Question: What prevents some from purchasing a snowmobile club membership

[MOMMA]

So this is the question of the day. Why do you feel some choose to not purchase a snowmobile club membership in the areas they ride? This includes tourists and locals. Further to that question, what could be done to increase membership stimulus?



Thank you! Love you!

Momma.

 

[Quicksand]

Honestly, I have never bought A BC membership. Being from Alberta, where I live it's about 3.5 hours to Golden or Radium, 5.5 hours to Revy 6.5 to Sicamous. Realistically we only get out 5-6 times a year, sometimes for day trips, some times weekend trips and usually one trip which is 4 nights(3 days of riding). Me acting as somewhat of a guide since I have been doing it the longest and knowing the areas, and taking newer riders out lots of times(I love introducing new people to mountain snowmobiling), I go on pretty much all of trips and get the most days in out of our group, others in my group only ride 2-3 days a season in BC.

Looking back though my pictures, here is the riding I did last year;(just me personally, not my whole group)

7 Trips
11 days of riding

Revy - 2 Days
Radium - 2 Days
Golden - 4 Days
Sicamous - 2 Days
Crowfoot - 1 Day

Membership fees
- Revy $250+tax
- Radium - can't find a price for Windermere club but i thought it was slightly cheaper than Golden last time i looked
- Golden $195+tax
- Sicamous - $250

It's pretty easy to see why I don't buy memberships, we ride in several places every year, why would I buy a membership in Golden only to have to pay full pop everywhere else? Which one would you buy? Keep in mind, this is just one year, if Radium get the snow this year and golden doesn't I'll be riding Radium a lot more and Golden/Revy less.

 

[MOMMA]

Honestly, I have never bought A BC membership. Being from Alberta, where I live it's about 3.5 hours to Golden or Radium, 5.5 hours to Revy 6.5 to Sicamous. Realistically we only get out 5-6 times a year, sometimes for day trips, some times weekend trips and usually one trip which is 4 nights(3 days of riding). Me acting as somewhat of a guide since I have been doing it the longest and knowing the areas, and taking newer riders out lots of times(I love introducing new people to mountain snowmobiling), I go on pretty much all of trips and get the most days in out of our group, others in my group only ride 2-3 days a season in BC.

Looking back though my pictures, here is the riding I did last year;(just me personally, not my whole group)

7 Trips
11 days of riding

Revy - 2 Days
Radium - 2 Days
Golden - 4 Days
Sicamous - 2 Days
Crowfoot - 1 Day

Membership fees
- Revy $250+tax
- Radium - can't find a price for Windermere club but i though it was slightly cheaper than Golden last time i looked
- Golden $195+tax
- Sicamous - $250

It's pretty easy to see why I don't buy memberships, we ride in several places every year, why would I buy a membership in Golden olny to have to pay full pop everywhere else? Which one would you buy? Keep in mind, this is just one year, if Radium get the snow this year and golden doesn't I'll be riding Radium a lot more and Golden/Revy less.

Thank you for your feedback! This helps a lot!

 

[TylerG]

Honestly, I have never bought A BC membership. Being from Alberta, where I live it's about 3.5 hours to Golden or Radium, 5.5 hours to Revy 6.5 to Sicamous. Realistically we only get out 5-6 times a year, sometimes for day trips, some times weekend trips and usually one trip which is 4 nights(3 days of riding). Me acting as somewhat of a guide since I have been doing it the longest and knowing the areas, and taking newer riders out lots of times(I love introducing new people to mountain snowmobiling), I go on pretty much all of trips and get the most days in out of our group, others in my group only ride 2-3 days a season in BC.

Looking back though my pictures, here is the riding I did last year;(just me personally, not my whole group)

7 Trips
11 days of riding

Revy - 2 Days
Radium - 2 Days
Golden - 4 Days
Sicamous - 2 Days
Crowfoot - 1 Day

Membership fees
- Revy $250+tax
- Radium - can't find a price for Windermere club but i though it was slightly cheaper than Golden last time i looked
- Golden $195+tax
- Sicamous - $250

It's pretty easy to see why I don't buy memberships, we ride in several places every year, why would I buy a membership in Golden olny to have to pay full pop everywhere else? Which one would you buy? Keep in mind, this is just one year, if Radium get the snow this year and golden doesn't I'll be riding Radium a lot more and Golden/Revy less.

