The widespread use of snowmobiles as recreational and utilitarian vehicles has resulted in a new and significant noise problem. A survey of 50 snowmobiles in typical operation indicated that an “average” snowmobile, when cruising, produces a sound level of approximately 90 dBAat 15 ft. The range of levels was 79–102 dBA. Operators of snowmobiles are exposed to sound levels in the vicinity of 105–120 dBA, at which levels there is a serious risk of hearing damage. A representative snowmobile was examined in detail, the major noise sources were resolved and, using standard techniques and materials, the noise output of the machine was reduced by 9 dBAwithout affecting its mechanical performance. The modified machine produced a maximum sound level of 85 dBAat 15 ft and 103 dBAat the driver's ear. The latter level particularly is still excessive. The implications of the findings of this study are discussed with respect to the snowmobile operator, the manufacturer, and the community. [A more extensive discussion of this material is found in NRC report APS‐477.]