Yellowknife (Dec 17/03) - Depending on who you talk to, snowmobile sales are either excellent or bumping up to levels where they were last year.

Doug Witty, owner of Force One, says sales are basically on track with the season but adds the economy isn't seeing any exceptional growth at this time.

"The retail market is down a bit and that may have a little to do with Miramar and the Con Mine closure," said Witty. "It's not as intense as last year."

"It's the same with any big-ticket item. The housing and everything else is down a bit. It's not horrible, it's just a bit of an adjustment."

One marketing promotion that is bringing customers into Force One is financing.

"The most attractive option is the no money, no interest, no payments until next year. We call it the no, no, no program.

"There's also 1.9 per cent interest on select Yamaha sleds and $1,000 cash back," he said.

A price range for a sled can range from $5,000 to $14,000, with an average sitting at $8,000, said Witty.

"Basically what's happened is the big curve with the hiring of the BHP and Diavik employees is almost over. They've got their people and their production pooled up and there's no new activity. In fact, it's a little less, but it's a steady economy," he said. Witty added once the new De Beers mine goes ahead, the city should see another bump in economic activity.

"Yes, once De Beers goes ahead we'll see another spurt in activity and once they're into production the curve slows down and the economy will settle in," he said.

Sales are up

At Polar Tech, general manager Adrien Saulis says the action is very busy.

"It definitely seems busier this year than last year, particularly with some of the new sleds where sales have been better because of better technology and increased demand," said Saulis.

The Polar Tech general manager said the top selling snowmobile on the market today is the Ski-Doo with the rev chassis.

"This is the second year for the rev chassis and they've fine-tuned it," said Saulis.

On the rev chassis the driver positioning is totally different and the ergonomics (human engineering) is different, he said.

"It's lighter overall and there's increased handling," he said.

The technology involved in the new two-stroke engine offers phenomenal fuel economy and power, said Saulis.

The Polar Tech general manager says most of his customers avail themselves with financing options.

"There's not a lot of smoking deals but it's flexible. With financing you don't have to have 20 per cent down any more," said Saulis.

"Most customers finance over an eight to a 10-year period on a high priced sled. It makes it more affordable for everyone," said Saulis.