Since the inception of MSA, 2,500 miles of quality trail have been added to our state trail system that now boasts of over 6,500 miles of marked and groomed trails and over 30,000 more miles of undeveloped trails in state and federal forests where snowmobiling is permitted.

To further your voice in Lansing, MSA has a full-time legislative consultant and a full-time office staff, all working on snowmobile-related issues -- locally, statewide and in Washington, D.C. MSA has a large presence on the Snowmobile Advisory Committee (SAC), a state board that makes recommendations on our trail program

Summary of Snowmobiling Facts for Michigan   

April  2007

Preface: Information used in this summary was provided by the Michigan Secretary of State Office; the Michigan Department of Natural Resources; the Michigan Snowmobile Association’ the Michigan Land Resource Project; and the International Snowmobile Manufactures Association. Figures used in this summary were verified accurate at time of acquisition but may change several time between reports from contributing agencies.

· There are 1.77 million snowmobiles in the United States 

· Michigan is ranked first in North America with 364,900 registered snowmobiles.

· Snowmobiling is the second most popular sport in Michigan, outranked only by golfing.

· Oakland County alone has more registered snowmobile (30,972) than some states, including Alaska and Washington.

· Michigan has over 6,400 miles of marked and groomed snowmobile trails with over 30,000 more miles of undeveloped trails (two track roads) in state and federal forest where snowmobiling is permitted.

· There are currently 65 grooming grant sponsors, mostly snowmobile clubs, chamber of commerce, or visitor bureaus that maintain Michigan snowmobile trails.

· The snowmobile program is unique, being funded 100% by user pay. This revenue comes from registrations, trail permits, and a portion of our gasoline tax. The snowmobile program is now over a $12 million dollar per year program.

· The average snowmobiler spends $150 per day and the average snowmobile trip is more than 100 miles from home, lasting 2 ½ - 5 days. Snowmobilers spend approximately $45 each (double occupancy) for lodging, $55 each, for fuel and oil; and $40 per person on meals each day.

· The most recent economic impact study shows over $1 billion dollars per year is generated within Michigan from snowmobile use each year.  This winter economic engine drives the northern Michigan economy. There are over 8,000 new snowmobiles sold each year along with related equipment, clothing and accessories. Over 7080 jobs created by the snowmobiling industry.

· Through the efforts of organized clubs and associations, snowmobiling has become the most popular of winter-time family sports, and has instrumental in energizing residents who previously either left the state for a warmer climate or restricted their activities to the indoors and waited for Spring.

· As the large corporate landowners in the Upper Peninsula divest themselves of unproductive lands, snowmobiles trails are in great peril. MSA members have formed the Snow Country Trail Conservancy to purchase permanent snowmobile trail easements. MSA’s goal is to make permanent, all of the snowmobile trails in MI.