CONCORD, N.H. -- Snowmobile enthusiasts will have a chance to explore some new territory the weekend of January 31-February 2, 2014 (Friday through Sunday), during the New Hampshire-Vermont-Maine reciprocal snowmobile weekend.

Following are the ground rules for the weekend:

* 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.

* 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.

The Three-State Reciprocal weekend will occur annually in January /February (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), provided that our neighboring states continue to participate. The specific dates for each winter's reciprocal weekend will be determined annually during a scheduled summer meeting.

"Over the last two seasons, this reciprocal opportunity has proven to be one of the busiest snowmobile weekends of the entire season. It has helped provide a significant financial boost for North Country businesses, including lodging, restaurants, rental agents, convenience stores and other area businesses," said Captain John Wimsatt, who oversees the N.H. Fish and Game Department's Snowmobile and OHRV Law Enforcement, Safety Education and Registry programs.

For information on snowmobiling in New Hampshire, visit:
* N.H. Fish and Game Department at http://www.ride.nh.gov.
* N.H. Bureau of Trails at http://www.nhtrails.org.
* N.H. Snowmobile Association at http://www.nhsa.com.

For information on snowmobiling rules in Vermont, visit http://www.vtvast.org/VAST.html.

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