Study: Snowmobiling contributes $860 million annually to New York
An economic assessment undertaken by the State University of New York Potsdam Institute for Applied Research shows that the sport of snowmobiling delivers an economic impact of more than $860 million to New York State annually. The New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) revealed the findings of the assessment to more than 600 NYSSA members who attended the 2012 Educational Forum and Annual Meeting in Lake Placid.
The results of the assessment are designed to analyze what the sport of snowmobiling means to New York State’s businesses and municipalities. In comparison, a 2011 study done by the Iowa State University Department of Economics determined that snowmobiling has a $123 million economic impact in the state of Iowa.
“Our previous study shows that, even after adjusting for cost of living and other factors, snowmobiling has been a growing activity during the last decade with significant economic impact for New York State,” said Dr. J. Patrick Turbett, SUNY Potsdam.
Results of this economic assessment show that on average, a New York State snowmobiler spends more than $3,000 individually every year for snowmobile-related activities. This figure does not include the $45 registration fee required for each sled every year.
“We tasked the SUNY Potsdam Institute for Applied Research with this economic assessment to accurately determine the current contribution of the snowmobile industry. By collaborating with the SUNY Potsdam Institute for Applied Research we ensured that the findings would withstand peer review,” said Dominic Jacangelo, executive director of NYSSA. “In addition to financial numbers, this survey informed NYSSA of our current demographics and how snowmobilers feel about our sport in New York State. These results are critical in ensuring snowmobiling interests have a voice on the federal, state and local levels.”
Survey results broke down how much money snowmobilers spent on sleds, travel, insurance, maintenance, gasoline, clothing, service and repairs during the 2010-11 season. Distributed online and via mail, 5,916 surveys were completed. In comparison, the association’s prior survey in 2003 returned 1,350 results.