You say you don't buy a BC Membership specifically....... do you support locally? do you buy an Alberta Snowmobile Association membership? if not why not? what would it take to get you to consider supporting the sport you love within the province you reside, even if you are not a "trail rider"?

 

[AreWeThereYet]

So this is the question of the day. Why do you feel some choose to not purchase a snowmobile club membership in the areas they ride? This includes tourists and locals. Further to that question, what could be done to increase membership stimulus?



Thank you! Love you!

Momma.

I had a big speel but deleted it,.. I ride Kakwa, 2nd largest riding area,.. our ASA membership is $80 before Jan 1, $90 after.

 

[Quicksand]

You say you don't buy a BC Membership specifically....... do you support locally? do you buy an Alberta Snowmobile Association membership? if not why not? what would it take to get you to consider supporting the sport you love within the province you reside, even if you are not a "trail rider"?

I do, I have bought several ASA memberships through the Olds snowmobile club, though admittedly not every year.

 

[Ballzdeep]

Id have to agree with DEMONSPEED on this one. I pretty much had the same riding year last season with only 5 trips to different places. ASA membership is a must. i ride trails every other weekend and no problem throwing $80 at the sled show for a season pass but 250$ for one area is too much for this guy.

 

[MOMMA]

You say you don't buy a BC Membership specifically....... do you support locally? do you buy an Alberta Snowmobile Association membership? if not why not? what would it take to get you to consider supporting the sport you love within the province you reside, even if you are not a "trail rider"?

Excellent point TG! Thank you!

 

[maxwell]

Honestly, I have never bought A BC membership. Being from Alberta, where I live it's about 3.5 hours to Golden or Radium, 5.5 hours to Revy 6.5 to Sicamous. Realistically we only get out 5-6 times a year, sometimes for day trips, some times weekend trips and usually one trip which is 4 nights(3 days of riding). Me acting as somewhat of a guide since I have been doing it the longest and knowing the areas, and taking newer riders out lots of times(I love introducing new people to mountain snowmobiling), I go on pretty much all of trips and get the most days in out of our group, others in my group only ride 2-3 days a season in BC.

Looking back though my pictures, here is the riding I did last year;(just me personally, not my whole group)

7 Trips
11 days of riding

Revy - 2 Days
Radium - 2 Days
Golden - 4 Days
Sicamous - 2 Days
Crowfoot - 1 Day

Membership fees
- Revy $250+tax
- Radium - can't find a price for Windermere club but i though it was slightly cheaper than Golden last time i looked
- Golden $195+tax
- Sicamous - $250

It's pretty easy to see why I don't buy memberships, we ride in several places every year, why would I buy a membership in Golden olny to have to pay full pop everywhere else? Which one would you buy? Keep in mind, this is just one year, if Radium get the snow this year and golden doesn't I'll be riding Radium a lot more and Golden/Revy less.

Someone correct me if im wrong but i believe we are talking about Club Memberships and not seasons trail passes? In your case you are certainly correct that multiple seasons passes are not feasible. Many riders fall in this category. However you can purchase the individual club memberships separately for around the 25$ range on the BCSF website. Best case scenario for everyone involved for a rider like yourself is pay your daily trail pass fee for the grooming etc. and Then pick one of the multiple clubs you ride in and purchase the 25$ club membership. Or if your feeling generous join a couple. The most important goal is to have every rider a member of a snowmobile club. In my opinion. So really, only adding 25$ to your yearly snowmobile costs. Heck even rotate every year share the love.


Back to the original Question. I believe the main reason for not purchasing memberships is lack of education and understanding. General consensus on the street is that riders feel they are doing their part by purchasing a daily trail pass. Which is not the case. The local club would be lucky if that covers their operating costs for the year and leaves them no money for upgrades expansions etc.

I would say we need to educate the masses that belonging to a snowmobile club is a critical part of our success as a group. But when i say that to people i get the googly eyes. People need to see facts and data and a reason to spend the extra 25$ rather than just because i said so.

What you may also not understand is that typically when you purchase your SEASONS pass you are also getting your local clubs membership incuded. thats great. Your work is done.

essentially we need to educate the difference between a TRAIL PASS / MEMBERSHIP and why you need both.

