Snowmobiling is recognized by Economic Planners as a major job generator and an important part of the "Economic Engine" in rural America.  Over $27 Billion Dollars worth of Economic Activity occurs because of snowmobiling, with the majority of the money generated by tourism related activities.  Approximately $1.2 Billion dollars is the result of new snowmobile sales alone.  Slightly over $1 Billion dollars worth of parts, garments and accessories were sold in the marketplace this year, a 15% increase from the previous year.  Sales of snowmobile registrations, licenses and permits will reach a new record high in 2006.  It is estimated that over 2,600,000 snowmobile registrations and/or permits will be sold in North America this winter season.  The sales of permits and registrations will generate well over $120 million dollars, most of which will go immediately back into the trail system in the development, improvement and maintenance of the greatest recreational trail system in the world.  Over 200 thousand miles of groomed and marked trails traverse North America allowing snowmobiling families to see North America in a unique way not available to any other form of recreation.

Recent Economic Impact studies performed by Iowa State University, Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, and the University of Minnesota all show dramatic increases in snowmobile activity and the economic importance of snowmobile tourism.  It was estimated that well over 95,000 full-time jobs are generated by the snowmobile industry alone.  In addition to that, approximately 3,000 licensed dealers, employing 60,000 full time employees serve as an important tax base to many rural towns and villages.  Using Standard Economic Impact Analysis, it should come as no surprise that a substantial segment of snowmobile spending ends up being collected by every state and province in taxes.  Approximately 10% of all the dollars spent by snowmobilers ends up being directly collected by "the tax man" in the state or province where snowmobiling occurs.  Simple math shows snowmobilers pay approximately $2.7 Billion dollars in state and provincial tax alone during the winter season.  Federal and Local taxes would be added to that number and one could easily say that snowmobilers collectively pay over $4 Billion dollars in taxes each year, enjoying the family recreation activity of snowmobiling.

While I am writing this article in Mid-October, I am watching the snow fall in Northern Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Alberta, and beyond, and the weather forecasts are promising.  Snowmobile shows are reporting high levels of enthusiasm and record levels of attendance.  The snowmobile manufacturers have been busy inventing and building new technology snowmobiles for all of us to enjoy.  These vehicles have proven to be more efficient than previous models using substantially less fuel and overall are less expensive to operate and enjoy.  New, clean, quiet, efficient, durable, reliable snowmobiles are in the marketplace and the offerings from the manufacturers point to a positive future.  The responsiveness by the manufacturers to new government regulations coupled with the marketplace demands are noticeable and paint a bright future for an ever changing fun, winter activity.

Surveys performed at the beginning of this snowmobile season, show snowmobilers plan to snowmobile more this year than in previous years and our optimism is contagious.

Travel and recreation trends support the optimism of the snowmobile community as more families plan to recreate close to home and more families are interested in winter recreational activities.  The optimism is prevalent on both sides of the border since Canadian and US cross-border vehicle traffic for the first five months in 2005 totaled over 5.5 million automobiles.  This is a slight increase compared to the same timeframe in 2004 and underscores the increased level of close to home recreation activities. 

Snowmobiling is now entering it's 51^st year as the chosen recreational activity in North America for millions of winter-loving families.  High quality resorts are expanding to better serve snowmobilers.  Snowmobile trails are improving and public awareness of the technology improvement is leading to a greater acceptance of snowmobiling and the vehicles we enjoy.

Snowmobiling is a great family lifestyle activity allowing parents and children and grandchildren to recreate together and enjoy all the magic nature has to offer.

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