This weekend's snowfall was a long time coming for members of Club Snow in Portage la Prairie.  The local snowmobiling club wasn't enjoying an eventful riding season because of the lack of snow on the ground.

Club Snow President Ken Penman says snowmobiling is a $240 million a year industry in Manitoba as the problem affects more people than just those who ride.  He says they have been active keeping their trails clear of debris but haven't been on the trails at all this winter.  Penman says it's hard to stay motivated in a winter without snowmobiling adding there's a lot of machines sitting idle because people have nowhere to go.

Penman estimates there is about 3,000 snowmobiles in Portage la Prairie and surrounding area.  He adds the social component of riding a snowmobile didn't exist previously this year as many riders will frequent hotels and restaurants while on a ride.  Penman says snowmobiling generates a lot of revenue for local businesses that just wasn't collected because of such a sporadic riding season.