Research conducted by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association shows that over 50% of all North American adults living in the Snowbelt would like to go snowmobiling. Many non-snowmobilers are inquisitive outdoor enthusiasts and when asked to rate their desire to go snowmobiling on a scale of 1 to 10; they quickly circle the number 9 on the research form. The research tells us our neighbors, friends and acquaintances who don't snowmobile would love to go snowmobiling and are waiting for us to ask them.

It feels like Mother Nature is cooperating with us so far this year. The gosnowmobiling.org web site, designed specifically for non-snowmobilers is up and running and already over 20,000 visitors a month are visiting the site asking questions about where to go snowmobiling and how to get started. The www.gosnowmobiling.org web site, designed specifically for non-snowmobilers is up and running and already over 20,000 visitors a month are visiting the site asking questions about where to go snowmobiling and how to get started.

Reports from snowmobile destination resort towns are very upbeat and optimistic. In most cases across the country advanced reservations for room nights and snowmobile rentals is ahead of last year. Those reports show that some of the folks making reservations to go snowmobiling are not active snowmobilers and many of them don't own snowmobiles, they plan on renting sleds. This is all the more reason for us to be optimistic about the upcoming winter snowmobiling season.

Snow-fest events being held are reporting above average activity and sales are brisk. Show managers are reporting strong attendance and many state snowmobile association directors have told me that the number of people visiting association booths while at the show are above average. Many show attendees visiting the booth are brand new snowmobilers and families considering buying their first snowmobile.

I have already started filling my calendar with special snowmobile activities where I will be taking non-snowmobilers for their first ride. I encourage you all to consider inviting a friend, acquaintance, neighbor to go snowmobiling this winter and create and strengthen friendships. Virtually everyone I have ever taken snowmobiling is smiling and full of giggles at the end of the day and I know some of them have bought snowmobiles and are now eagerly awaiting my call to invite them out again this winter. I am looking forward to making those calls and having a great winter.

For help on knowing where to go snowmobiling, please visit the www.gosnowmobiling.org web site and use the many links to get up to date weather and trail conditions and more. There's a special page for Clubs to help plan activities: http://www.snowmobile.org/take-a-friend-2008.html.