THE VALUE OF SNOWMOBILING IN BC

While the BC Snowmobile Federation and riders themselves have long known the sport of snowmobiling brings value to the lives of BC residents, it has been difficult to quantify what that actually means. Until now.

snowmobiling STATISTICS

In 2023, there were 618,000 registered snowmobiles in Canada including 43,000 registered in British Columbia. New snowmobile sales in Canada were 48,252 in 2023, 50,943 in 2022 and 50,567 in 2021 which was a 16% increase from the highest year on record (2000), according to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association.

In 2019 the Federation completed an economic impact study to better understand the dollar value brought to the province by the snowmobile industry. Since then, some of the largest clubs in the province have completed additional studies breaking down the local scale of these positive impacts.

Snowmobile Tourism: Case Studies

Snowmobiling is an important economic driver for many rural communities in BC. It provides diverse revenue streams and vibrant outdoor activities that enrich the lives of both local residents and visitors.

The small mountain towns of Fernie and Valemount, BC are a notable example of how snowmobilers, the government, local business owners, and tourism organizations can successfully work together to sustainably manage this growing sport.

The Value of Snowmobile Tourism: Fernie, BC Case Study

The Value of Snowmobile Tourism: Valemount, BC Case Study

THE VALUE OF SNOWMOBILING TO BC COMMUNITIES

  • DIVERSE REVENUE STREAMS

    Direct and indirect expenditure impact from clubs and riders, powersports dealerships, supporting professional services, food and accommodation, fuel, safety, rental and guiding operators and more, rejuvenating rural BC snowbelt economies.

  • VIBRANT OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES

    Snowmobiling is a family lifestyle activity that provides mental and physical health benefits, meaningful ways to connect with the outdoors and others in the Super, Natural BC landscape.

  • PUBLIC RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE

    Not-for-profit snowmobile clubs have raised and invested over $11m in winter trail grooming equipment, shelters, staging areas, and signage for their communities

  • STEWARDSHIP & SAFETY

    Clubs work in partnership with variety of stakeholders to deliver important initiatives including mapping, safety and education, motor vehicle closure area compliance, stewardship, specialty rescue teams, and more.

 Resources