If you think owning a snowmobiling is expensive, you should look at what it costs to keep the trail system open. Despite popular myths, there are no trail elves that come out at night to make everything right. Clubs manage and maintain the majority of snowmobile trails in New Hampshire. It’s a monumental undertaking by a handful of volunteers.
Your club memberships and donations fill a big chunk of the financial burden. By joining a club early, you are directly investing in the trails. That start-up cash is critical as clubs pre-buy fuel, repair groomers, install signs and fix bridges.
Mother Nature delivered a gut punch before the snowmobile season started, as heavy downpours caused major trail damage across New England. Whole trails – bridge and all – vanished from the woods of New Hampshire. While the rains were great for the garden, the rate of brush growth and downed trees has choked access. Without resources (volunteers and funding) there could be detours.
Club Membership Is The Cheapest Part of Snowmobiling
In reality, registrations and club memberships are the cheapest part of snowmobiling. Seriously. A simplified weekend calculation for two riders (200-mile+ each) run along these lines:
- Fuel costs for two sleds, $150.
- Factor in $30 of two-stroke oil, if needed.
- A restaurant break and snacks for two is at least $35 per day, for $70.
- Let’s call it a $225 weekend, hoping nothing stalls or cracks.
- Tow vehicles require gas, $50 to $300-plus, depending on the destination.
- Staying overnight adds $150-plus.
- A $500 weekend is beyond plausible.
Now, multiply that weekend by a factor of however many weekends/days you ride. Or don’t, because ignorance is bliss, and bliss is what snowmobiling is all about. Yup, that registration and club membership is chump-change.
Sure, packing lunch and riding from the backyard saves cash, but even then it’s still more expensive than counting snowflakes from the window. Which ultimately is what we’re trying to escape.
100% of Registration Funds Dedicated to Snowmobile Program
Even though 100% of your registration dollars are dedicated to the NH snowmobile program, those funds only cover 50-70% of actual costs, depending on the club. Clubs bank on memberships, donations and fundraisers to fill the gaps, often scrounging for every dollar.
Club Membership Includes Perks
Beyond better trails, being a club member has valuable perks and advantages.
- Registration discounts – Members get a $30 discount on NH snowmobile registrations.
- Events – Clubs events, rides and social events. Plus a chance to volunteer, if you’d like.
- Sno-Traveler subscription – NH’s snowmobile magazine, delivered to your home.
- NHSA membership included – With a professional office staff to assist members.
- Full-time legislative lobbying – Represents snowmobile interests throughout the state.
If you have a sled, you know you’re gonna ride. It’s vital that we support the clubs at every possible level. Membership at a minimum. Donations and volunteering is a bonus. Show some love, join a club.
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