New Project Launch: Exploring the Socio-Economic Impact of Snowmobiling in BC
photo: Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail | Geoff Moore
The BC Snowmobile Federation is proud to announce the launch of a new province-wide project—a Socio-Economic Impact Study of Snowmobiling in British Columbia.
While our previous economic impact study provided a valuable snapshot of the financial contributions of snowmobiling — such as tourism revenue, local jobs, and business activity — it offered only one lens into the full value of our sport. This new study aims to paint a broader, deeper and more human centered perspective.
A socio-economic impact study goes beyond dollars and cents. It explores the social, cultural, and community-level benefits of snowmobiling. It will help us better understand:
Who BC’s snowmobilers are, so we can better represent and advocate for the diverse individuals and families who ride.
How snowmobiling supports community well-being, mental health, and rural lifestyles, strengthening the case for continued access and investment.
The role clubs and riders play in trail stewardship and safety education, highlighting the volunteer-driven backbone of our sport and the impacts on rural communities.
How snowmobiling connects people and sustains local economies across all seasons, reinforcing its importance to rural resilience and tourism.
This project also breaks new ground in both scope and perspective. For the first time, we’re asking not just how snowmobiling contributes to communities, but who benefits - and what’s at stake when access is lost. It’s a fresh approach that places equity, resilience, and regional sustainability at the forefront.
This represents a significant investment by the BCSF, and we want to extend our sincere thanks to the clubs and individuals who have contributed to this work through the BCSF RideOnBC Land Access Fund. Your support is helping us tell a more complete story — one that captures not just what snowmobiling costs or earns, but what it means to people and communities across the province.
By capturing this broader impact, we’ll be better positioned to build stronger partnerships, influence smart policy, and advocate for snowmobiling’s rightful place in BC’s landscape.
We’re just getting started — work with our project contractor is now underway. In the months ahead, we’ll be gathering the data and stories that bring this study to life. Your voices, experiences, and perspectives will be key. Together, let’s show BC what snowmobiling truly brings to the table.
About the BC Snowmobile Federation
The BC Snowmobile Federation (BCSF) is the provincial voice of organized snowmobiling in British Columbia. Representing member clubs across the province, the BCSF advocates for sustainable access, promotes safety and stewardship, and supports the development and maintenance of snowmobile trails and infrastructure. Through partnerships, education, and leadership, the BCSF works to ensure a vibrant future for snowmobiling in BC.
