MERRIMACK, N.H. (AP) – Monday’s snowstorm is a treat for snowmobilers itching to hit the trails.

But the snow has been more the exception than the rule this season.

The only outing for the Merrimack Sno-Buds snowmobile club was during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, when members went to the Sportsman’s Lodge in Colebrook.

Club members are most concerned about the Feb. 18 winter carnival in Merrimack, where proceeds from raffle tickets go to the club and the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association. The club also accepts donations for Easter Seals Camp Sno-Mo in Gilmanton, a residential summer camp.

But if there’s no snow, there’s no rides – and no carnival.

The spotty snowfall has affected other activities, too, such as the Windblown Cross Country Skiiing and Snowshoeing area in New Ipswich. And less exercise for Paul and Linda Story’s sled dogs in Hollis.

The Stories said March typically is the busiest month, so there’s time to wait for more snow.

Paul attributes the weird weather to global warming, noting that some scientists see it as natural, cyclical change in climate, part of a 500-year ebb and flow of temperatures

“They didn’t have cars and aerosol cans 500 years ago,” he said.