For information on snowmobiling rules in Maine, visit www.maine.gov/ifw/laws_rules/snowlaws.htm.