Snowmobile dealers tell a story that’s
similar to retailers selling boats, bicycles and
patio furniture.
With vacations canceled and people getting
antsy, Americans began plunking down money
to get outside, either through boating, bicycling,
hiking or creating outdoor spaces.
But it doesn’t come cheap. The most inexpensive
snowmobiles cost a few thousands dollars, but
the price goes up from there. So does the speed,
with the largest units easily gliding past 100
mph (160 kph) on wide open paths.
Unlike an expensive, one-time vacation,
snowmobiling represents a family activity
that can give back year after year — as long as
there’s snow.
Those hoping to get outdoors have fewer
options in the colder months. Skiing remains a
favorite pastime in northern states, but downhill
skiers face some pandemic-related restrictions
at ski resorts. And many skiers don’t like the
idea of waiting in lines with others during
a pandemic.
For the most part, snowmobiling has fewer
pandemic restrictions and offers riders an
escape from people, riders say. The owners
of more than 1.2 million snowmobiles that
registered in the United States can ride wherever
there are trails, and there are no lines.
“You can go when you want, where you want,”
said Mike Tevanian, from West-Port Motorsports,
a snowmobile dealer outside of Portland.
In Montana, Yellowstone Adventures doesn’t
have a single snowmobile on the showroom
floor, and rentals are up at least 20% from past