Why Snowmobiling is Dying! | Will I Still Make Sled Videos?

As sad as it is to say, I believe we are starting to witness the beginning, of the end of snowmobiling. That is at least snowmobiling as we know it today. This video explains the issues I see and why I still have hope for the future.
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[@Riezig]

A new snowmobile costs almost $20000 Cdn. When I was a kid a new sled cost $6-9000.

[@TheTylerGreen]

yep - and a good used one could EASILY be paid for by teens in school with a part time job

[@gonepostal9101]

The price has kept pace with inflation, for the most part. Sleds today have much more content on them, and I’m not talking about fancy screens and whatnot. Even the shocks on a lower end modern sled are lightyears ahead of older sleds.

[@TheTylerGreen]

@@gonepostal9101 MOST people don't want all that stuff - and that is being realized now with the industry in a tail spin.

[@soddog4]

Man, so sick of hearing this argument. Look back at old MSRPs, adjust for inflation, and you'll quickly see sled prices of today aren't too bad. Also, they have way more tech, more comfortable, more reliable, and more fun. Also, you can buy budget friendly sleds from every manufacture. People today have an obsession with "keeping up the Joneses" type mentality. It is VERY easy to get into snowmobiling for cheap if someone wants to. The problem is that people don't WANT TO. Lets stop blaming the costs of sleds because it's simply not the case. A couple bad snow years and everyone wants to sell their sleds....go for it. It just drives the price down for guys like me that want to buy more for my collection. When we have a banger of a snow year, I'll be laughing as I ride down the trail thinking of those sitting on their couch. :)

[@SwankyCatProductions]

With inflation that actually doesn't seem all that bad, especially considering how far they've come. But when I can get the exact motorcycle I want for well under 10k (which I can ride all year long) spending 20K+ on a Thundercat just seems crazy... I sure would like to try one though!

[@markofwisconsin]

Warm winters, and lack of snow. I just saw an article in the Milwaukee Journal. Last month (January 2025) the least snow in Madison, and Milwaukee in recorded history.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Year, it's been rough!

[@JamesPiccone]

Just like a new Harley-Davidson you got to be a rich lawyer or doctor to own one.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I always wondered how people who lived so far south of me (and the snow) justified buying sleds. Now after the past two seasons I suppose I've been forced to understand lol.

[@downbytheriver501]

I’m a carpenter and own a turbo lynx. Not that hard to afford one if one spends time working instead of loathing. “Comparison is the thief of joy.” -teddy rooselbergers

[@paulolsen6120]

I've always enjoyed your snowmobiling content and agree with your sentiment. Would love to buy a newer sled, but given the snow conditions over the past few years and the cost of a new machine, my 24 year old Yamahas serve me just fine for the few days of riding each year. I'm a few counties away from you, but hoping the snow storm forecast for this weekend hits! By the way, love seeing the Word of God displayed in your background!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, as much as I wanted to buy a four stroke turbo to compare to the 800, after the last two years I'm glad I didn't. That being said, if we ever do start to get decent seasons again, I'd sure like to get one and make the videos I'd been planning on. With the snow we have now, I think we could be just one good storm away from at least a few good rides! I'm glad to hear that! I started reading from a Bible app a while back, so I figured that would be a good spot for it.

[@MotoKeto]

Sleds are way too expensive for no more then you get to use them anymore. Polaris diversified into SXS and motorcycles is the only thing that is keeping them a float. I love snowmobiling but never will buy a new one. i know it is self-defeating but it is my reality.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, as cool as the new ones are they just don't have a place in the vast majority of budgets. It'll be interesting to see what Cat does in the next few years and what sleds look like after a few more slow seasons...

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

Because you got to drive all the way up to the U.P. to find good snow. By the time you factor in truck & trailer + gas prices for a few weekends of fun... it suddenly becomes a very expensive/time consuming hobby.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yes, indeed it does!!!

[@Artic.fam5]

Alot of the problem besides cost is the kids now days are not interested. Here in west central MN another bad snow year , if we get any snow it blows away . But I will keep my hopes up and keep my sleds . Selling them isnt worth it , there not worth much with no snow . Like I say with the Vikings , theres always next year .

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Things seem to be changing here now. We're getting dumped on today!

[@timesink101]

Prices are out of control for most moto sports(and all vehicles). Hopefully the market does correct itself and companies are forced to bring prices down. Not a snowmobile fan, but this applies across pretty much all vehicles.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, things really have gotten nuts recently and while it hits things like sleds a lot faster, eventually the other segments will follow when they also get beyond what most folks are willing and or able to afford.

