Snowmobile sales hit new heights in Battlefords this winter

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the La Niña weather phenomenon is expected to cause more snowfall while bringing below-normal temperatures to about two-thirds of Canada.

Redhead Powersports is situated on Highway 16 East in North Battleford. (Google/ Redhead Powersports)

Another factor that plays a role in making them more money is the “attractive” financing rates. He said some banks now offer zero per cent for 36 months, meaning no cost to borrow money for customers.

“So a lot of customers find that attractive.”

They started the season with 135 motor sleds in stock. As of this writing, they have 18 left.

Safety first

With more sledders getting into the fun of it all, Leah Switzer, executive director of the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (Sask Snow), hopes to raise safety awareness during Provincial Snowmobile Safety Week, which runs from Jan.12 to 18.

“Never riding impaired and riding alone, always wearing the proper gear with the proper helmet, keeping tools with you for basic repairs in case you break down,” she said.

“All those things are just to ensure your trip is fun and safe.”

(Facebook/ Sask Snow)

Between 2013 and 2019, an average of 73 people lost their lives each year in snowmobile accidents across Canada, as reported by Statistics Canada. However, in Saskatchewan, Switzer said, since 1995, the fatality rate has gone down from 13 to just one in 2024.

Noting that the rate has “drastically dropped” since the trail system came into play in the province.

Since 1971, the association has dedicated itself to establishing and maintaining snowmobile trails throughout Saskatchewan. Over the years, it has successfully built and groomed more than 11,000 kilometres of trails.

“We have a trail manager assigned by the province, but it is volunteer member clubs that actually do the maintenance, put out the trail, and do all the work,” she added.

When asked what safety tips riders should never forget, she said it’s important to ensure their gear is in good condition so they won’t be caught out in the cold when breakdowns occur.

“Because a lot of times the pads break down, chemicals from your face, hair, or shampoo will break down the pads. So the safety of the helmet is not as good as it was when it was new,” Leece added when discussing the importance of checking the expiration date of helmets.

Sask Snow’s app, Snowmobiling, helps riders stay on designated trails while protecting wildlife. (Facebook/ Sask Snow)

Leece also pointed out that people often forget to pack a first-aid kit, which can be incredibly useful during unexpected breakdowns.

The other thing Switzer recommended all the sled heads do is attend the association’s snowmobile safety course.

“Even if they have a valid driver’s license, that course does help to make sure that you understand all those general safety concepts and the signage rules and how to make sure that all your gear is ready and your snowmobile is ready.”

Looking ahead, she hopes the Snowmobile Safety Week will help promote responsible attitudes and actions that foster a positive image for the sport. For Leece, he said he expected the last 18 sleds in the inventory to be gone by the end of January.

—

Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

Snowmobile sales hit new heights in Battlefords this winter

What's Trending