snowmobile sales and tourism increased
Amsnow
Ed Klim, President of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA), in a letter to the snowmobiling community, wrote: What a difference a few feet of snow and some good cold weather make in snowmobilers' attitudes and activity level! In December of 1999 many golf courses in the Northern US were still open with individuals waiting for tee times. In December of 2000, thanks to the weather patterns brought to us by the "Negative North Atlantic Oscillation", most of the snowmobiling region was under 15-20 inches of snow with more snow in the forecast through the month of March.
Yes, you read that right! Climatologists and meteorologists throughout the US and Canada are now forecasting cold, wintry, snowy weather through March for the northern tier of the US and Canada.
The winter weather that Mother Nature brought us has certainly been welcome by the snowmobile community and the snowmobile manufacturers. In some regions of the country we are realizing sales increases over 7% above last year! In addition to the strong sales of snowmobiles, manufacturers and dealers are realizing substantial sales gains in related products such as helmets, trailers, clothing, repair parts and accessories," Klim continued.
Along with the increase in sales at the manufacturer and dealer level, we are seeing dramatic increases in winter tourism activities related to snowmobiling. Gas stations and convenience stores throughout the Snow Belt have reported up to 4000 customers per day.
The winter weather was needed and is certainly welcome following three winters with above average temperatures and below average snow cover. It appears that all winter recreation is flourishing and unquestionably, the snow melt-off will have a positive impact on lake and stream levels and the water table throughout much of North America.
As I reported back in October 2000, the weather forecast was a good one for snowmobilers and that forecast as predicted by the head Climatologist of Canada was correct! I have had further discussions with the Climatologists and I'm happy to inform you that the snowy, wintry conditions that we are realizing in 2000-2001 will continue for the next 10 winter seasons. The weather patterns, as dictated by "Negative North Atlantic Oscillation" are a reality and will influence this industry and others for years to come, wrote Klim. The inventory of new and used snowmobiles is being dramatically reduced this season and it appears that the end of the year sales and winter tourism activity reports will be worth bragging about.