I think the "LIFE COST" situation has always been the case. Is it worse now? Maybe, but has always been the case where when you're younger, you have other things more urgent to spend on. As you grow older, you will probably have extra funds for non urgent things. I have been snowmobiling for 50 yrs.+ and never did an up north trip until I was in my 40's. And I can add, I think you would certainly need to earn better than average wages to afford it at any time.

It kicks the crap out of $1000 to go away for a long weekend once you figure in gas for truck, gas and oil in sleds, hotels, food, booze etc....    

I just came back from a Quebec trip.   6 nights.  2 guys per room.   1800km total Fuel was $2.05 to $2.50 a litre at some of the remote Lodges. One night the One lodge, 4 sleds at almost 30 litres/sled and 4 litres of VES oil was $350.00 I think.   I didn’t pay that one.  But we filled up 3 times that day.   Easy $1,500 for the week.  Likely more.  I haven’t added my bills up and likely will not.   Between card and cash it’s Better not knowing.      Truck fuel was on company card.     

It's not what they're asking - it's do people have it anymore because of all of the other costs of living that have spiraled - leaving us with less disposable discretionary income.   I am prepared to say it's more of a lack of discretionary disposable income due to everything else in life increasing so much vs sledding has gotten too expensive theory.    

People still want a fortune for winter rentals if it's road accessible. Only thing is you can make your own meals. Lots of cottages want over 300 a night by time you add in all fees. Even cabins ar edge water are in 250 range mid week then another 35 to 55 ish on weekends. They aren't real big. Farther north you go cheaper it is. I looked at some and thankfully we got a good season in South, so we didn't bother this year 👌