At one point, back in the 70’s there were around 250 snowmobiling manufacturers.

For quite some time now, there’s been only 4 left. Skidoo, Polaris, Yamaha & Arctic Cat.

Last year, Yamaha pulled the plug on its sled division. This year, Arctic Cat is pausing production by the sounds of it. I personally think they’re done.

It’s sad to see another manufacturer on the way out, but with low snow winters and only a few weeks to ride them in some areas, it’s hard to justify getting into the sport.

Entry level sleds for kids start at around $5k, then entry level for teenagers & adults start around $10k or so.

Then you get into $20k-$30k trail cruisers and hyper sleds.

When times get tough, the toys are always the first to go, and people are selling off their toys like crazy right now, and not even thinking about buying a new one.

Even with good rebates and incentives on new recreational and powersports products, a lot of people just aren’t buying.

Times are usually pretty good when people are spending money on recreational and powersports products, but when they start selling them all off, it’s a pretty good indication of the current times and the ones ahead.

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I have no skin in the game here but I hope "Arctic Cat" survives, as they have by far, the coolest name😎.

They do have the best name forsure.

GM ☀️

Wow! This is disappointing. You’re right though. The price keeps rising, our winters/snowfall aren’t the same and on top of all that most people don’t have much leisure time. So many just work to live and get by.

Morning nostr:npub1z4jjcjvcgzhet06jmr4e80aa6u6tjt2q7gwyawt5kyjwtxta2l9slv9uda

It’s definitely hard to justify investing thousands into a sport.

I do hope we get hammered with snow this winter though, it will certainly help the manufacturers.

Snow makes some people spend, even if they don’t have it.

Often times I consider getting out of the sport just from the low snow winters we’ve been experiencing alone.

But, as soon as I see those snow flakes coming down, I get excited again. Something about a smooth trail

Yes!! Seeing the fluffy snowflakes fall and a blanket of fresh snow always gets me excited too for all the winter activities. Also the smell of the gas and sound of the “braaaappp” bring back happy memories of heading out trail riding or ice fishing with friends and family. Getting outside with some sunshine certainly helps during the winter months too!

Smell of gas/oil mixture is the best, I can huff those fumes all day 🤣

Samesies!! I’m glad I’m not alone on this one lol