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IRON MOUNTAIN -- They're usually a common sight in the winter:  snowmobilers taking to the trails on their machines. This year, however, has seen a decrease so dramatic that hotels in Iron Mountain haven't seen any snowmobilers so far, despite all of the snowfall the U.P. has received.

This could mean more tough times for the state, since snowmobilers generate more than a billion dollars annually.  Despite the fact that snowmobile tourism is down an estimated 50 percent in the area, officials are trying to remain optimistic.

"The snowmobiling has declioned some, but it's starting to pick up now and I think it's because of the snowfall," said Dianne Peterson, general manager of the Country Inn and Suites.

Snowfalls in other areas may be keeping snowmobilers closer to their own homes, however.

"There's so much snow around Milwaukee and Chicago, they don't really need to come up here to go snowmobiling," said Joe Kozial, owner of the Budget Host Inn.

The economy has also put a damper on travel, even to hotels that cater to snowmobilers.  Kozial's motel has trail access right behind the property, but so far he hasn't had one sledder stay there.  That doesn't bode well during a week that's typically one of the busiest of the year for snowmobile traffic.

Officials remain hopeful that business will pick up after the first of the year.

"January, I think we're going to really see an increase," Peterson said.