HASLETT, Mich., - Interested in joining the 3 million people who already enjoy snowmobiling each year, but don't know how to get started? Follow these five simple steps to get started in snowmobiling for a fun-filled winter with family and friends.
1. Attend a snowmobiling show
A snowmobiling show is a great place to start if you're just discovering snowmobiling. Attending a snowmobiling show allows you to check out different models and brands of snowmobiles and talk to numerous dealers, so you can get the best deal. Visit www.gosnowmobiling.org to find shows in your area.
2. Visit a dealer
There are 1,840 licensed snowmobile dealers in the United States and 1,154 in Canada who can help you decide which snowmobile is best for you, based on your planned usage and within your price range. Snowmobile pricing starts at $2,000 for a used model and $6,000 for a new one.
3. Licensing
Every snowmobile state and province requires your snowmobile to be licensed or registered or have a permit affixed to the snowmobile. Licensing information can be easily obtained through your state or provincial snowmobile association and through your local state Natural Resource office or highway department. Requirements vary from state to state or province to province.
4. Find a location to snowmobile
There are 225,000 miles of marked and groomed trails to explore in North America. The state/provincial snowmobile associations will put you in touch with a local club familiar with a trail system and riding area near you. The state/provincial natural resource department also has access to trail and riding maps, as well as the local visitors and convention bureaus, and chambers of commerce in the regions you snowmobile.
5. Visit gosnowmobiling.org
For those interested in learning more about snowmobiling, the gosnowmobiling.org website is an essential tool for guidance. It provides information for the inexperienced snowmobiler on getting started in snowmobiling, dealers and renters in your area, destinations to snowmobile and more.
The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) is an organization representing the four manufacturers of snowmobiles. ISMA's main function is to provide and encourage policies, programs and activities to improve the lifestyle activity of snowmobiling throughout the world.
For more information, visit www.snowmobile.org. International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, 1640 Haslett Road, Suite 170, Haslett, MI 48840.