Nearly 25 miles of snowmobile trails in Arvidsjaur will not be maintained this winter due to funding shortages from commercial users. The snowmobile trail association is shutting down its operations amid an escalating conflict. Chairman Roland Sandgren describes the situation as deplorable.
The conflict over snowmobile trails in Arvidsjaur has reached a critical point. SVT Norrbotten reported as early as January 20, 2025, about the acute situation, where miles-long trails were threatened. Now it is announced that maintenance of nearly 25 miles of trails will cease entirely this winter, as Arvidsjaur's snowmobile trail association chooses to shut down its operations.
The reason is an acute shortage of funds. Companies using the trails for commercial purposes have not contributed financially, despite more than 200 snowmobiles being in use in the municipality for such aims. "It's deplorable that it has come to this," says Roland Sandgren, chairman of the association. He adds: "More than 200 snowmobiles are used in the municipality today for commercial purposes. I think the companies should be interested in the trail systems working."
This development affects both local businesses and recreational riders in Norrbotten, where snowmobile trails are an important part of the infrastructure. The association has previously warned that the situation is acute, but without financial support from users, no resources remain for maintenance.