Now lets talk about acquiring a Membership. Lets face it, alot of up and coming riders are millennial's. they are used to being able to order a movie or a song or dinner with the retina scanner on their phone within seconds. It needs to be that easy. If they cant go on the APP store and Purchase it digitally onto their credit card then its not going to happen. It is very easy to do on the BCSF website ( which is sort of not known to most ) but the world revolves around the mobile world so i think some sort of APP needs to be considered for these clubs and their trail passes, memberships and seasons passes.

i know there was no mention of BC specifically but thats my experience.

PS. I am a firm supporter in Mandatory Memberships to be shown at the trail head along with trail pass. However considering the grief the toll booth attendants already get i couldn't imagine them trying to pry 50$ from someone without a fight. But its not looking like we can handle this on our own so perhaps mandatory enforced is the only answer. We need the numbers to show the government and we certainly arent going to get them if we are relying on people to go to a website and buy one or go to a sled show and buy one. Just my opinion

 

[acesup800]

Someone correct me if im wrong but i believe we are talking about Club Memberships and not seasons trail passes? In your case you are certainly correct that multiple seasons passes are not feasible. Many riders fall in this category. However you can purchase the individual club memberships separately for around the 25$ range on the BCSF website. Best case scenario for everyone involved for a rider like yourself is pay your daily trail pass fee for the grooming etc. and Then pick one of the multiple clubs you ride in and purchase the 25$ club membership. Or if your feeling generous join a couple. The most important goal is to have every rider a member of a snowmobile club. In my opinion. So really, only adding 25$ to your yearly snowmobile costs. Heck even rotate every year share the love.


Back to the original Question. I believe the main reason for not purchasing memberships is lack of education and understanding. General consensus on the street is that riders feel they are doing their part by purchasing a daily trail pass. Which is not the case. The local club would be lucky if that covers their operating costs for the year and leaves them no money for upgrades expansions etc.

I would say we need to educate the masses that belonging to a snowmobile club is a critical part of our success as a group. But when i say that to people i get the googly eyes. People need to see facts and data and a reason to spend the extra 25$ rather than just because i said so.

What you may also not understand is that typically when you purchase your SEASONS pass you are also getting your local clubs membership incuded. thats great. Your work is done.

essentially we need to educate the difference between a TRAIL PASS / MEMBERSHIP and why you need both.

Now lets talk about acquiring a Membership. Lets face it, alot of up and coming riders are millennial's. they are used to being able to order a movie or a song or dinner with the retina scanner on their phone within seconds. It needs to be that easy. If they cant go on the APP store and Purchase it digitally onto their credit card then its not going to happen. It is very easy to do on the BCSF website ( which is sort of not known to most ) but the world revolves around the mobile world so i think some sort of APP needs to be considered for these clubs and their trail passes, memberships and seasons passes.

i know there was no mention of BC specifically but thats my experience.

PS. I am a firm supporter in Mandatory Memberships to be shown at the trail head along with trail pass. However considering the grief the toll booth attendants already get i couldn't imagine them trying to pry 50$ from someone without a fight. But its not looking like we can handle this on our own so perhaps mandatory enforced is the only answer. We need the numbers to show the government and we certainly arent going to get them if we are relying on people to go to a website and buy one or go to a sled show and buy one. Just my opinion

Just checked and a basic BCSF membership is $100 with no trail benefits. Not sure where the $25 or the $50 you are referring to.

 

[RXN]

It kinda depends where you are from, and where you choose to ride.

Growing up we (dad and us as family) where members of the Sherwood Park snowmobile club. Dad was a good supporter he'd have us kids help with trail maintenance and club events.
When the Sherwood Park snowmobile club folded we joined Tri County snowmobile club. Most the guys did. And I grew up helping with the odd volunteering here and there.
Then I started working. Making it to no meetings. Volunteering less and less.
In 2013 we moved to Sturgeon County. So I had even less to do with Tri County. I would still buy a membership. But I was unable to participate in any club events.
I decided maybe to join the Fort Saskatchewan club the one year. It's closer. Maybe I can make it to some meetings and events. That was not the case. Same thing. Nights that the meetings were held I was working late. Days with events happening I was either working at work. Or catching up on stuff at home. Or had plans to go ride with friends.
In 2017 when my daughter was born. I did not buy a membership at all. Never even touched an Alberta trail.
I did buy an ASA member ship. But not a club one.
In 2018 I found to buy a club membership for either Fort Saskatchewan or Tri County I had to buy in person at the show or a club meeting. I couldnt just buy on line.

