Economic contribution of snowmobiling slid last winter, study finds
ORONO — Scarce snowpack hindered snowmobile recreation in Maine last winter, squeezing businesses that count on the sport to draw tourists.
The University of Maine released an updated report on the economic contribution of snowmobiling in Maine, revealing a significant decline in impact for the 2023-24 season. According to the study, snowmobiling generated an estimated $582 million in economic contributions during the 2023-24 season, a sharp drop of $128 million compared to the previous year.
Snowmobiling is a cornerstone of Maine’s winter tourism industry, drawing enthusiasts from across the region. The sport supports local businesses, from lodging and restaurants to equipment retailers and repair shops, particularly in rural communities.
“With the economic contributions of snowmobiling nearing $710 million in strong seasons, this activity is vital to Maine’s economy and identity,” said Jessica Leahy, lead author of the report and professor of human dimensions of natural resources at UMaine’s School of Forest Resources. “The recent decline highlights the need for adaptation, particularly as climate change continues to affect snow conditions. Snowmobilers may need to change when and where they go, and businesses will also want to consider how they can change too.”
The findings underscore the financial toll of poor snow conditions and declining snowmobile registrations. The researchers caution that the 2023-24 estimates may underestimate the true economic decline. Poor snow conditions likely reduced the number and duration of snowmobile trips, impacting spending on lodging, fuel, dining and equipment.
“Keeping current reports like the economic impact studies helps our State of Maine Snowmobile Program with short-term planning. However, we like to look at longer trends over ten years and can better plan that way,” said Joe Higgins, snowmobile program coordinator for Maine’s Bureau of Parks and Lands.
The study builds on a 2020 report that examined the 2018-19 season, when snowmobiling contributed an estimated $607 million to Maine’s economy — equivalent to $746 million in 2024 dollars. Updated results for the 2022-23 season indicate an economic contribution of $710 million in 2024 dollars, buoyed by favorable conditions and robust participation. However, the 2023-24 season saw a marked decline in snowmobile registrations and trip activity, leading to a significant decrease in economic impact.
“Like any outdoor recreational activity, we’re at the mercy of the weather. We can have very good years with lots of snow and other years, like last year with low snow which as noted impacts jobs, restaurants, hotels and other services,” Higgins said. “The Bureau of Parks and Lands fully understands the economic impact and importance of outdoor recreation to communities and will continue planning around climate changes.”
The updated analysis used spending profiles from the 2018-19 season, adjusted for inflation, to estimate the economic contribution of snowmobiling for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. Spending data accounts for both resident and non-resident snowmobilers, incorporating costs such as trip-related expenses and equipment purchases. Snowmobile registration numbers were used as a baseline for calculating total contributions, with adjustments made for inflation to reflect current economic conditions.
Mindy Crandall, co-author and associate professor at Oregon State University, noted the importance of consistent updates to reflect evolving trends.
“This method allows us to track economic contributions year over year, but significant changes in behavior or conditions — such as those seen during the pandemic or due to climate change — could require comprehensive re-evaluations,” she said.
The report suggests continuing this methodology through the 2027-28 season, after which a comprehensive survey of snowmobilers will be necessary to account for shifts in spending behavior and other evolving factors.
This report is an update to the comprehensive 2020 study conducted by UMaine, which analyzed the spending patterns and economic contributions of snowmobilers during the 2018-19 season. The report was funded by the Maine Snowmobile Association, with support from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry.