Snowmobilers will have to shell out again for their free time next winter as slope access fees become more expensive..
This was recently announced by the Fédération des Clubs de Motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ).
For the third time in three years, enthusiasts will have to dig deeper to maintain their right to access the trails. Annual passes are $35 more than last year in advance and $90 more in regular sales.
This is an increase of more than 8% compared to the previous year.
“We live in a time of inflation,” said Michel Garneau, FCMQ’s director of external relations and special projects. It’s starting to settle down a bit, but spending is increasing everywhere.”
“Among other things, we have resurfacing machines that drive through ice or wetlands. So there’s all kinds of spending going up and unfortunately the money has to come from somewhere,” he added.
The costs of maintaining the trails and replacing machines have skyrocketed.
“We have a huge fleet of resurfacing machines and 40% of our fleet is over 20 years old,” said Michel Garneau. There are dog groomers that are worth around $400,000. We have a network that is more than 50 years old, so we have infrastructure that needs improvement to keep snowmobilers safe.”
According to Saguenay Snowmobile Club President Jocelyn Charest, the rising number of insurance claims has something to do with it as the cost of insurance premiums has risen.
“Of course there are many who will be unhappy, but you have to understand that with all the claims, insurance has skyrocketed,” he said.
Jocelyn Charest claims he expected an increase, but not of this magnitude.
drop in sales
Even though annual access rights revenue fell by 6% over the past year, FCMQ remains confident.
“For example, we have seen an increase in the number of daily access rights sold. Are there people who have chosen to ditch the purchase of an annual pass in favor of a weekly pass? We won’t know until the end of the year,” said Mr. Garneau.
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