[@Puzzbone]

Definitely not dying. People are more into freeriding moreso than trail/ditch banging type content.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, I'm not really talking about freeriding, that's an entirely different type of sled and only available to those who live near the mountains or can afford to travel.

[@Freneticburn]

The past 2 winters have not been normal winters and to make it worse the "real people" economy has been garbage where thousands of small businesses have been destroyed. We need snow and an optimistic economy for the average person for snowmobiling to be a popular and lucrative industry. I live in Minnesota and at this point in the season I think Texas and Louisiana have had more snow than us.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, it's certainly been rough. I just hope it's a fluke and not the new norm!

[@bigmurph1447]

We have had 3 bad winters in a row in pa. I have been riding snowmobiles for over 30 years. Snowmobiling use to be a family sport now the prices are out of control 20k for a snowmobile and the lack of snow.

[@mitchellkalina8191]

Bingo. I live in Pa also and those are definitely the two biggest factors. I still have one but it's paid for. If it was costing me money it would've been gone years ago.

[@bigmurph1447]

@mitchellkalina8191 I rode 3 times so far this year in pa.were headed to ny for a week to ride. Yeah mine is paid for to

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, it seems that the competition between the sled companies and the few bad seasons mixed with the economy as a whole has driven a lot of folks away from what was already a declining sport. Hopefully better seasons and better decisions on the manufacturers part will help at least keep it alive to some degree.

[@Epic_Garage_Dad]

It’s just too damn expensive now

[@gonepostal9101]

It’s February, and we just finally got enough snow here in Northern Minnesota to do some riding. Trails are mostly garbage, but the clubs are out doing their best to keep them rideable. Thank god we have lots of lakes up here.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'm hoping ours open up soon too!

[@EmilForsberg_GRYBO]

very accurate assessment i would say, it's a very sad thing being one of my favorite activities to do but i also have a feeling that the types of sleds that are being made today just won't stick around forever

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, definitely a bit of a sad time for enthusiasts. But, I wouldn't exactly be opposed to prices dropping a little bit either. Hopefully they end up finding a nice happy medium, and we get some snow!

[@markjacobs3956]

Luxury hobby without snow to go a couple of weekends a year. Sold my sled years ago. A tiny % ride motorcycles, even less ride sleds. RIP outside of rescue.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah it's never been a very economical sport, but with prices on the rise and declining seasons, I don't know what manufacturers are going to do.

[@joehixon1367]

I am local and fell in love with your snowmobile content. It was very enjoyable to watch somebody on KZbin who is basically in my backyard. I understand you can't make content without snow. Whenever you're able to post snowmobile content I Will like and comment to help you out as much as I can. Thanks, Joe

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That's awesome Joe! Thank you!!!

[@joehixon1367]

I actually passed you on the trail on your one video last year when you were riding down south lol

[@ArcticJeff]

Snowmobiling is an increasingly expensive powersport, which in the last several years requires travel to the areas that do get good snow. We travelled 4 hours to Western, Ontario a couple weeks ago to enjoy their good snow and trail conditions. Later this winter we are planning to trailer to Quebec for another snowmobile trip and they too have good conditions. We are lucky to have 3 to 4 weeks of riding if I only stuck to local riding. Have to trailer to the good spots!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

It sure is! Especially when you have to travel that far. I'm really hoping the snow sticks this time and I can do some local riding! Otherwise I may just have to hit the lakes and rivers like I used to. I'm getting the itch after making this 😂

[@dominator5498]

I hope you get to make more snowmobile videos since those are the only ones I watch. Maybe we will have a good end to the season

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I sure hope so!

[@andrewgagner2927]

Last trail sled was an '18 Renegade Enduro with the 600R.. great sled, great engine; the coof made the trails here in Vermont insane.. people with more money than brains riding 850 mountain sleds with 144, 2" paddle tracks on groomed trails, because they were the most expensive thing in the shop and they couldn't spend their money on anything else; in 40+ years of riding, never seen anything like it. Sold that sled in '21, made money on it and haven't looked back. Still have a '17 Tundra with the 600ACE that I run on my own 20 acre sugarbush and skid firewood with it. Between the short winters, the cost and the fact that people feel the need to squeeze 4 months worth of riding into the 2 months we actually have snow... nah, I'm done. It's crazy out there.

