We’re getting into uncharted territory right here, or at the very least Maine is. After a 2023-2024 winter season that is seen unpredictable snowfall, rain and windstorms, and better than regular temperatures, the state has seen its snowmobile registration fall to an 8-year low. 

In truth, resident registration fell by almost 10,000 from the prior 12 months to only 46,000, although non-resident registration stayed the identical at about 20,000. That’s not good for snowmobile fans and lovers of the outside, as local weather change comes for all. 

According to Bangor Daily News, “The numbers were not surprising to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The total was understandable due to the late start to the snowmobile season and early end in some areas due to the warmer than normal temperatures and the lack of snow, said Mark Latti, MDIF&W director of communications.”

The outlet when on to cite that “Snowmobiling has a more than $600 million impact on the state’s economy each year, according to a University of Maine study in 2020 commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.” So the lackluster registration is definitely hurting the state’s economic system, in addition to the enterprise’ of snowmobile producers. 

Maine’s registration fall comes on the heals of what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has said is the warmest winter on file for the United States. The company said, “The average temperature across the contiguous U.S. last month was 41.1 degrees F, 7.2 degrees F above the 20th-century average and ranking as the third-warmest February in NOAA’s 130-year climate record.” Slightly terrifying given snowmobiles require…, snow, to function.

There is a few hope, nonetheless, as late-season snow storms have kicked up all through the US that will deliver glimmers of winter normality to elements of the nation. But the lateness and sporadic nature of those storms aren’t saviors, however may very effectively be our new regular going ahead. 

Here’s hoping we will determine one thing out so we do not lose snowmobiling altogether.