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November
2009
Snowmobiling economic indicators are positive for 2009-2010 season
Industry generates 90,000 jobs, $28 billion in North America per year
Every year, 3 million people bundle up, get outdoors and participate in an
activity that generates $28 billion worth of economic activity in North
America-snowmobiling. Snowmobiling is a favorite winter pastime, and it
continues to grow each year. Snowmobile registrations in North America
increased in 2009 compared to 2008. In Canada, there was an 8 percent
increase in registered snowmobiles, and in the United States, registered
snowmobiles increased by 1 percent. There are over 2.5 million registered
snowmobiles in North America.
 Snowmobilers'
level of activity is also rising. There are 230,000 miles of groomed and
marked snowmobile trails that wind through beautiful scenery throughout the
U.S. and Canada, amounting to more miles of snowmobile trails than in the
entire U.S. interstate highway system. Snowmobilers averaged over 1,300
miles of riding-a 20 percent increase from the previous year.
Major universities across North America have conducted Economic Impact
Studies, highlighting how snowmobile related winter tourism is a major part
of winter's economic engine. Studies show over 90,000 full-time jobs exist
to support snowmobile tourism. Many areas report that snowmobiling is the
largest part of their tourism sector.
The 2009-2010 season is gearing up to be just as promising. Climatologists
across North America have reported a 7 degree below average temperature for
parts of North America. In some regions, this summer has been the coldest
in over 100 years. Initial reports show that global cooling will continue
for ideal snowmobiling temperatures this winter. The Farmer's Almanac also
predicts a frigid winter with abundant snowfall.
Practice good snowmobile etiquette on the trails
 Good
manners never go out of style-not even on the snowmobiling trails. Follow
these simple snowmobiling etiquette tips and make snowmobiling even more
enjoyable for everyone!
- Be courteous
to others on the trail. Wave and greet others as you pass.
- Give bikers,
hikers and horse riders the right of way.
- Slow down
when passing and keep to the right.
- Ride only in
permitted areas and leave gates as you find them.
- Carry out
what you carry in.
- Report
fallen trees and trail maintenance issues to land managers.
Join us on Facebook
 Go
Snowmobiling is now on Facebook, and we'd love to share and chat with all
of you sledders out there! Become a fan of Go Snowmobiling and share some
of your most exciting snowmobile adventures on our wall. "Fan" Go
Snowmobiling here. See you online!
Get to know your
local snowmobile association or club
 Many
of your neighbors are members of a local snowmobile club or association. We
invite you to get to know them. They build and groom your local snowmobile
trail system. Get to know them and find out who they are by visiting the
American Council of Snowmobile Association (ASCA) at www.snowmobilers.org
or the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO/CCOM) at www.ccso-ccom.ca
Need more information?
For those interested in learning more about snowmobiling, the www.gosnowmobiling.org
Web site is an essential tool for guidance. It provides information on how
to get started in snowmobiling,  dealers and renters who
can supply you with a snowmobile, locations to snowmobile and more. It's a
great way for the inexperienced snowmobiler to get informed!
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