WINTER SPORTS – Idaho snowmobile registrations, which fund trail grooming and access plowing, were down by nearly 8,800 early this month, probably because of meager snowfall to start the season.

That means Idaho Parks and Recreation collected $286,000 less for its snowmobiling programs, or about 20 percent less money for this winter than last winter, the Idaho Statesman reports. 

It’s the first time since 2009 that statewide snowmobile registrations dipped below 30,000, according to Todd Wernex, trails specialist for Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. 

It’s common that fewer snowmobilers register their sleds after a winter with low snowfall, he said. 

Snowmobilers in some areas of the state could find fewer trails groomed, or trails groomed less often, this winter. 

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