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Research Uncovers a Great Deal of Interest in Snowmobiling
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ed Klim
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A few years ago a number of major universities in the western United States conducted a study to determine the key reasons people recreate and in particular why people go snowmobiling. The answers didn't surprise those of us that snowmobile. The top five reasons people snowmobile are:
- To view the scenery
- To be with friends
- To get away for the usual demands of life
vTo do something with my family
- To be close with nature
Intuitively, the snowmobile manufacturers agreed with the university studies, but we wanted to find out a little more about non-snowmobilers and snowmobilers alike. The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association commissioned a study to help us better understand the snowmobiling market. The study was conducted during the -2006 winter and it concluded non-snowmobiling recreation enthusiasts have a high level of interest in trying out snowmobiling. The research initiative had four objectives:
- What is the profile of current snowmobile owners?
- What are the key motivators that drive purchases?
- What aspects of snowmobiling are valued by snowmobilers?
- What are some of the key barriers preventing prospects from purchasing a snowmobile?
The research data was collected in two large focus groups. One held in New York and the other in Minnesota. There were also internet, telephone, and mailed surveys to residents of the US and Canada. The return rate was exceptionally high and what we discovered in our research work was very interesting.
Non-snowmobilers do not view snowmobiling negatively at all. There are a lot of people who don't snowmobile, but really want to try it.
Most non-snowmobilers have no idea where the snowmobile trails are. They don't know where the trail heads are, and they don't know very many snowmobilers. They would love to rent a snowmobile and they would welcome being asked to go snowmobiling by a club or snowmobile organization member. On a 10-point scale, non-snowmobilers across North America rated their desire to go snowmobiling as high as an 8 or 9.
Non-snowmobilers - like snowmobilers - long for a strong sense of social interaction with friends and family. We know snowmobiling is a social activity and we enjoy being with our family and friends on a beautiful snowy day. Snowmobilers and non-snowmobilers alike look forward to relaxation and stress relief that snowmobiling provides.
For a great number of us, snowmobiling provides the chance to feel like a kid again. For many of us, it's a family fun excursion which provides us an opportunity to pull the kids away from the distractions and friends that prevent better day to day connections between ourselves and our family.
Non-snowmobilers clearly identify with the social aspect of snowmobiling and quickly fall into the category titled "Here's to Good Friends." This group of individuals (including snowmobilers and non-snowmobilers alike) index very high in RV ownership and are active through the summer in camping clubs and other recreational vehicle related activities.
The biggest challenge we have in attracting new snowmobilers is showing them where and how to enjoy our chosen winter activity. They would welcome an invitation to go snowmobiling and be introduced to the Snowmobile Club and Snowmobile Association social network, the great trail system, and the play areas we all enjoy.
A majority of the adults living in the snowbelt of North America are potential snowmobilers. Their vacation spending habits are similar to ours and they look forward to trying something new and exciting.
Non-snowmobilers don't quite understand the excitement they see in our eyes when the snowstorm warnings are issued - but I believe a few hours on a snowmobile in great wintry conditions would make anybody understand why we cherish those soon to come winter snowstorms.
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Upcoming Snowmobiling Events
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2012 Go Snowmobiling "Take a Friend Snowmobiling" Contest
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2012 Go Snowmobiling "Take a Friend Snowmobiling" Week
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Clean Snowmobile Challenge
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Snowmobiling News
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Clean Snowmobile Challenge - March 5-10, 2012
A record number of teams are expected to participate in the SAE 2012 Snowmobile Challenge, sponsored by the snowmobile manufacturers along with other supporting businesses, set for March 5th-10th, 2012 at Michigan Technological University.
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Plan on Participating in Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week
The snowmobile community is excited to announce the Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week - which will be held February 11-20, 2012. This elongated week celebrates friends and family snowmobiling.
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Snowmobile Safety: Ride Safe so you can Ride Tomorrow
Snowmobiling is in full stride around the world and now is the time for snowmobilers to keep snowmobile safety a top-of-mind awareness issue. Snowmobile safety is nothing new to organized snowmobiling. Snowmobile Administrators, the Manufacturers, snowmobile associations and clubs joined together years ago in developing the Safe Riders! You make snowmobiling safe™ safety campaign which brought safe snowmobiling practices, training and enforcement to a new level.
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Snowmobiling Websites and Facebook Expand
As we look at the last 20 years of communication transformation, most are amazed. Communication amongst snowmobilers has changed forever and it appears the evolution will continue.
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Snowmobiling Economic Benefits Realized Worldwide
The snowmobile community generates over 28 billion dollars in economic activity in North America. Snowmobiling supports over 90,000 full time jobs and generates millions of tax dollars.
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Yellowstone/National Park Service to Implement One-Year Rule for 2011-2012 Winter Use Plan
The National Park Service planners will implement a "One-Year Rule" for the upcoming 2011-2012 winter season, in order to allow time to better address significant public input regarding the proposed long-term legislation.
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Safe Riders! Safety Information
