The economic impact that snowmobiling brings to Vermont is about $500 million a year," Locke said. "We were down about 9,000 members when we have around 24,000 usually."
Locke said that even with the drop in memberships and dues, their budget will be OK, but there is still lots to worry about.
"Our major concern is the small businesses that rely on the snow industry in Vermont," Locke said. "It can be gas stations, dealerships, shops, restaurants... they are really affected in a adverse way when we don't have snow."
Parts and sales manager of Champlain Valley Motorsports in Cornwall, Michael Paquette, said they also had a rough season.
"After they get out and run their snowmobiles, maybe they realize they didn't service them properly, or their helmets fogging up they need a new helmet or jacket," Paquette said. "None of that stuff happened this year."
Paquette and Locke agree that this winter spells trouble for sales next season too.
"The snowmobile business is all about what happened recently," Paquette said. "Our sales for next fall will be next to nothing. Next year, it's going to be a long uphill battle."
"We expect our early bird sales numbers to be lower than this year based on this year's season," Locke said.
Locke also said VAST is looking to create incentives for people to buy early next year.
Reference:http://www.wptz.com/news/mild-winter-had-negative-effects-on-snowmobiling-industry/38793862