CPG NEWS - Snomobiling, Profile of a Great Sport

Posted Dec 26/2009

With snowmobiling comes the true calling of winter and something that can truely fend off the cold with tons of fun and excitement. A sport that if you are prepared properly for the elements that you will encounter you will quickly forget about the weather and start having fun right away. If you haven't sleded before, find a club or a friend with a sled and get out and give it a try it is one sport that is worth the investment wether your a fun loving family looking for some quality time together or an extreme sports fenatic looking for something that can put them on the edge, of a mountain that is. Below you will find some great information about snowmobiling that you might not get somewhere else or might not of known in a profile of a great sport, snowmobiling.

Snowmobilers are caring neighbors - Snowmobilers are involved with charities throughout the U.S. and Canada. The International Snowmobile Council reported raising more than $3 million for charity last season through state and provincial clubs.

Demographics - The average snowmobiler is 44 years old, married, with an annual household income of $72,000. Eighty percent of snowmobilers use their sled for trail riding and touring. Safety is a top priority for snowmobilers. The snowmobile community is continually working to highlight safety messages and enhance safety education efforts. The Safe Riders! You make snowmobiling safe safety campaign stresses the importance of riding at safe speeds, using trails and never consuming alcohol before or during snowmobiling.

Snowmobiling has great economic impact -  Snowmobiles aren't merely a presence on Canadian and American trails and snowy landscapes, they play a big role in each country's economy. North America has a snow-borne fleet of over 2 million snowmobiles, and conservative estimates peg its contribution to the continental economy at $20 billion. 

Snowmobile safety has always been a high priority with the manufacturers and organized snowmobiling. Today, the manufacturers, along with the snowmobile community, are more involved than ever in making snowmobile safety a top of mind awareness issues for all snowmobilers. The Safe Riders! You make snowmobiling safe™ safety campaign is supported worldwide by snowmobile enthusiasts. Over 80% of all snowmobilers recognize the Safe Riders! logo and understand the campaign position statements. The campaign is very straight forward and brings to the forefront the need to analyze risks and not take improper risks while snowmobiling. The campaign position statements are:

• Snowmobiling and alcohol don't mix, don't drink and ride
• Know before you go! Always check local ice conditions
• When night riding, slow down! Expect the unexpected.
• Ride safe, stay on the trail. Respect private property.
• Know the risks, and be prepared. And make every trip a round trip.
• Cross with care, don't become road-kill
• Snowmobiling is a fun family life-style activity, join us today.
• Ride smart, ride right, stay in control
• One is the loneliest number, never ride alone
• Promote your right to ride, get involved
• Smart riders are safe riders, take snowmobile safety training
   

The Sledders Pledge

• I will never drink and drive a snowmobile. 
• I will drive within the limits of my 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 see someone in need.
• I will not snowmobile where prohibited.
   

The popularity of snowmobiling has spread to traditional skiing destinations like Vail, Steamboat and Aspen. These and other resort areas have taken notice and are now offering snowmobile/ski packages. In a recent article, SKI magazine noted that more families are doing more activities than just skiing during their winter vacations. 

Because of this interest in varied sports, resorts are now offering a greater number of activities to remain competitive and bring in more families. The resorts are discovering that snowmobiling is one of the most popular activities.
 

Buy and or ride a machine within your own limits and experience, ride with caution, care and attention at every turn and straight away and always ride prepared for the elements and the events of your travels.

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