Snowmobiling boosting Idaho’s economy
Snowmobiling is more than just a good time. It’s great for Idaho’s economy.
According to Idaho State Parks and Recreation, in 2016, snowmobiling contributed $184 million to the state’s economy.
“The department is mostly paid through the sticker program through the snowmobile registrations. It’s around a 200 million dollar a year industry to the state of Idaho. We have over 35,000 registered snowmobiles in the state and it contributes to over 4,000 jobs,” says Brian DiLenge, East Region Trail Specialist for Idaho State Parks and Rec.
Parks and Recreation say that in 2016 the state welcomed 5.5 million visitors.
The people over at Action Motor Sports say that the conditions in our area bring a lot of people from all over the country.
“I don’t know what it is about snowmobilers, but when they come they bring their wallet. So, up in Island Park it’s not uncommon for us to see a bunch of guys roll in from Minnesota or Wisconsin, they spend all week and spend money so there’s a definite positive economic impact in our area,” says Steve Dutcher, from Action Motor Sports.
They say it’s the fun that keeps people coming back.
“It’s a fun sport, it’s very family-oriented sport,” says DiLenge.
Idaho Parks and Recreation also wants to remind you that just because we may not see any snowfall in the lower elevation areas, doesn’t mean there isn’t any in the mountains. They say even though it’s been a warmer winter, they are still seeing good riding conditions in the higher elevation areas.
