Snowmobile Industry Faces Economic Headwinds, But BC’s Snowmobile Economy Remains Strong
photo: JS Media House
While powersports giants BRP and Polaris reported notable financial slowdowns in their latest quarterly earnings, snowmobiling continues to be a strong economic force in British Columbia and across Canada.
Both companies cited deliberate reductions in shipments and dealer inventory as key contributors to the dip. BRP’s Q4 revenue was down nearly 20% from the previous year. The company reported a 21% decline in North American retail sales, largely due to a soft snowmobile market tied to late snowfall. However, BRP President and CEO José Boisjoli emphasized that their proactive approach to inventory management helped protect dealers and brand value, even as it resulted in short-term market share losses.
View BRP Q4 Report HERE
Polaris saw similar trends, reporting a 23% year-over-year decline. CEO Mike Speetzen highlighted Polaris’ efforts to reduce off-road vehicle inventory by 16% and improve operational efficiency, positioning the company is to emerge stronger from this downcycle.
View Polaris Q4 Report HERE
Industry-wide, global snowmobile sales totaled 112,650 units in 2024, according to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA). Of those, 38,599 units were sold in Canada, representing 34% of global sales. Regional breakdowns show 20% of new machine sales came from Western Canada.
Despite a national decline in registered snowmobiles—from 618,872 in 2023 to 555,517 in 2024—British Columbia remains a western Canadian snowmobiling stronghold, with 37,550 registered snowmobiles in BC. While Eastern provinces like Quebec (219,550) and Ontario (130,431) lead in overall registrations, BC’s rugged mountain terrain, deep snowpack, and destination riding areas make it a powerhouse for backcountry snowmobiling and a key contributor to the province’s winter tourism recreation economy.
The economic footprint of snowmobiling in BC continues to grow. The sport contributes over $299 million in annual economic output and supports more than 4,272 full-time equivalent jobs. Snowmobiling is also part of a broader tourism and recreation sector that is increasingly driving BC’s economy. In 2023, BC’s total tourism revenue reached $22.1 billion, contributing $9.7 billion to provincial GDP—outpacing traditional industries like forestry ($1.7B), oil and gas ($4.6B), and mining ($5.3B).
Importantly, BC Snowmobile Club membership sales rose by 5% this year, underscoring that snowmobilers remain deeply committed to the sport—even if they’re not purchasing new machines. Rather than stepping back, riders are doubling down - investing in their experiences, supporting their local clubs, and advocating for continued access. Their actions send a clear message: snowmobiling continues to be a valued and meaningful part of life in BC’s communities.
As global manufacturers brace for continued market volatility in 2025, the value of organized snowmobiling in BC stands out. With strong club networks, destination riding areas, and ongoing investment in trails, signage, and safety, the snowmobiling community in BC remains a vital economic and recreational contributor.
The BC Snowmobile Federation continues to advocate for our members, partners, and communities, ensuring that snowmobiling remains a vibrant part of BC’s tourism economy—regardless of the industry’s global challenges.
