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A snowmobile (or '''snow scooter''', often referred to by enthusiasts as a ''''sled'''' and in the Canadian north and Alaska as a ''''snowmachine'''') is a land vehicle propelled by one or two Rubber tracks, with Ski s for steering. They are designed to be operated on Snow and Ice , and require no Road or trail. Most snowmobiles are typically powered by Two-stroke Gasoline /petrol Internal Combustion Engine s. Even though they are not designed for it, snowmobiles will skim on top of water if the speed is high enough, as demonstrated by the annual snowmobile river Drag Race in Kautokeino , Norway . Summertime occupations for snowmobile enthusiasts can also involve Drag Racing on Grass or even Asphalt strips. People that drive them are commonly known as ''snowmobilers.'' HISTORY The earliest snowmobiles were modified in Roseau, Minnesota , in the United States Midwest, was a pioneer in the production of purpose-built snowmobiles. The relatively dry snow conditions of the United States Midwest made the converted model Ts and other like vehicles not suitable for operation in more humid snow areas such as Southern , the B-7 and introduced another enclosed twelve-passenger model, the B-12 in 1942 . The B-12 had a V-8 Flathead Engine from Ford . The B-12 had a flathead in line six cylinder engine from Chrysler industrial, and 2,817 units were produced until 1951. It was only in , Arctic Cat , Yamaha , and Polaris . Modern snowmobiles can achieve speeds in excess of 193 km/h (120mph). (Racing snowmobiles reach speeds in excess of 241 km/h {Link without Title} ). Snowmobiles are widely used in Arctic territories for Travel . However, the small population of the Arctic areas makes for a correspondingly small market. Most of the annual snowmobile production is sold for recreative purposes much further south, in those parts of North America where the snow cover is stable during the Winter months. The number of snowmobiles in Europe and other parts of the world is relatively low, though they are growing in popularity. Environmental impact The Environment al impact of snowmobiles has been the subject of much debate. Most snowmobiles are still powered by Two-stroke engines, although almost all of Yamaha's lineup is now powered by four-strokes with the exception of a few models. In the last decade several manufacturers have been experimenting with less polluting motors, and putting most of them in production. Yamaha and Arctic-Cat were the first to mass produce four-stroke models, which are significantly less polluting than the early two-stroke machines. Bombardier’s SDI two stroke motors emit 50 percent less pollutants than previous carburated 2-strokes. Polaris is using a fuel injection technology called "Cleanfire Injection" on their 2 strokes. The industry is also working on direct injected "clean two strokes" which are actually an improvement on Carbureted four strokes in terms of NOX emissions. On November 4 , 2004 , the National Park Service of the United States approved a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Temporary Winter Use Plans and Environmental Assessment for Winter Use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park s and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway. The Final Rule implementing this decision was published in the Federal Register on November 10 , 2004. This decision allows 720 snowmobiles per day in Yellowstone, all commercially guided. In Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway, 140 snowmobiles would be allowed. With minor exceptions, all snowmobiles would be required to meet NPS Best Available Technology (BAT) requirements. The plan will be in effect for three winters, allowing snowmobile and snowcoach use through the winter of 2006 - 2007 . In the National Parks, snowmobiles are permitted only on roads that automobiles use during the summer, or designated trails. ECONOMIC Snowmobilers in Canada and the United States spend over $27 billion on snowmobiling each year. This includes expenditures on equipment, clothing, accessories, snowmobiling vacations, etc. It is very often the only source of income for some smaller towns that rely solely on tourism during the summer and winter months, while it still has a major economic impact on larger cities and towns as well. {Link without Title} ACCIDENTS People die every year when they crash into other snowmobiles, Automobile s, pedestrians, or Tree s or fall through ice. Around 10 people a year die in such crashes in Minnesota alone with Alcohol a contributing factor in many (but not all) cases. In Saskatchewan , 16 out of 21 deaths in snowmobile collisions between 1996 and 2000 were alcohol-related. {Link without Title} OTHER TYPES Industrial-type snowmobiles for grooming Cross-country Ski trails and right of way maintenance are also made. They are large enclosed vehicles which can carry passengers and cargo, and tow sleds. Unlike the recreational snowmobile, they are completely tracked and have no skis in the front. They are powered by strong 4-, 6- or 8-cylinder Diesel or Petrol engines. EVENTS Grass drags are held every summer, with the largest event being Hay Days in Lino Lakes, Minnesota . Hay Days has always been the first weekend following the Labor Day Holiday. The World Championship Watercross or Snowmobile Skipping races are held in Grantsburg, Wisconsin in July. The Snocross racing series, where snomobiles race on motocross-like courses during the winter season in Northern United States and Canada , is very popular. SEE ALSO REFERENCES
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