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Here are some snowmobiling facts that you can use to amaze and astonish friends and family...

1. 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.
2. In 2003, there were 114,927 snowmobiles sold in the U.S., and 50,209 snowmobiles sold in Canada. vThe average suggested retail price of a new snowmobile sold in 2003 was $6,380.
3. The number of Licensed Snowmobile Dealers:
   • United States - 1560
   • Canada - 1060
   • Scandinavia - 403
4. There are approximately 2.7 million registered snowmobiles in the world.
   • United States - 1.65 million
   • Canada - 760,000
   • Scandinavia - 318,000
5. 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
   • 2002 - 203,153
   • 2003 - 186,627
6. The Economic Impact of Snowmobiling:
   • United States - $7 billion annually
   • Canada - $3.6 billion annually
   • Scandinavia - $1.6 billion annually
7. Over 75,000 fulltime jobs are generated by the snowmobile industry in North America. Those jobs are involved in manufacturing, dealerships and tourism related businesses.
8. The average age of a snowmobile owner is 41 years old.
9. The average annual household income for snowmobilers is $70,000.
10. The average snowmobiler rides their snowmobile 990 miles per year.
11. The average snowmobiler has 18 years of experience riding.
12. The average snowmobiler spends $4,000 each year on snowmobile-related recreation, tourism and products.
13. 75% of snowmobile owners are married. The average snowmobile family has 0.8 children living in the home with them.
14. 65% of the snowmobilers usually trailer their snowmobiles to go ride. 35% either snowmobile from their primary residence or have a vacation home where they keep and use their snowmobiles.
15. 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.
16. Snowmobilers spend on the average 7.2 nights per snowmobile season in a motel/resort room while snowmobiling.
17. Snowmobilers are caring neighbors, they raised over $3 million for charity during the 2002/2003 season.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. There are over 3000 snowmobile clubs worldwide, involved in trail grooming and charity fund raising and family activities.
21. There are 40 registered non-profit associations representing snowmobilers in the U.S., Canada and Scandinavia.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association has an active web site. The URL is www.snowmobile.org.
27. 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

And some snowmobile history...

The first attempts at building a vehicle that would move over snow on runners happened 75 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 sport was born.

Ten years later, there were dozens of manufacturers producing snowmobiles that sold for a few hundred dollars apiece.  Today, four manufacturers will produce over 200,000 snowmobiles to be sold annually in the United States, Canada, and Europe.  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.

These facts are from ISMA - International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association

Snowmobiling - the sport...

There are more than 4 million snowmobilers in Canada and the United States.

Surveys show that over 94.5% of snowmobilers consider it a family sport. The overwhelming majority of snowmobile owners 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. However, for overnight trips, distances traveled normally range between 100 and 150 miles.

Although primarily a recreational activity, snowmobiling also provides many other useful functions. In remote portions of Canada and the U.S., snowmobiles are some citizen's 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 used by surveyors, ranchers, public utility employees, environmental and wildlife scientists and countless others. Ski-touring centers across North America utilize snowmobiles for trail grooming and track setting.

Snowmobiling - the future...

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 the 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.

Snowmobilers Safe Riders Pledge:

• I will never drink and drive a snowmobile.

• I will drive within the limits of may 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 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 or other vegetation.

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

• I will not snowmobile where prohibited.

Find out for yourself about today's snowmobiles at...

Spicer Sports and Marine
13095 North Highway 23, Spicer, MN  56288
(320) 796-2185