Part 1: Tons of snow make for a great season!
It is with satisfaction that the Québec Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (FCMQ) established its report on the snowmobile season. For a second consecutive season, heavy snowfall appeared well before Christmas, and the majority of the trails were open and passable beginning in mid-December. “That is why we had an excellent season in most of our regions, despite the relatively early rise in temperature experienced in certain parts of Québec,” explained the President of the FCMQ, Mario Côté, elected in September 2008.
The FCMQ also noted that the economic crisis doesn’t appear to have directly impacted snowmobilers in Québec. The sale of trail permits and the spinoffs of tourist activities (restaurants, hotels, etc.) were affected by the drop in the number of American tourists who cross the border to enjoy the trail network in border areas. But, a greater number of Quebeckers also stayed in their own regions. Furthermore, the sale of new models, accessories and clothing remained stable. Manufacturers are experiencing difficulties in the whole of the North American market, but not specifically in Québec. All the same, the situation has entailed significant repercussions on workers in the industry throughout the province. However, Michel Garneau, Production and Technical Director of the FCMQ, notes that the snowmobile sector has done remarkably well in Québec, given the current economic context. “It is proven that the presence of snow is an influencing factor of the health of the industry,” he underlined.
Snowmobiling occupies a special place in Québec in comparison with the rest of North America. It is an integral part of our heritage and our winter leisure activities, and remains an essential means of transport for certain trades. Proof of this rests on the attention granted and the resources allocated by the manufacturers to the utility snowmobile models, most of which are sold here in Québec.
About FCMQ :
The Québec Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (FCMQ) strives to further the development and promotion of the practice of snowmobiling, a recreational and family activity that generates $1.3 billion in economic spin-offs every year. The Federation includes 208 clubs representing over 90,000 members. Thanks to the support of 4,500 volunteers, the Federation’s affiliated clubs manage the sale of trail permits for Québec’s 33,000-kilometer trail network, and see to its development, planning, maintenance, signposting, and safety.
