Snowmobiling: Learning to ride takes just minutes

The learning curve is fast — zero to cruising along in seven to eight minutes along a snow-packed trail.

That's about how long it takes to instruct a first-time rider on how to drive a snowmobile. It might take a little longer for those who want a rewind on a couple of the key points, like when to lean into a turn and when not to.

But the message is that learning to cruise along a trail at a comfortable speed, taking time to enjoy the scenery and maybe get a little daring and turn off into the light powder snow, isn't that difficult.

Which accounts for the fact that a good share of the people renting snowmobiles these days have never been on a machine before, and some have never seen snow.

Another lure is that snowmobiles get people out of the home and into the outdoors. Snowmobiling does, studies have shown, improve a person's attitude toward winter in that it gives them something to do and something to look forward to.

It is also shown to be a good exercise.

Despite all this, the number of snowmobile owners in Utah is on the decline. The number of riders, however, appears to be on the incline.

Consensus is the drop in ownership is being made up by the opportunity to rent.

"I get people in who tell me they used to own, but only used their machines three or four times a year, and that they were better off renting. And, besides, when they rented they get the latest in equipment," said Wynn Passey, owner of Homestead and Summit Snowmobile tours.

In 2004, there were 36,000 machines registered in Utah. In 2005, there were 28,000 registered. Numbers are still being counted for 2006.

When it comes to snowmobiling, however, don't look for Utah to ever compete in the numbers game.

States with much smaller populations, like Montana, Idaho and Wyoming register more machines. Figures from the Snowmobile Manufacturers Association show Idaho had nearly 50,000 machines registered in 2005. Those states also have less competition from other winter sports like skiing, skating and pro sports, like the Jazz and Grizzlies.

Back East, in snowmobile country, Michigan has nearly 16 times the machines instate (374,000) and Minnesota 12 times the number of snowmobiles (278,000).

When it comes to places to ride, however, few states can offer what Utah has — feather-light snow, mountain beauty and uncrowded trails.