New snowmobile sales data for winter 2020-21

The new snowmobile sales data for winter 2020-21 shows sales of new snowmobiles outperforming economic growth worldwide. The resilient economies of North America and northern Europe battled back from the international Covid-19 pandemic and brought many individuals outdoors to enjoy outdoor family recreation and good, healthy activity following social distancing. The winter of 2020-21 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 percent increase from the previous season. The sales increase was led by the U.S. and Canada.

In the U.S., 59,234 new snowmobiles were sold for a 16 percent increase from the previous season. In Canada, 50,567 new snowmobiles were sold for a 16 percent increase from the previous season. The new sled sales recorded in the U.S. are the highest since 2008.

In Canada, the new sled sales were the highest since 2000. The new snowmobile sales in Scandinavia and Russia were reported at 8,483 units sold in Sweden – an increase of five percent over last year, Norway sales were 4,126 new units sold – a one percent decline from last year, Finland had sales of 3,437 new units sold – a minor decline – and new sled sales in Russia totaled 5,309 units – down approximately 10 percent from last year.

Sales throughout other markets in the world totaled 2,288 units – down 30 percent 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 and is looking forward to a great 2021-22 season.

States and provinces also reported that there were over 1.9 million registered snowmobiles in North America. These registration numbers continue to increase steadily showing that snowmobiling continues to be an active, growing, healthy winter sport. 

The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association recently conducted a snowmobile user survey, which showed that over 65 percent of all snowmobiling families own two snowmobiles that they register and ride. Thirty-four percent of the families report having three or more snowmobiles. Increased registration in northern Europe continues and there are now over 350,000 active snowmobilers 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 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 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 percent of all riders are aged 60 years or older. Eighty-eight percent of snowmobilers are male and 12 percent are female.

Surveys show that snowmobilers are active outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy snowmobiling with family and friends. Eighty-two percent 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 U.S. economy as it generates jobs for the rural economy during the winter months. Many jobs are generated by snowmobiling in the rural sectors of North America and northern Europe.

Snowmobilers are optimistic, fun-loving people who enjoy outdoor sports and are a vital component to the economy.