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Snowmobiling Fact book: Snowmobile History
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The first attempts at building a vehicle that would move over snow on runners happened over 70 years ago. Many dreamed of building a power-driven sled, especially where heavy snowfalls often meant the difference between life and death when attempting to transport an ill person to emergency care.
In 1935, a snowmobile was built with skis in front and a sprocket wheel and tracked system in back. It carried 12 people, and family doctors, veterinarians, ambulance and taxi drivers were first in line to purchase one. A modified version found a market in the logging industry.
It was the late 1950s, with the development of smaller gasoline engines, before the one- or two-passenger lightweight chassis snowmobile was marketed - and with it, a new recreational activity was born.
Ten years later, there were dozens of manufacturers producing snowmobiles that sold for a few hundred dollars a piece.
Today, with more than 4 million riders, snowmobiling is a major winter recreational activity and a significant factor in increased winter tourism in much of Canada and the snowbelt of the United States.
The history of the “snow machine” is yet to be completed. Today’s snowmobile bears little resemblance to earlier models. By today’s standards, many of the machines of the 60’s and 70’s are considered antiques.
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Upcoming Snowmobiling Events
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Snowmobile Safety Week
January 16-22, 2011
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Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week
February 12-20, 2011
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5 Steps to Get Started in Snowmobiling
Interested in joining the 3 million people who already enjoy snowmobiling each year, but don't know how to get started? Follow these five simple steps to get started in snowmobiling for a fun-filled winter with family and friends.
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International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association Touts Renting a Snowmobile
If you've ridden a snowmobile, you've probably already discovered that snowmobiling is the perfect activity to enjoy during the winter months with family and friends. For those who haven't tried snowmobiling before, it's time to test drive one and determine if snowmobiling is right for you. Renting is the perfect way to do just that. You'll learn that operating a snowmobile is less difficult than you may think.
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Snowmobiling: Do you know the facts?
Snowmobiling enhances winter tourism. There are over 225,000 miles of snowmobile trails in North America, many of which interconnect to form a vast network, allowing snowmobilers to travel to other towns, states and provinces. Other trails lead to winter destinations, festivals and resorts. The marked and groomed trails provide the highest level of riding enjoyment for residents and tourists alike.
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Safe Riders! Safety Information