Once upon a time the recreational snow sports that exist in Vermont today were not considered sports. It was a way of life and survival. It was a lifestyle. Sled Dogs were used to get around in times of harsh winters and inaccessible roadways. Ice fishing was necessary to feed families1. Once technology came around snowmobiles were designed to take over sled dogs. A revolution of ideas and technology lead to a complete change and these necessary acts for survival became recreational. 

Throughout our research on the ski and snow sports industries, we have found that the people who engage in these activities are extremely passionate and dedicated to what they do. Being a part of these industries, they depend on Mother Nature to give them reliable winter weather conditions so that these sports are safe for others to participate in as well. 

SNOWMOBILING
Besides weather dependability, there are many other factors that challenge snow sports in Vermont. One of the biggest challenges for the snowmobiling industry is the fight over privatization of land. “It is becoming more and more difficult to keep trails open where they cross private land,” says Charlie Stewart, 23-year Treasurer and Trail Coordinator for the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers. “I believe this is because the Vermont residents are now made up of out-of-state implants who close their property to almost all uses2.”

According the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, snowmobiling trails have spanned over 6,000 miles throughout Vermont for over 35 years3. Executive Director of VSAT, Brian Watson also writes, “VT is the only snow belt state that can say that

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