[@bfe671]

I live in the mountains in CA and owned snowmobiles later in my adult life and currently own an old beater arctic cat that I have a “ranch sled”. Number one reason I see them going away is that they’re becoming far more expensive and people are struggling to cover their normal bills nowadays, let alone a new snowmobile for $15K. I’d like to buy one but my motorcycle budget comes first and it can get super expensive especially when I own multiple bikes that need love.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Definitely! That's the issue on my mind with my current sled. I'd really hoped it would be a good investment and provide me with some good winter riding content, but with the recent lack of winters it seems as though I should've invested the money in a motorcycle instead...

[@Alvin-m1z-q1v]

I run two older machines, I think it's the cost oil/gas and I had to purchase a belt at $80.00 for a 1979 snowmobile.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

OUCH! Yeah, even the old ones aren't cheap to run anymore.

[@gregweeks4980]

Oh man, I'm sorry to hear you won't be snowmobiling very much. I watch your snowmobile stuff when it's available to watch. I mean, come on, it's a vehicle with a motor, it doesn't get much more fun than that. I have personally never been on a snowmobile, but it looks like a great time. Texas on the prairie

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'm glad you enjoy them! It sounds like we've got a decent amount of snow on the way this weekend now, so sled videos may be a possibility sooner than I thought! They are incredibly fun and have take off power like you wouldn't believe!

[@Ethan-ck6iz]

The sleds need to get cheaper. But I think the real problem is that these expensive new machines set a standard for performance, a standard for what everybody "should have"... Companies have tried to bring back simple, entry level machines (e.g. Polaris IQ shift) but they were not good sellers. Back in the day, $9000 bought you the flagship model. Nowadays $9000 doesn't even get you a "mid-size" 550 fan sled. A 550 being a "mid-size" machine meant for kids is a sign that if you want to do any serious riding, you NEED a 600 to keep up. Just 20 years ago, a 340 fanner could still cut it. Just like anything else on the media today, people obsess over content of things they'll probably never manage to do themselves, with sledding everybody's watching freeriding now. Yet the vast majority of people who watch don't live anywhere near the mountains, and have no idea how much skill and effort behind the scenes makes it happen. Sports that relate closer to flatland riding such as snocross, cross country, oval and drag racing are slowly dying.

[@matthewyoung51]

i see a Bible on the shelf, are you my brother in Jesus? i was saved 7 yrs ago and pray you and your household has a foundation built on Jesus. May God bless your youtube channel.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yes, indeed I am! I grew up going to church with my mom, but just recently started making my faith a much higher priority. Thank you and God bless!

[@brokenujoints3811]

Its certainly good to be a Christian and know about eternity with Jesus, especially with sleds like the Sidewinder and t cats! Been riding for 54 years. Just added a stiffer swaybar to my winder and pulled limiters up. Snow is always changing, and there is nothing out there like a sled!

[@matthewyoung51]

@ i have to make God a higher priority too, its too easy to let the worldly things separate us from Him. just picked up a 2020 DR650 with 5000mi , a grey one - hard to find here in BC Canada

[@smoothride1000]

What happened to the 1000 scrambler you did a video on?

[@georgegrubbs3763]

I live in Taylor county and I dont see the trails opening up again this year.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah... another rough one! Not what anyone needed, that's for sure.

[@DeepRiver-cv1xw]

Waited for years for things to change. Sold my sled in 2019 and bought atv's and side by side. We ride 10 months of the year now. We don't require a trail pass most of the times.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, that's actually why I went with ATVs before I got a sled. Just seemed to make more sense, since they can be ridden year round.

[@SJWEQUIPMENT]

Never really had a chance to do much snowmobling in my youth. Picked up a 13 600 rmk 144 this year. I really enjoy it. But theres no trail system around here. Wanted to look for a new snowmobile, Went to some dealers here in the prairies of central Alberta, But every dealer just stocks big 155-163 mountain machines with a 20-25k CDN price tag. No wonder why no one around here is buying new.

[@ShayisWY]

Here in Newfoundland the number of days with adequate snow on the ground is dwindling. 😢

[@ShayisWY]

Every year is less and less

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah same here. I know we had winters like this when I was younger though, so it'll be interesting to see what happens over the next 5 - 10.

[@benfox8571]

Budget sled just as interesting from a motorcycle rider's perspective

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah sleds are sort of an odd thing from a motorcyclists perspective. They're like a mix of a high performance sport bike and an adventure bike. I think that and the fact that they have such a small market is why they're so expensive.

[@Zt3v3]

What do you think about the lack of snow in the upper midwest? Think your grandparents ran into a few years without snow too, or is the weather changing? I don't really notice the weather changing where I live, but I have my ears open for regular people telling me that things are changing where they are. (not politicians or purple haired kids, regular people)

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Last year was really pretty odd, and it did make me wonder what this year would bring. However, I know people have always complained about buying new sleds and then having bad winters so it's hard to say. I definitely remember years with little or now snow around the Holidays, but it does seem like there's been more of that in the last 10 years than my first 24. That's a pretty short snippet of time as far as History is concerned.