I ended up realizing I don't do much riding in Alberta anymore due to poor snow years. So sold both trail sleds. And kept both mountain sleds
Now I ride mostly Valemount or McBride. And just buy their trail passes.
This year I bought a club membership for Valemount even though I know I'll never attend a meeting or be able to volunteer to help.

 

[Quicksand]

Someone correct me if im wrong but i believe we are talking about Club Memberships and not seasons trail passes? In your case you are certainly correct that multiple seasons passes are not feasible. Many riders fall in this category. However you can purchase the individual club memberships separately for around the 25$ range on the BCSF website. Best case scenario for everyone involved for a rider like yourself is pay your daily trail pass fee for the grooming etc. and Then pick one of the multiple clubs you ride in and purchase the 25$ club membership. Or if your feeling generous join a couple. The most important goal is to have every rider a member of a snowmobile club. In my opinion. So really, only adding 25$ to your yearly snowmobile costs. Heck even rotate every year share the love.


Back to the original Question. I believe the main reason for not purchasing memberships is lack of education and understanding. General consensus on the street is that riders feel they are doing their part by purchasing a daily trail pass. Which is not the case. The local club would be lucky if that covers their operating costs for the year and leaves them no money for upgrades expansions etc.

I would say we need to educate the masses that belonging to a snowmobile club is a critical part of our success as a group. But when i say that to people i get the googly eyes. People need to see facts and data and a reason to spend the extra 25$ rather than just because i said so.

What you may also not understand is that typically when you purchase your SEASONS pass you are also getting your local clubs membership incuded. thats great. Your work is done.

essentially we need to educate the difference between a TRAIL PASS / MEMBERSHIP and why you need both.

Now lets talk about acquiring a Membership. Lets face it, alot of up and coming riders are millennial's. they are used to being able to order a movie or a song or dinner with the retina scanner on their phone within seconds. It needs to be that easy. If they cant go on the APP store and Purchase it digitally onto their credit card then its not going to happen. It is very easy to do on the BCSF website ( which is sort of not known to most ) but the world revolves around the mobile world so i think some sort of APP needs to be considered for these clubs and their trail passes, memberships and seasons passes.

i know there was no mention of BC specifically but thats my experience.

PS. I am a firm supporter in Mandatory Memberships to be shown at the trail head along with trail pass. However considering the grief the toll booth attendants already get i couldn't imagine them trying to pry 50$ from someone without a fight. But its not looking like we can handle this on our own so perhaps mandatory enforced is the only answer. We need the numbers to show the government and we certainly arent going to get them if we are relying on people to go to a website and buy one or go to a sled show and buy one. Just my opinion

If this is correct, it's the absolute first time I've heard of a $25 membership. I would be in support of a mandatory annual $25 fee to "get the numbers up" I mean that's the main thing right. At least that's what everyone always says, it's about the numbers.

My idea has always been have a Province wide pass for say $70-$80, everyone buys one cause its cheap enough, everyone gets their head counted for the sport Awesome, win win. Members Still have to pay a daily trail fee but here's the cool part, all the clubs give a discount ($10) at the trailhead for these membership holders. BAM. $80 and I can get $10 off of every day I ride and make that money back, sweet, more incentive to drive to BC ride.

$25 "trail licence" or whatever it'd be called would probably be easier to do though

 

[maxwell]

Just checked and a basic BCSF membership is $100 with no trail benefits. Not sure where the $25 or the $50 you are referring to.

sorry i was referring to individual clubs. I am sure they all Vary? not sure. My Local one is 25$ and maybe some clubs dont have that option? again clarification is needed

 

[maxwell]

checked a couple, varies from 20-100$ and some clubs dont have the option. So i guess this is where our problem starts LOL

 

[maxwell]

If this is correct, it's the absolute first time I've heard of a $25 membership. I would be in support of a mandatory annual $25 fee to "get the numbers up" I mean that's the main thing right. At least that's what everyone always says, it's about the numbers.

My idea has always been have a Province wide pass for say $70-$80, everyone buys one cause its cheap enough, everyone gets their head counted for the sport Awesome, win win. Members Still have to pay a daily trail fee but here's the cool part, all the clubs give a discount ($10) at the trailhead for these membership holders. BAM. $80 and I can get $10 off of every day I ride and make that money back, sweet, more incentive to drive to BC ride.

