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Go Snowmobiling

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Go Snowmobiling

Go Snowmobiling is a non-profit organization devoted to the sport of snowmobiling, working with industry partners, clubs and organizations, to assure the sport thrives into the future.

Our Mission & Vision

Mission

We proudly champion all snowmobilers and the snowmobile industry, fighting for our freedom to ride and to keep the spirit of snowmobiling alive.

Vision

A world where snowmobiling thrives through protected access, a united industry and a welcoming community for every rider.

Initiatives

Safe Riders

The Safe Riders! Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program provides basic essentials about snowmobile safety and includes short quizzes to help test your knowledge about safe snowmobiling practices.

Economic Impact

We continually sponsor economic impact studies to show the importance of winter recreation to towns, counties, and states in the snow-belt region.

Land & Trail Access

We worked jointly with ACSA to intervene on behalf of states, clubs, riders and even the US Forest Service on land access issues, protecting riders when unnecessarily attacked. Especially in the Western U.S. Recent example: Intervention in the Over Snow Vehicle Plan in the Lassen Forest in California.

Stats & Facts

141,000 mi 124,000 km

There are approximately 141,000 miles / 124,000 km of signed and maintained snowmobile trails in North America that have been developed by snowmobile clubs and associations, usually in cooperation with provincial, state and local governments.

92,387
Sold worldwide in 2025

In 2025 there were 92,387 snowmobiles sold worldwide; 41,588 were sold in the U.S. and 34,828 were sold in Canada.

1.3 million
Registered in the U.S.

There are 1.3 million registered snowmobiles in the US and over 559,300 registered snowmobiles in Canada.

The Economic Impact of Snowmobiling

  • United States$26 billion
  • Canada$20.6 billion
  • Europe$4 billion

Annual economic impact. Bars share one scale.

100,000+

Over 100,000 full-time jobs are generated by the snowmobile industry in North America. Those jobs are involved in manufacturing, dealerships and tourism related businesses.

Published yearly

Snowmobiling Fact Book

Our yearly snowmobiling fact book provides detailed information on the snowmobile industry including sales, registrations, the economic impact, the community, charities and more.

Economic Impact

$35B+Spent on snowmobiling each year

Snowmobilers in Canada and the United States spend over $35 billion on snowmobiling each year. This includes expenditures on equipment, clothing, accessories, snowmobiling vacations and more.

Snowmobiling is responsible for “spin-off” economic benefits such as:

  • Jobs for 100,000 people
  • Millions of dollars in tax revenues derived from snowmobile related business
  • Millions of dollars in winter tourism spending

Economic Impact Studies

Point at or select a region to read its study.

CCSO Canada Study

According to the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO), this vital winter recreation sector drives significant financial activity nationwide.

Economic Output
$20.6+ Billion overall economic engine.
GDP Contribution
$7 Billion total contribution to Canada's GDP.
Government Revenue
$3.6 Billion collected in taxes annually across all levels of government.
Employment
65,960+ Baseline jobs supported (multiplying during peak winter season).
Trail Infrastructure
131,070 Kilometers of organized snowmobile trails managed by 730 volunteer-run clubs.
Participation
1.5 Million family members participating in snowmobiling, backed by over 250,000 trail permits/memberships sold annually.

Education & Outreach

Safe Riders! Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program

The Safe Riders! Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program provides basic essentials about snowmobile safety and includes short quizzes to help test your knowledge about safe snowmobiling practices.

Land Access

Private Land

Private landowners are the backbone of the snowmobiling community. Across North America, the vast majority of local snowmobile trails cross private property, made possible only through the generous, voluntary permission of landowners.

Help Keep Trails Open

  • Stay on marked trails: Respect boundaries and never trespass or create new paths.
  • Obey signs: Follow all direction, speed limit, and closure markers set by local clubs.
  • Minimize noise and litter: Pack out what you pack in and keep exhaust systems compliant.
  • Support local clubs: Many community clubs host annual landowner appreciation banquets, dinners, or send thank-you notes to property owners.

Public Land

North America offers extensive public land for snowmobiling through national forests, state parks, and provincial lands, often managed via local club grants and public-private partnerships. Riders typically need local registration or trail permits, valid driver’s licenses for adults, and adherence to designated trail routes.

Help Protect Access

  • Registration/Permits: Out-of-state or out-of-province riders usually need a specific trail sticker or local registration.
  • Stay on Trail: Crossing closed wilderness areas, private land, or non-motorized tracks is strictly illegal.
  • Wildlife: Be mindful of and respect wildlife in their natural habitat.

ISMA

The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) is an organization representing the three snowmobile manufacturers and the parent organization of Go Snowmobiling. ISMA works with snowmobile associations, clubs and organizations to promote snowmobile safety, fight for land access, promote the sport of snowmobiling, track and report industry statistics and the positive economic impact of snowmobiling throughout the world.

Snowmobiler Profile

52
Years old

The average snowmobiler is 52 years old.

1,158 mi/ 1,864 km
Per season

Snowmobilers ride on average 1,158 miles / 1,864 km per season.

$2,873USD per season

Snowmobilers spend $2,873 USD on snowmobiling activities such as lodging, food, and fuel.

50%
Trailer to ride

50% of snowmobilers trailer to ride.

95%
A family activity

95% of snowmobilers consider it a family activity.

60%
Family 27%
Friend

Introduced to the sport by

60% of snowmobilers were introduced to the sport by family, and 27% by a friend.

The Main Reason People Snowmobile

To view scenery

To be with friends

To get away from usual demands of life

To do something with their family

To be close with nature

FAQs

Where do snowmobilers ride?

Approximately 80 percent of snowmobilers use their snowmobile for trail riding and touring in marked and groomed trails. The other 20 percent of snowmobilers use their snowmobile for work and ice fishing.

Who maintains snowmobile trails?

In the U.S. and Canada, snowmobile clubs construct, maintain and map trails, usually in cooperation with provincial, state and local governments.

Are snowmobiles used only for recreation?

No, they serve many other functions. In remote portions of Canada and the U.S., snowmobiles are some residents' primary mode of transportation. Snowmobiles are relied upon by law enforcement units throughout the snowbelt for search-and-rescue work and emergency missions. They are also used by surveyors, ranchers, public utility employees, environmental and wildlife scientists, and countless others. Snowmobiles are also widely used by cross country ski race officials, dog sled races and by ski patrols for rescue purposes.

I want information on a specific snowmobile. How can I get that information?

Each manufacturer has specific information on each of their models. Please contact the manufacturers through their websites, or contact your local snowmobile dealer.

I am interested in snowmobile racing schedules and locations, how do I find out where snowmobile races are occurring?

For all snowmobile racing information, please call the International Snowmobile Racing Association (ISR) at 262.335.2401 or visit their website at www.isrracing.org.

How do I find out what trail conditions are or what is going on in an individual province or state?

Information for individual provinces and states including any riding rules and regulations are available from the provincial/state associations directly.

I am looking for repair parts and or information for my snowmobile, can you help me?

We recommend that you contact the dealer you bought your snowmobile from or from your local dealer. They should have the necessary parts and expertise to help you repair your snowmobile or they can put you in touch directly with the manufacturer or supplier of any repair parts.

I have an antique snowmobile and was wondering if you can help me find information on shows and or repair parts for my machine?

The Antique Snowmobile Club, located in Minnesota is eager to help you and has a great deal of information on antique snowmobile shows, parts, etc.