Snowmobiling is an excellent activity for individuals who need an incentive to spend more time outdoors during the winter months.
When winter arrives, people often struggle to find the motivation to get outside, opting instead to hole up in their homes and wait out the season. Yet, spending too much time indoors can lead to feelings of boredom, sluggishness, and even mild depression. When done safely, snowmobiling can be an effective way to combat the winter doldrums and invigorate both the body and the spirit.
Here are three of the most common benefits of participating in this popular winter pastime:
Snowmobilers Enjoy Access to Nature
Snowmobiling is an excellent way to gain a new perspective and develop a new appreciation of nature. With over 25,000 miles of groomed and marked snowmobile trails in North America, snowmobiling is a great way for individuals to view areas that are otherwise inaccessible during cold winter months.
Snowmobilers are also privy to eye-catching scenery and are often able to witness local wildlife in their natural habitat.
Snowmobiling Improves Physical and Mental Health
Current statistics indicate that the average age of a snowmobiler is 43 years old. This number is decreasing as a growing number of younger individuals take up the sport, but it goes to show that snowmobiling is an activity enjoyed by people of all ages.
Snowmobiling gives individuals a fun reason to get outdoors during the winter, and increasing the amount of time spent outside in the sun is an effective way to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression that often occurs during the autumn and winter when the days shorten, decreasing the amount of natural light a person receives.
Snowmobiling is also good exercise. Many people assume that snowmobiling is a relatively sedentary activity because it largely involves ‘sitting’ on a machine; what they may not realize is that snowmobiling helps to build strong core muscles, and that it requires both strength and flexibility to operate a snowmobile. In fact, snowmobilers burn an average of around 238 calories per hour.
Snowmobiling is a Fun Social Activity
According to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA), more than 94.5 per cent of snowmobilers consider it a family activity, and most snowmobile owners are married and have children. The ISMA also notes that “individuals who snowmobile at a young age continue to snowmobile with their parents throughout their lives, sharing great experiences as a family”.
Snowmobiling is also a great way to meet new people and develop new friendships. In fact, there are more than 3,000 snowmobile clubs worldwide, many of which offer group events and activities, and all of which welcome new members.
Generally, snowmobilers are often involved members of their communities. The ISMA reports that snowmobilers raised more than $3 million for charity during the 2008-2009 season, and there are currently 40 registered non-profit organizations that specifically represent snowmobilers across Canada, the United States, and Scandinavia.
The International Snowmobiler Manufacturers Association will be holding its second annual “Take a Friend Snowmobiling” campaign in February 2010.
Whether a person is a novice rider or an experienced snowmobiler, it is important that they familiarize themselves with safe snowmobiling practices so that they may enjoy the benefits of snowmobiling for many seasons to come.
Trilby Henderson - After completing a BA in Journalism at the University of Regina, one of Canada's leading journalism schools, I spent several years working ...
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