As snowmobiling continues to grow as recreation in New York State, a study from SUNY Potsdam estimates the sport accounts for generating $868 million in economic activity each year.

“This follow-up to the New York State 1998 study shows that, even after adjusting for cost of living and other factors, snowmobiling has been a growing activity during the last decade with significant economic impact for New York State,“ said Dr. J. Patrick Turbett, Director of the SUNY Potsdam Institute for Applied Research, which conducted the study for the New York State Snowmobile Association.

Based on nearly 6,000 responses from snowmobile owners, the assessment determined that the average annual household expenditure for a snowmobiling season is $3,561 and an additional $3,200 for sled expenses that include purchase price and towing.

“The goal of our study was to accurately assess our current contribution,” said Dominic Jacangelo, Executive Director of NYSSA. “By collaborating with the SUNY Potsdam Institute for Applied Research we ensured that the findings would withstand peer review. In addition to financial numbers, this survey informed NYSSA of our current demographics and how snowmobilers feel about our sport in New York State. These results are critical in ensuring snowmobiling interests have a voice on the federal, state and local levels.”

Broken down by region, snowmobiling has an economic impact of $245 million in the Adirondacks, $165 million in the Tug Hill and $163 million in Central New York. The study showed that snowmobilers spend an average of 22 days on the trails each season, with 8.5 days being spent in another region of the state from where they reside.

Snowmobiling in the Adirondacks region accounts for 28.3 percent of snowmobiling days spent in New York State, the study showed.

“Our Economic Impact Survey really brings into perspective how difficult this past winter was,” said Gary Broderick, President of NYSSA. “With lower than average snowfalls across the state, snowmobilers were not able to spend the amount of time on their sleds as usual and that directly leads to less money spent as well. Along our 10,000 miles of trails across New York State, there are a variety of restaurants, convenience stores, gas pumps and snowmobile dealers that rely on our sport as a source of revenue, as evident by our study and we all hope that the upcoming brings more snow for snowmobilers to other winter sport enthusiasts to enjoy.”

The New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA), a non-profit corporation, is the largest snowmobile association in the country working on behalf of the registered New York snowmobile owners, and 242 snowmobile clubs to improve trails, facilities and services for participants.