Facts on Snowmobiles

Whether they are used for winter transportation, family recreation, or competitive racing, snowmobiles are popular in the northern U.S. and Canada. More than 2 million registered snowmobiles keep the trails busy during the snowy months and also create an economic impact. The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association estimates the activity contributes $28 billion to the U.S. and Canadian economies, and is responsible for more than 90,000 full-time jobs.

  1. Manufacturers

    • According to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, four companies dominate the snowmobile market: Arctic Cat, Bombardier Recreational Products-BRP, Polaris Industries and Yamaha. In 2009, U.S. buyers purchased more than 60,000 snowmobiles, while Canadian riders bought almost 50,000.

    Types of Snowmobiles

    • Beginners, professionals, and mountain residents can find snowmobiles designed specifically for them. Entry-level snowmobiles are cheaper and less powerful than other models; the typical beginner's machine has a 60-70 horsepower engine. Performance snowmobiles feature more powerful engines, 85 horsepower and up. Touring snowmobiles are made for comfort and often can accommodate two riders; the ride is smoother, and features such as large windshields and backrests encourage long, leisurely rides. Mountain snowmobiles are typically longer and narrower than other models and have more horsepower to make up for the loss of power at higher elevations.

    Safety

    • Snowmobile riding can be fun and safe, but drivers should be aware of hazards. Alcohol and snowmobiling do not go together. Alcohol is a leading cause of many snowmobile-related fatalities, according to the American Council of Snowmobile Associations. The association also warns of dangers like driving at night, excessive speed, collisions with automobiles, and lack of proper driver training, especially for younger drivers. The council features a safety campaign and publishes a list of snowmobiling do's and don'ts.

    Laws

    • Individual states have their own laws regulating snowmobile use. Michigan and New York require helmets, while Alaska does not. The maximum speed in Minnesota is 50 mph, but Montana, Illinois, and Ohio have no posted speed limits. Washington state does not allow anyone under age 12 to operate a snowmobile. Some states require licenses, trail passes, and/or registration fees. Numerous other laws vary from state to state.