32 • August 2023 • Powersports Business

After providing over $ 800,000 in funding during the first two years of existence , the Ski-Doo Snow P . A . S . S . ( Protect , Access , Sustain , Support ) grant program returns for a third year to help fund community-led projects that improve the sport of snowmobiling .

The grant program is available to national , provincial , state and local associations and clubs engaged in the activities that ensure the health of the sport by offering up to $ 5,000 in matching fund grants to bring projects to life .

In its first two seasons , and through the efforts of selfless volunteers and the amazing network of Ski-Doo dealers , the Ski-Doo Snow P . A . S . S . grant program funded more than 170 projects for snowmobile organizations across North America . Those projects continue to allow hundreds of thousands of riders to safely enjoy the trails and backcountry access across North America .

“ The continued outstanding success of the Ski-Doo Snow P . A . S . S . program makes us proud to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2023−2024 season and encourage clubs and organizations to submit their applications soon ,” says Jeremi Doyon-Roch , global marketing manager , snowmobiles & brand strategic initiatives . “ These funds support the hardworking , dedicated volunteers that are the backbone of our sport , and we thank them as they continue their efforts to improve snowmobiling across North America .”

While many projects have been completed – there are still many worthy grant requests from previous years that remain eligible to apply again , along with new requests that are welcomed .

The objectives of the inaugural program remain the same while adding an emphasis on safety that aligns with the BRP Responsible Rider Program . The objectives are to protect or increase access to playgrounds , make snowmobiling more accessible to all , help clubs re-invent themselves , and trail development .

Applications for the program are being accepted online through September 15 , 2023 , with organizations being notified by October 6 , 2023 , if their request will be funded .

Ski-Doo ’ s Snow PASS trail program returns for a third season . Photo courtesy of Ski-Doo

Yamaha Motor recently announced that it plans to withdraw from the snowmobile segment by 2025 . The 2024 model year will

2023 Yamaha Sidewinder SRX LE . Photo courtesy of SnowGoer be the last for available production in the European market , while North America ’ s final production will be the 2025 model year .

Over the past 55 years , Yamaha developed snowmobiles for sports , leisure , and business use as a means of transportation , mainly in snowy areas found in North America and Europe . Yamaha also aimed to grow the business through the early introduction of environmentally friendly 4−stroke models and alliances with other companies . However , the company says it has been a challenge to reach a sustainable business model in the snowmobile market .

Going forward , Yamaha says it will concentrate management resources on current business activities and new growth markets .

According to Bryan Hudgin , director of marketing and brand development for Yamaha Canada , Yamaha Japan made the decision to focus on high-volume product groups and increase investment in identified growth markets . " When it comes to a global scale , it ’ s something that Yamaha Motor Corporation is looking at constantly - whether or not the volume there that is required and the growth in the market - and if the industry is big enough to continue . [ Yamaha ] has decided to focus more attention on current industries where we ’ ve got more success and invest in identified growth markets ."

Yamaha says it will ensure parts availability , service , and related customer satisfaction now and after the snowmobile final production run occurs .

Hudgin and his team spoke with dealers before the news was released to the media . “ What ’ s clear to us is that each of our dealer ’ s businesses is unique . For some dealers , snowmobiles are about 5 to 10 percent of their business ; for other dealers , it ’ s 50 to 60 percent , so we ’ re working with them over the course of the next two to three years to make sure we can continue our relationship with them . But each one is unique , and we ’ ve got to work with each of them individually to make sure we ’ re putting them in the best status as well as ourselves to move forward ."

Production of the recently introduced 2024 models is underway and scheduled for fall delivery . Yamaha distributors will be working closely with dealers to minimize impact and best position their business over the next 12 – 36 months .

“ We do want to make the next two years a celebration of our snowmobiles ,” says Hudgin . " We want to thank our snowmobile customers and talk about some of the great innovations that Yamaha brought to market for more than 50 years of Yamaha snowmobiles .”

Due to the exit schedule , the effect on consolidated business results will be minor , according to Yamaha .

International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association ( ISMA ) has announced Snowmobile Day will be held on October 28 , 2023 , to celebrate the snowmobiling community and begin preparations for the upcoming season .

ISMA says that Snowmobile Day will bring together clubs and groups and celebrate the snowmobile lifestyle .

ISMA invites snowmobile clubs , local dealers , associations , and snowmobile groups to participate in this year ’ s Snowmobile Day , which is patterned after the successful “ Snöskoters Dag ,” held in Sweden for over 45 years .

The celebration in Sweden started in the

1970s and expanded rapidly through the 1980s as snowmobiling in Sweden expanded . The success of the event is traced to creating a fun family party , with involvement from clubs , associations , media , dealers , and other industry stakeholders .

Snowmobile clubs are encouraged to begin the season with a party that might include games , activities and more , such as :

A “ Show and shine ” event featuring vintage and custom snowmobiles Displaying towing and groomer vehicles Safety training class Maintenance and winter check-ups for snowmobiles and trailers

ISMA says Snowmobile Day should be a “ fun , family festival-type event , where BBQ , refreshments , music and an open house can get snowmobilers excited for the next season .”

Snowmobile Clubs are encouraged to participate in the activities and to help increase membership and recruit volunteers for trail maintenance activities .

Snowmobile associations and clubs can participate by contacting local snowmobile dealerships , Chambers of Commerce , visitor and convention bureaus , and regional media to support and help with a local event .

Planning a Snowmobile Day celebration is an ideal opportunity to bring enthusiasts together to kick off the season and enjoy the snowmobile lifestyle .

The snowmobile manufacturers of ISMA are offering to support Snowmobile Day in North America with a $ 200 donation to snowmobile clubs or associations that plan a Snowmobile Day celebration . Clubs that want to be considered for this offer can follow the link and fill out an application .

Clubs that want to be considered for this offer can visit www . snowmobile . org / snowmobile-day−2023 to fill out an application .