28 • June 2026 • Powersports Business

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced May 11 that snowmobile trail permit fees in the state will increase from $ 52 to $ 65 beginning this year as part of a required five-year Consumer Price Index adjustment.

According to the DNR, the fee adjustment is mandated by state statute and is based on inflation data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. The updated fee will remain in place through the next five-year adjustment cycle.

State officials said the increase is intended to help keep funding aligned with rising operational costs tied to maintaining Michigan’ s extensive snowmobile trail network.

Michigan’ s snowmobile program is funded entirely through trail permit and registration revenue, with no additional taxpayer support. The funding supports trail grooming, maintenance, signage, enforcement and safety initiatives across the state’ s snowmobile trail system.

Michigan is home to one of the largest interconnected snowmobile trail systems in the country, attracting riders from throughout the Midwest and Canada each winter.

Snowmobilers enjoy a morning ride along Trail No. 11 South in Gogebic County, Michigan. Starting this year, snowmobilers will have to pay an increased fee of $ 65 to ride the trail system.( Photo: Michigan DNR / Facebook)

Over the past 12 months, Arctic Cat says it has brought employees back across its facilities in Thief River Falls, St. Cloud, Bucyrus and Winnipeg, while restarting manufacturing and distribution operations. Below: Arctic Cat’ s Thief River Falls parade float crew.( Photos: Arctic Cat)

Arctic Cat is celebrating the first anniversary of its return to independent ownership, highlighting a year of operational recovery, product launches and renewed dealer and rider engagement.

The company was acquired in April 2025 by an investment group led by President and CEO Brad Darling, marking what leadership said is the start of a new chapter for the brand.

Over the past 12 months, Arctic Cat says it has brought employees back across its facilities in Thief River Falls and St. Cloud, Minnesota, as well as Bucyrus, Ohio and Winnipeg, while restarting manufacturing and distribution operations. The OEM also reintroduced snowmobile and off-road product development, including two new snowmobile lineups featuring updated technology and rider-driven improvements.

In addition, Arctic Cat reported progress in rebuilding its dealer network, reentering snowmobile racing, expanding partnerships and investing in research and development. The company also noted its collaboration with Widescape to broaden its winter recreation offerings.

Company leadership emphasized that the past year has been driven by support from dealers, riders, suppliers and industry partners, as well as returning employees.

At the time of the acquisition, Darling said the brand would take a long-term approach to growth.“ This race is never-ending, and our intent is to lead,” he stated. As Arctic Cat enters its second year under new ownership, the company remains focused on expanding its product lineup, strengthening dealer relationships and continuing to invest in innovation across its snowmobile and off-road segments.

Arctic Cat acquired Widescape in January to broaden its winter recreation product line with stand-up enduros.

Gear Guard protection helps keep riders focused on the road— not unexpected repair costs.

A Full Suite of Coverage: 15 Products to Choose • $ 0 Deductible Extended Eligibility • No Mileage Cap 0 % Interesting Financing