snowmobile registrations continue climb
Amsnow
Snowmobile registrations in both the United States and Canada continued to climb last season.
The International Snowmobile Manufacturer's Association reports that U.S. sled registrations rose to 1,774,232 in the 2004-05 season. That's an increase of about 3%. ISMA made the announcement at the recently concluded International Snowmobile Congress in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Canadian registrations edged up 2.4%, growing from 553,364 to 566,719. Scandinavian registrations were 340,000 last season.
Ed Klim, ISMA president, said registration growth is aided by newer units lasting longer than previous models, less wear and tear on sleds because snow totals have been down for several years, and riders maintaining and fixing their current sleds.
Klim also noted that demographic information for sled owners has remained consistent for several years. The average age of a snowmobiler remains 41, with an average household income of $70,000. He added that riders are averaging 960 miles on their sleds each year.