BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Year to year, Vermont’s snowmobilers ride the waves of wonky winters. And industry leaders say they have to adapt to survive.
Snowmobiling is the second largest contributor to Vermont’s winter economy, and these days it takes more work than ever to keep that title.
Richmond’s John Beeman spent his childhood on the seat of a snowmobile, “It was something to do in the wintertime when we actually had a lot more snow.”
Decades later the winter wonderland of his childhood is melting. With increasingly unpredictable weather Beeman follows the snow as it falls across the state, even traveling to Maine to get the good stuff.
“It is what it is today with the weather, right? I don’t think it’s optional. If you want to ride, have really good snow, I think most people recognize you’re probably going to have to travel,” said Beeman.
The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, or VAST, says every winter brings something different to their over 5,000 miles of trails.
“Nobody’s more anxious to open all their trails than our volunteers and those grooming operators, you know, they got their machines all maintained, and they’re ready to roll,” said Patty Companik with VAST.
In the past five years, VAST’s maintenance spending has varied with changing conditions.
Officials say they aren’t losing money overall but they’re not making as much as they used to. That’s on top of higher spending, particularly in response to recent flood-related damage.
The impact of unsatisfactory seasons is felt across the state, from gas stations to diners that rely on the winter foot traffic of loyal riders. “All that kind of stuff is what really brings people together,” said Companik.
As for this winter, Beeman has his fingers crossed. 50% to 60% of trails were open in early January, with recent freezing and snow a good sign for more grooming.
“it would be great if we had a real Vermont winter, I think it’d be a good thing for everybody,” said Beeman.
Vast says although they’ve had to increase membership costs, the number of members remains stead,.