The new snowmobile sales data for the winter of 2020-2021 shows sales of new snowmobiles outperforming economic growth worldwide. The resilient economies of North America and Northern Europe battled back from the international Covid pandemic and brought many individuals outdoors to enjoy outdoor family recreation following social distancing and good, healthy activity.
The winter of 2020-2021 reported excellent snow conditions in some of North America and Europe, which helped to support the snowmobile community, manufacturers, dealers, and suppliers.
This season, worldwide sales grew to 133,444 units sold, a 10% increase from last year. The sales increase was led by the United States and Canada. In the U.S. there were 59,234 new snowmobiles sold for a 16% increase from last season. In Canada there 50,567 new snowmobiles sold for a 16% increase from last season. The new sled sales recorded in the United States are the highest since 2008. In Canada the new sled sales were the highest since the year 2000! The new snowmobile sales in Scandinavia and Russia reported 8,483 units sold in Sweden—an increase of 5% over last year. Norway sales were 4,126 new units sold—a 1% decline from last year. Finland had sales of 3,437 new units sold—a minor decline and Russian new sled sales totaled 5,309 units, down approximately 10% from last year. Sales throughout other markets in the world totaled 2,288 units—down 30% from last year. Overall, worldwide sales were strong.
In addition to the strong new sled sales, reports from dealers and individual sales reports across North America show that many new snowmobilers purchased used snowmobiles and entered the market.
The snowmobile industry is now realizing the lowest number of used or non-current models available in its history. We are looking forward to a great 2021-2022 season.
States and provinces also reported that there were over 1.9 million registered snowmobiles in North America. These registration numbers continue to steadily increase showing that snowmobiling continues to be an active, growing, healthy winter sport. Snowmobile registrations in the United States were up over 70,000 snowmobiles and Canada was up over 50,000 snowmobiles.
Our recently conducted snowmobile user survey showed that over 65% of all snowmobiling families own two snowmobiles that they register and ride. 34% of the families report having three or more snowmobiles. Increased registration in Northern Europe continues and there are over 350,000 active snowmobilers now in Scandinavia.
Snowmobile related tourism continues to increase in North America and beyond. This activity can be seen in recent economic impact studies conducted by major universities in conjunction with the state and provincial snowmobile associations. Over $38 billion dollars in economic activity is generated by snowmobilers in North America.
Miles ridden by snowmobilers continues to be strong. The average snowmobiler reported riding their primary snowmobile 1,555 miles (2,502 kilometres) this past winter. Primary snowmobiles are considered to be 2017 models and newer.
The average age of a snowmobiler is 46 years old. Approximately 30% of all riders are aged 60 years or older. 88% of snowmobilers are male and 12% female.
Surveys show that snowmobilers are active outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy snowmobiling with family and friends. 82% of first-time snowmobile buyers purchased a used snowmobile and most plan to purchase a new snowmobile later in life.
Snowmobile tourism is a key component of the $788 billion tourism sector in the United States economy since we generate income and jobs for the rural economy during the winter months. Many jobs are generated by snowmobiling in the rural sectors of North American and Northern Europe.
Snowmobilers are optimistic, fun-loving people who enjoy outdoor sports and are a vital component to the economy.