$25 "trail licence" or whatever it'd be called would probably be easier to do though

good Points! i see sicamous does not have a membership only option so i stand corrected i assumed they all had the option

 

[MOMMA]

Wicked discussion peeps!!! Loving the input. So if an individual was a member of a BCSF club, if they were to support another club with membership they would not have to pay the BCSF Portion of that membership. Club Memberships vary so it could be anywhere from (ballparking) 25 bucks and up depending on the club's cost structure from my understanding. The BCSF portion is just under 30.00 which goes towards many initiatives including the economic impact study, hiring of a biologist and costs to represent us as a stakeholder at various government meetings and engagements, our Executive Director along many other things vital for our sport in the province. That is my understanding. Keep on going with the dialogue. I'm loving this.
Thank you so much!

 

[Panzerdog]

Iam a golden club member but ride elsewhere so I can get stickers for my beer fridge. I do think there should be a B.C. membership that helps spread some money to the small clubs

 

[catinthehat]

In our area the Cranbrook Club manages/grooms one area of Lumberton. Most locals, myself included, only ride this area 2 or 3 times a year.
It is far cheaper to pay a day pass those times than buy a membership. This is the number one excuse I hear for not buying club memberships.
You can spout the old rhetoric of how the club, and BCSF, help protect the whole of the riding areas but without any visual proof the average rider is not going to believe you.
Having been involved with the club for many years I have seen and heard every argument along those lines.
It is hard to convince a person they should pay $125 to support a club that they see as elitist to begin with.
Our club has struggled for years with this issue and I don't see it ending anytime soon.

 

[Allseasons]

You say you don't buy a BC Membership specifically....... do you support locally? do you buy an Alberta Snowmobile Association membership? if not why not? what would it take to get you to consider supporting the sport you love within the province you reside, even if you are not a "trail rider"?

Ive bought a Club Membership in bc every year for the past 5 seasons. Previous to that, I always paid a trail pass for where I was riding that given day. Reason for the membership the first 2 seasons, my work schedule changed, I could get out more, and it saved me $5 at other BCSF club trailheads. Then when the BCSF membership package would show up, I started to see what was going on in the background with my money.

I have never bought an ASA membership. I don’t ride here in AB so it has never dawned on me to buy one. Honestly, it’s from a lack of education on where my money goes and what’s its doing out there. Last month was the first time I have ever attended a snowmobile club meeting in Alberta, and plan to join at the next meeting.

I read countless tech threads, area threads, sled magazines etc. I just never took the time to look at what it takes to keep our areas open.

I volunteer for half a dozen different groups, (Elks of Canada, Blood services, Minor Hockey, Wildrose School division, WVSS, and oddball events) but man, the days of the volunteer is dying fast. Numbers are dropping, organizations are folding. We are taxed to death, we don’t have time, we have too many hobbies, we take what money we have left and just focus on that given day. We aren’t teaching our youth that if people don’t help, or volunteer, donate, nothing will happen, and everything folds. I don’t have an answer for why I haven’t looked into ASA besides money.

 

[TylerG]

Ive bought a Club Membership in bc every year for the past 5 seasons. Previous to that, I always paid a trail pass for where I was riding that given day. Reason for the membership the first 2 seasons, my work schedule changed, I could get out more, and it saved me $5 at other BCSF club trailheads. Then when the BCSF membership package would show up, I started to see what was going on in the background with my money.

I have never bought an ASA membership. I don’t ride here in AB so it has never dawned on me to buy one. Honestly, it’s from a lack of education on where my money goes and what’s its doing out there. Last month was the first time I have ever attended a snowmobile club meeting in Alberta, and plan to join at the next meeting.

I read countless tech threads, area threads, sled magazines etc. I just never took the time to look at what it takes to keep our areas open.

I volunteer for half a dozen different groups, (Elks of Canada, Blood services, Minor Hockey, Wildrose School division, WVSS, and oddball events) but man, the days of the volunteer is dying fast. Numbers are dropping, organizations are folding. We are taxed to death, we don’t have time, we have too many hobbies, we take what money we have left and just focus on that given day. We aren’t teaching our youth that if people don’t help, or volunteer, donate, nothing will happen, and everything folds. I don’t have an answer for why I haven’t looked into ASA besides money.

I appreciate your honesty! I find this thread very interesting all around!