[@Squatch_Rider66]

I will usually rent sleds in Boulder Junction or Minocqua for a week or so. Sleds have gotten so expensive that it is difficult to justify the expense of owning due to the hit or miss weather. This year isn’t bad but last year was horrible.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That's probably the best way to ride!!! Especially with winters like these!

[@rprovasoli]

You started wrenching more than riding because you went from a cat to a ski doo.....

[@SwankyCatProductions]

🤣 Funny how that works! 🤣

[@Spisters]

When your kids are older, there will be even less snow.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Could be!

[@Spisters]

@@SwankyCatProductions Just so we're sure I'm not happy about it, I'm more of a Snowboarder myself, but grew up in MI and ripping around on a sled is an absolute blast. I hope we find a way to save the industry.

[@mikeb1039]

I had a pretty bad assed 650R dual sport/motard 20+ years ago. Was the nicest I'd seen. Until yours! ;) I think jetski's are dying out too with all the foiling and other alternatives now.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nice! And thanks! Yeah, I suppose powersports in general are all slowly dying out.

[@adambatchelder4121]

Hear in the mountains of northern California a lot of guys snow bike instead of sleds. It's still 20k to get a 500exc and a track but you can take the track off and ride the bike all summer.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I've always wanted to try out a snow bike! The fact that they can be ridden year round is pretty awesome and certainly would make it easier to invest in!

[@tylernelson1993]

Well first of all.. its needs to freaking snow. I haven't snowmobiled this year because of lack of snow in Illinois and Wisconain

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeap, another rough one this year!

[@paulcondie2520]

I remember your Dragon. I often tell people how many miles it had, 10,000+ ??? And never opened up!?!? Those liberty 600s are bulletproof. I still have my 06 fusion 600h, it has been as reliable as a hammer! Lol. Just no snow here to ride like there used to be. I only put 100 miles on mine this year and had to haul it 4hrs away to do it! The only reason I still keep mine is I only paid $ 2500 for it and I knew the previous owner and that he took care of it! I couldn't imagine buying a new sled with these winters that have no snow

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah! I think it had 13,000 or so when I sold it! I should see if I can get a hold of the guy who bought and find out how it's doing... It certainly impressed me! I suppose that's another issue manufacturers will start to face, if there's no snow, no one will be wearing their sleds out enough to even need new ones!

[@paulcondie2520]

@SwankyCatProductions yeah as much as I'd love to buy a new one it's not worth it. I might have put 400 miles on mine in the last 3 years. Unless you're very wealthy person and can spend 20 grand on a sled and take three or four weeks off of work a year just to go snowmobiling it's not worth it. But then again obviously some parts of the country get that snow every year not here in PA. We used to, 20 years ago. PS; after seeing how many miles you got out your sled, I'm keeping mine! For what I paid it's worth it to keep it around even though the lack of snow. I paid $2800 for it 8 years ago with low miles, I think it had 2500 on it. And these liberty 600ho's with the power valves run well

[@peteb6072]

I had to pick one..airplane, which was so expensive with maintenance schedule hanger etc. I love snowmobiling.. but like you say so dependent on snow conditions and also it’s not like it was when I was a kid . I’ll stick to motorcycles only hobby unless I win the lottery then I’ll get an airplane again

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Haha yeah I suppose snowmobiling isn't nearly as expensive as aviation. I'll bet that's fun too though!

[@milesfifer171]

One word $20,000. Some are $25,000 why don't we put more technology into them and make them faster and computer controlled rear suspension and clutches that learn and better and better so their $50,000 i predicted over 10 years ago and the manufacturers won't learn till their gone. They are cutting their own throats. Make a family sled that's fan cooled with leaf spring front suspension and basic carburetors. They would sell a 100 to 1 over what's out their now. I used to buy a new sled every 4 years but haven't in years. I ride dirt bikes and dualsports all spring summer and fall. If they want to try to stay alive just selling the most advanced sleds for the 1%ers good luck. Within 10 years only ski doo will be left. Their such a big company they'll survive.

[@fibrojester2998]

Next week I think Wisconsin is supposed to get about 2 feet of snow.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

There's supposedly a pretty good amount headed this way over the weekend. I'll believe it when I see it, but I did actually just put insurance back on my Freeride just in case!

