Snowmobile Sales Dip Due to Lack of Snow

DULUTH, Minn. - We've got the extreme cold, but snow in the Twin Ports is basically a joke for this time of year, and it's putting a damper on winter business. For those who love cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and snowmobiling it's been a pretty quiet season because of the little amount of snow."There's snow to ride so you can't go right out your back yard, yet," said sales manager at Duluth Lawn and Sport, Dave Chrysler. Compared to last year businesses selling snowmobiles and snow blowers are struggling. The number one selling winter toy isn't selling as well as expected.Employees at Duluth Lawn and Sport have been stuck inside working on sleds instead of riding them."Without snow and not having snow very close to go out and ride, it definitely takes a toll on the business," Chrysler said. Many snowmobilers have been heading to Michigan or near Grand Marais to find snow deep enough to ride the trails. This time last year the store was overwhelmed selling a dozen snowmobiles a day, and now they'll be lucky to get three or four out the door."Having all that snow last year anticipated a lot of preseason sales up until right now basically," said Chrysler. He explained snowmobile sales for October, November, and December were great. The pros say they haven't seen a winter this bad in about five years, but they're making the best of it by focusing on four wheelers, winter clothes, and by making sure every sled is in tip-top shape for when snow finally falls."It's going to slow down,” Chrysler said. “It's just part of the business." Despite the slow start to winter it's only January which means there's a lot of good riding weather still yet to come.