Death Spiral

[Skylar]

Here in south central Wi when the snow flies, EVERYONE is out. GROOMED trails don't last long around here.

 

[Tracker]

The peak years for snowmobile sales and production were in the early 70's. There were nearly 100 mfgs. Now there are 3 and 1/2 mfgs. I live in Pols and AC's back yard. Back in the 70's and 80's just about everybody had at least 1 sled and many had 2 or 3 or 4. Keep in mind this was before groomed trails. Now very few folks have sleds. Our group of 15 that used to ride every thursday night is down to 2. The trails get groomed and the next time the groomer goes out there are no sled tracks to cover up. There is no question that the sport is dying. Here anyway. There are many reasons for it. I think Tracker is dead on when he stated the emphasis on the higher cc more expensive sled trend. Can you even buy a new 340 any more? Around here older 2000 era XC 500s get snapped up quickly. There are very few cheap entry level sleds. And when nobody young takes the place of us old geezers who move to Florida or die that will be the end of it. The only place there is any action is in the UP or Wisc snow permitting. Everywhere else is down. People have found other things to do. Trail permit costs are really not an issue.

very nice and true...but one problem....I was guiding the last 2 stroke tour group thru Yellowstone national park with the deckers and northwinds Charlie of Michigan snowmobile mag was along....as we were heading to wild bill hickoks hunting cabin to stay the nite I noticed a snowmobilier stopped on Yellowstone road all by himself...that's really odd since you needed a guide or almost all had one along....so I stopped....told the others to go on....he was standing there in full gear and helmet...then I noticed something...it appeared he was wet all down the front of his suit...so I thought he musta had an encounter with a bison and it scared the shazzz outta him...literally...I also assumed he was a tough loner sledder adventurer like I am....so I took off my helmet and asked if I could help...what happened next startled me to the core and has forever shaped my mind into new thinking....he took off his helmet and low and behold it was a guy as ancient as larry king...I mean frail skinny white hair thin hands....all the super old stuff ya get...I asked him what the ????? what are you doing here by yourself? he says this....and in those days you could do this before the restrictions....they followed the next year and it wasn't possible anymore...he says...I am 84 years old son....and I had always wanted to do this and never tried it....always read about it but never moved on it....so I came out here rented a sled and am driving around the park...its wonderful...its beautiful...sledding is unbelievable...and in all the excitement I couldn't find an outhouse or bathroom so I just pissed my pants so I could enjoy this for the last time...it was getting dark that's why were headed to the hunting lodge...he tells me he will be fine and hes not cold...a little embarrassed he says...I tell him hail no...I hope I have half the sac you do when I am am 80 and now I am NEVER EVER giving up sledding....he was smiling from ear to ear the whole time we talked...piss didn't matter to either of us...and I learned a valuable lesson in life...I like to pass that story on to all....and I still ride with a guy that at 79 he can out ride many individuals and he still leads....there will be many old guys like me I think in the future...I look forward to grooming and all the old stuff old guys do....and a plus...I will know EXACTLY what trail is flat with no tracks at any givin time...win win babay

 

[renegade]

If we get snow and it stays sleds will sell in two weeks and used will go for top dollar. Trail permit prices won't bother anybody and they will sell too. Simple as that.

 

[slowsi00]

Who believes Michigan is in a death spiral with trail permit prices? (Raising fees to chase expenses while running out families and those who can barely afford the sport).

I say raise the price of the trail pass...

Make the pass $150, make the trails perfect.

Not everyone can snowmobile, if you love the sport enough you will find a way to make it happen.



Complaining about a $50 UP trail permit is similar to complaining that you have to use premium gas in an vette.

 

[elf]

What we need is a multi state trail pass. Make it MN, WI, MI for $50-75. The three states split up the proceeds by some crazy formula. Instead of each state receiving $50 X 50,000 passes sold they'd split up $75 X 150,000 passes sold. If a person doesn't want the multi state pass they could spend a lower amount for just their state.

 

[Tracker]

What we need is a multi state trail pass. Make it MN, WI, MI for $50-75. The three states split up the proceeds by some crazy formula. Instead of each state receiving $50 X 50,000 passes sold they'd split up $75 X 150,000 passes sold. If a person doesn't want the multi state pass they could spend a lower amount for just their state.

HOLY CRIPES....YOU HIT IT MAN....THATS IT....gotta run to the patent office....see ya....3 areas

iMIDSLED

out west will be
iMTNSLED


out east
iVSLED

 

[srt20]

fellas.....something whilst ya waits...ENJOY

So Arctic Cat is marketing itself as "parking lot posers" hahaha

 

[snobuilder]

What we need is a multi state trail pass. Make it MN, WI, MI for $50-75. The three states split up the proceeds by some crazy formula. Instead of each state receiving $50 X 50,000 passes sold they'd split up $75 X 150,000 passes sold. If a person doesn't want the multi state pass they could spend a lower amount for just their state.

Better check the math under your new system there newton.....pretty sure that with all thing staying equal and one pass covering 3 states, it would be 50,000 passes either way.

 

[elf]

Better check the math under your new system there newton.....pretty sure that with all thing staying equal and one pass covering 3 states, it would be 50,000 passes either way.

No Newton it wouldn't be. If each state currently sold 50000 passes at $50 that's $2.5 million per state or $7.5 million total. If each state sold 50000 multistate passes at $75 that's $3.75 million per state or $11.25 million total to split up. So if it was a multistate pass you'd have some cannibilization of total pass sales, say you'd sell 130,000 total instead of 150,000 but you still be money ahead.

 

[snobuilder]

you lose all out of state trail pass money at $40 - $50 a pop X 50,000 X2 once you start selling a 3 state pass.....just a money shuffle in the end .

 

[sweeperguy]

Found this on MI. Legislature site. Sounds like we are safe from price increases for 5 years. Increase at that time would be directly connected to consumer price index.

(c) For permits valid for the 1-year period beginning October 1, 2016 and every fifth year thereafter, the state treasurer shall adjust the current permit fee by an amount determined by the state treasurer to reflect the cumulative percentage change in the consumer price index during the most recent 5-year period for which consumer price index statistics are available, rounded to the nearest dollar. A fee adjusted by the state treasurer under this subdivision shall remain in effect for 5 years. As used in this subdivision, "consumer price index" means the most comprehensive index of consumer prices available for this state from the bureau of labor statistics of the United States department of labor.

 

[Tracker]

unfortunately REV PEYTON runs the dept of labor....enjoy...listen to words carefully...LMAO

 

[groomerdriver]

I say raise the price of the trail pass...

Make the pass $150, make the trails perfect.

Not everyone can snowmobile, if you love the sport enough you will find a way to make it happen.



Complaining about a $50 UP trail permit is similar to complaining that you have to use premium gas in an vette.

Agree 100%