NYSSA Encourages Snowmobilers to Prepare for Season and Join Local Clubs

As snow falls, NYSSA reminds snowmobilers to take action for 2013 Season

PINE BUSH, NY - Snow has begun to fall in parts of New York State, and snowmobilers will begin getting excited for the upcoming season. The New York State Snowmobilers Association (NYSSA) encourages snowmobilers not to wait until trails are declared open to join their local NYSSA Club. Snowmobile season does not officially begin until after big game hunting season, and riders are reminded to check with their local clubs at that time to ensure trails have been opened.

“The snow forecasts are encouraging and now is the best time for snowmobilers to renew their membership and prepare for the 2013 winter season,” said Dominic Jacangelo, Executive Director of NYSSA. “Club memberships allow NYSSA and the local clubs the ability to provide safe and well maintained trails for our members statewide.”

Anyone that signs up for a membership before November 15, will be entered for a prize courtesy of Country Inn and Suites and Upstate Seg Tours.  Last month’s membership winner had the option of a new trailer or $1,000, donated by Fisk Distributing of Lyndonville, NY.  Previously NYSSA gave away tickets to the NASCAR race at Watkins Glen, donated by Nationwide.

By joining a club, members will save money on their snowmobile registration and receive a wide variety of member benefits from local and national sponsors.  Local clubs and NYSSA partner with local businesses to ensure services are available to all of its members, giving additional benefits to each paid member.  Clubs are always in need of additional volunteers to run their yearly endeavors as well.  From fundraisers to trail work and grooming, it’s the club volunteers that maintain the more than 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails that New York State has to offer.  NYSSA invites club members to become more involved with their club and “their sport”.  

Now is also a good time for snowmobilers to register their sleds.  New York State DMV allows for online registration renewal that is quick and easy for all snowmobilers.  Visit http://www.dmv.ny.gov/snorenew/default.html for more information.  Snowmobilers are encouraged to visit www.nysnowmobiler.com for information on local clubs, to join online, as well as the latest news on snowmobiling in New York State. 

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 NY snowmobile owners, who contribute $868 million to the New York State economy, and 242 snowmobile clubs to improve trails, facilities and services for participants, and defend snowmobilers against discriminatory legislation.

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October 3, 2012

Study Reveals $868 Million Annual Impact of Snowmobiling in New York State
Economic Impact of Snowmobiling Released as 2012 Big East Powersports Show Begins in Syracuse.

SYRACUSE, NY – Earlier this year, the New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) tasked the SUNY Potsdam Institute for Applied Research to undertake an economic assessment of snowmobiling on the New York State economy. Based on the nearly 6,000 responses, the assessment determined that snowmobiling delivers an economic impact of $868 million annually. 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.

View the Economic Assessment

"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 SUNY Potsdam Institute for Applied Research.

Snowmobiling's economic impact will be on display this weekend at the 19th Annual Big East Powersports Show at the Oncenter Convention Center in Syracuse. Attendees will be able to purchase clothing, accessories, and trailers, while enjoying a first look at 2013 sleds from dealers like Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha. NYSSA will have a booth at the Big East Powersports Show and will feature a special promotion to promote snowmobile clubs' membership campaigns.

"The goal of our study was to accurately assess our current contribution. By collaborating with the SUNY Potsdam Institute for Applied Research we ensured that the findings would withstand peer review," said Dominic Jacangelo, Executive Director of NYSSA. "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.