7:32 a.m.
Monday, February 5, 2018 7:34 am

Except the northern part of Coos County, tri-state reciprocal weekend was a snowmobile bust. (Courtesy NHF&G photo)

CONCORD - Thousands of snowmobilers from Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and beyond descended upon the trails of the North Country to enjoy the Tri-State Reciprocal Snowmobile Weekend (January 26-28), which allows snowmobiles legally registered in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont to operate on trails in all three states.

But the recent mild temperatures proved to be a bust for most of the state.

"Due to recent warm weather, trail conditions were reported to be marginal in most places in Coos County, with little to no riding throughout the rest of the state. Marginal trail conditions were cited as a factor in at least three of the six reported snowmobile accidents this weekend," said Captain Dave Walsh, who oversees enforcement and safety education for Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle activities in New Hampshire.

"Recent warm weather and rain statewide limited riding areas to the most northern trails in Coos County," said Walsh. Even in Coos County, trail conditions were variable with ice and rutted, uneven trails reported in several locations.

The annual Tri-State Reciprocal Snowmobile Weekend is a boost to businesses in northern New Hampshire and throughout the state. The event is considered one of New Hampshire's largest snowmobiling weekends.

"Typically there would still be several more weeks of snowmobiling opportunities ahead, but this will depend on Mother Nature," said Walsh.