[@aaronwaderides7209]

Same problem you guys are having in the winter . I live in Ontario Canada are winters are less a less snow . I had a friend sell his snow machine and buy adventure bike .

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That's not a bad option!

[@notagain8661]

Why is this some big mystery? Yes sleds are costly, I've had 12 of them and have rode for 50 years. I've only had one new sled ever that I won in a contest. The rest were all used very clean, low miles that I paid a few $1000 for deals are out there. The real reason the industry is dying is because a few years of Covid where everything shut down, mfg, dealers, resorts and the last few years with no snow. I live in Minnesota and just ran my sled around a lake ice fishing the first time it's been out in two years. The ATV and UTV whice are way more expensive are exploding here though. Someone's buying them.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

UTVs are pricy, however I think a lot of there success has to with a few things that sleds don't have going for them. A family of 4 only needs ONE UTV, that not only keeps everyone out of the elements, but also doubles as a wood hauler/grocery getter since they can be driven on most Northern roads year round.

[@notagain8661]

@SwankyCatProductions Yep, snow! 😆

[@311joedirt]

It’s ok, you can just go ahead and say it.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Huh?

[@311joedirt]

@ everyone says “low snow conditions” because we are all afraid (including myself) of saying climate change or global warming. One of my biggest questions is how many years are we going to stake out trails and not have one single day of riding. Luckily there are a couple indoor motocross tracks in the area that we can use for our adrenaline fix. I haven’t watched any of your dual sport videos, have you ridden the TWAT yet?

[@aaronmcfee506]

I think it's just dying in your area , its busier than ever here in new brunswick

[@bigchaloopa]

No snow and outrageous prices. That includes oil, fuel, hotels, trailers, trucks. Its a complete shit show

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, it's a pretty big investment with very little return on years like this and last.

[@johncoleman1935]

IF you can swing it, IF you keep the DR & the Honda, get a Gen 1 KLR, for comparison. Course I'm a little prejudice 😊. The Gen 1 comes in a little over 400 lbs, factor in, bigger fuel tank, water cooled, some plastics, good rack, etc, gotta be pretty close in weight . Mine was really close to the claimed 411 weight (have a few additions). Would like to have the real world benefits of say a Cogent suspension upgrade. Gen 2 or 3, not sure if that's a fair comparison for the other 2. Dleds: All things pointing to, yea climate change is real. Stick your head in the sand if you want, ain't going to argue, doesn't go anywhere. Snow in regions is going to be hit or miss. I bought a nice snow blower where I couldn't get in with the tractor. Got cobwebs & dust on it now. Around here, this year literally thousands of acres of winter wheat have been plowed under because of lack snow. Beans have been so sketchy for many years surprised they still try. I could go on, but enough. SW Colorado.

[@johncoleman1935]

Dleds= Sleds- stupid phone & spell check, love AI. Days I miss the terminal & keyboard, yea I'm old,, BUT....

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'm thinking the new DRZ will have to be my next purchase, but I'm also still hoping to get a Gen1 while I have the DR & XR. Just to good of an opportunity to pass up! Yeah, as much as I want to be optimistic and assume that we'll have normal winters again soon, I do wonder if this is the new norm.

[@Hawaiishelldiver]

Such a small niche market.I live in the tropics so have zero interest in snow mobiles.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, I didn't really realized how small of a market it was until I started thinking about it from a business perspective. For a content creator like myself that's not such a bad thing though. There are SO MANY motorcycle content creators out there, but very few channels focused on snowmobiles. Of course it's pretty hard to make content with no snow or open trails haha.

[@mcclen03able]

It’s obvious sell the sled get another KLR just to appease us KLR fanboys please!!!😂😂😂😂

[@SwankyCatProductions]

🤣

[@paradoxworkshop4659]

Outside of parts of Alaska, there is no reason for an adult human to own a snowmobile. Especially a new one.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Haha yeah. They never have been a very economical pastime. They sure are fun though!

[@paradoxworkshop4659]

@SwankyCatProductions I have a friend who is a mechanic, and he LOVES the fact that people can only use their $10k machine two weeks of the year, even in Vermont... He fixes them after sitting...

[@really3316]

Sledding is dying. I'd say #1 reason is the union labor cost drives all cost of everything up. The union is useless.

[@markofwisconsin]

You are nuts.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

...

[@bradhovanki8853]

@@SwankyCatProductions Yes, cost of snowmobiles and only being able to use a few months at best. Live in Minocqua area since 1991 and other than winter of 22-23 winters are not like they use to be. Feel sorry for people in northwoods that depend on the $'s.