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Snowmobile Facts

 Snowmobiling Background

There are more than four million snowmobilers in the United States and Canada.
Surveys show that over 94.5% of snowmobilers consider it a family sport. The overwhelming majority
of snowmobilers are married and have children.

Snowmobiling appeals to people of all ages - from youngsters to senior citizens. Studies reveal that snowmobilers generally ride close to home. On day trips, snowmobilers typically travel 30 to 75 miles to favorite riding areas or on favorite trails. There is a growing interest in touring - spending several nights traveling, shopping, dining and sleeping along the way. However, for overnight trips, distances traveled normally range between 100 and 150 miles per day.

Although primarily a recreational activity, snowmobiling also provides many other useful functions. In remote portions of Canada and the U.S., snowmobiles are some citizens' primary source of transportation. Snowmobiles are relied upon by law enforcement units throughout the snowbelt for search and rescue work and emergency missions. They are also used by surveyors, ranchers, public utility employees, environmental and wildlife scientists and countless others. Ski-touring centers across North America utilize snowmobiles for all trail grooming and track setting. Snowmobiles are also widely used by cross country ski race officials, dog sled races, and by ski patrols for rescue purposes.

The Future of Snowmobiling

The sport of snowmobiling will continue to offer a unique form of recreation to mankind. A recent study conducted by the Recreation Roundtable showed that people who recreate outdoors are happier, healthier and more productive. They are better citizens and neighbors. As our future holds new demands on our time, the recreation that snowmobiling affords will increase in importance.

The future will see snowmobile itself continue to improve in dependability, reliability and quality for all consumers. Manufacturers, using the latest in technology and science, are working and investing in order that all aspects of the machine are updated to serve the needs of a growing populace.

The Snowmobilers Pledge

I will never drink and drive a snowmobile.

I will drive within the limits of my machine and my own abilities.

I will obey the rules and laws of the state or province I am visiting.

I will be careful when crossing roads, and always cross at a right angle to traffic.

I will keep my machine in top shape and follow a pre-op check before each ride.

I will wear appropriate clothing, including gloves, boots and a helmet with a visor.

I will let my family or friends know my planned route, my destination and my expected arrival time.

I will treat the outdoors with respect. I will not litter or damage trees and other vegetation.

I will respect other peoples' property and rights, and lend a hand when I see someone in need.

I will not snowmobile where prohibited.

Some Hard Facts

There are four major manufacturers that build snowmobiles. They are: Arctic Cat - headquartered in Thief River Falls, MN; Bombardier Inc. - headquartered in Valcourt, Quebec Canada; Polaris Industries - headquartered in Medina, MN; and Yamaha Motor Corporation - headquartered in Cypress, CA.

In 2001, there were 208,592 snowmobiles sold worldwide; 140,629 snowmobiles were sold in the U.S., and 46,973 snowmobiles were sold in Canada.
 
The average suggested retail price of a new snowmobile sold in 2001 was $5,800.

The number of Licensed Snowmobile Dealers:

United States - 1570

Canada - 1081

Scandinavia - 403

There are approximately 2.7 million registered snowmobiles in the world.

United States - 1.6 million

Canada - 760,000

Scandinavia - 318,000

Worldwide snowmobile sales:

1993 - 158,000

1994 - 181,000

1995 - 227,400

1996 - 252,324

1997 - 260,735

1998 - 257,936

1999 - 230,887

2000 - 208,297

2001 - 208,592

The most popular engine size of recently acquired snowmobiles is in the 500-cc range.

The Economic Impact of Snowmobiling:

United States - $7 billion annually

Canada - $3.6 billion annually

Scandinavia - $1.6 billion annually

Over 75,000 full-time jobs are generated by the snowmobile industry in North America. Those jobs are involved in manufacturing, dealerships and tourism related businesses.

The average age of a snowmobile owner is 42 years old.

The average annual household income for snowmobilers is $68,000.

The average snowmobiler rides his/her snowmobile 1,202 miles per year.

The average snowmobiler has 18 years of riding experience.

The average snowmobiler spends $4,000 each year on snowmobile-related recreation, tourism and products.

75% of snowmobile owners are married. The average snowmobile family has 0.8 children living in the home with them.

63% of the snowmobilers usually trailer their snowmobiles to go ride. 37% either snowmobile from their primary residence or have a vacation home where they keep and use their snowmobiles.

Approximately 80% of snowmobilers use their snowmobile for trail riding and touring in marked and groomed trails. 20% of snowmobilers use their snowmobile for work and ice fishing.

Snowmobilers spend on the average 7.2 nights per snowmobile season in a motel/resort room while snowmobiling.

Snowmobilers are caring neighbors, they raised over $3 million for charity during the 2000/2001 season.

Approximately 17% of all snowmobilers are part of the Senior Circuit - 60 years or older and 37% of all snowmobilers are 50 years or older.

There are over 225,000 miles of groomed and marked snowmobile trails in North America that have been developed by volunteer clubs working with local government and private land owners.

There are over 3000 snowmobile clubs worldwide, involved in trail grooming and charity fund raising and family activities.

There are 40 registered non-profit associations representing snowmobilers in the U.S., Canada and Scandinavia.

Snowmobiling is great exercise that brings people outdoors to interact with nature and each other. It is an invigorating sport that is great for stress release and good mental health.

Snowmobiling is a great family sport. It is an activity that keeps parents and kids together. Historically individuals who snowmobile at a young age continue to snowmobile with their parents and continue in the sport throughout their lives, sharing great experiences as a family. In many winter regions, snowmobiling is simply the main form of winter outdoor recreation and in some cases the main method of transportation available.

The use of snowmobiles in National Parks is controlled, organized and regulated by Federal Law Enforcement. The snowmobiling occurs on roads groomed and marked for snowmobiling, the same roadways used by recreational vehicles, cars, trucks and busses. Snowmobiles are NOT used as off-road vehicles in National Parks such as Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain and Grand Teton.

On US National Forest Land, most of the trails used by snowmobiles are on groomed roads used by summer recreationists. There are also secondary and seasonal roads within the forests used by snowmobilers. These roads are groomed and marked by volunteers who work closely with the local US Forest Service staff in maintaining and managing those areas.

The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association has had an active web site for 5 years. The URL is www.snowmobile.org.

The manufacturers have always been actively involved in promoting safe riding behavior while snowmobiling. Over one million brochures, decals and hundreds of thousands of posters and safety videos have been distributed free of charge to snowmobile enthusiasts throughout the world. Safety trainers, enforcement officers, Chambers of Commerce and more use safety materials provided by the manufacturers through the Safe Riders! You make snowmobiling safe safety campaign.