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With more than 1.27 million registered snowmobiles in the U.S., these snow-bound vehicles come in various styles designed for specific purposes or areas. They're used across industries, including recreation, agriculture, hunting, science and land management, for driving people and equipment across terrain inaccessible by car. Learn about the types of snowmobiles and what they were made for.
Trail Snowmobiles
Built for casual riding, trail snowmobiles are lightweight and made to move, with ultra-responsive control and aggressive accelerations, tapping out at an average of 70 hp. With a modest price range and easy maneuvering, they’re perfect for beginners and hobbyists who enjoy the occasional thrill.
Riding Tips:
Lacking premium suspensions, these sleds perform best on groomed trails with relatively smooth terrain, but they have the grit to climb moderate inclines and rugged passageways.
The added vibrations can lead to discomfort after several hours.
You should always wear a helmet when riding, regardless of your experience level. The light frame won’t do much to absorb the impact in a collision, and the zippy controls can lead to overcorrecting and vehicle sideswipes. Wear knee, shoulder and elbow pads to protect your body if the sled flips, and use wireless off-road headsets to coordinate your location with other riders so you don’t run into each other. It forms a direct link between each unit and connects automatically for seamless coordination.
Use Off-Road Headsets to Talk Hands-Free on a SnowmobileSport Snowmobiles
Like trail sleds, sport snowmobiles emphasize speed, handling and on-trail performance. They have lightweight frames for nimble maneuvering, limited suspensions and slightly more powerful accelerations, reaching 80 HP. They’re mainly used for racing and casual riding and require intermediate skills. Use these snowmobile riding tips to build confidence before upgrading to a more powerful model.
Riding Tips:
Stick to groomed trails with packed snow when increasing your speed. The rapid acceleration lends well to aggressive riding in open spaces with few obstacles.
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Performance Snowmobiles
Nothing beats the power of performance snowmobiles, which offer maximum horsepower (85 HP) and torque for hauling equipment. They have fortified frames to withstand collisions without damaging cargo, moderate speeds and a longer, wider stance for more stability and towing power. Made to go anywhere there’s snow, the sled’s durable suspension system minimizes turbulence to keep workers safe and in control of the vehicle.
Riding Tips:
Operating one can feel like driving a tank. Keep it steady and give yourself plenty of time to choose a path and avoid obstacles. You’ll need expert handling skills to use this machinery, especially in dense forests.
If you’re using it to load equipment, have someone spot you from a distance. Use a snowmobile helmet communication system to communicate wirelessly while they guide you into the lot or work area.
Touring Snowmobiles
Touring snowmobiles can go for hours before encountering a bump they don’t like. They are the smoothest of the bunch, with rock-solid suspensions that can handle uneven terrain without putting riders ill at ease. Ranchers, the military, police and science field officers use them to reach and patrol large swaths of land.
While capable of reaching up to 100 mph, they are mainly used for industrial purposes. The lack of vibrations maximizes comfort on long rides. Many models have heat, built-in communication systems and ergonomic seating with backrests ideal for 8-hour shifts.
Riding Tips:
Experience is essential when touring for long periods. Just because you can ride over rugged terrain doesn’t mean you should. Choose the smoothest path to safeguard the sled from unnecessary turbulence.
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Crossover Snowmobiles
Built for ungroomed trails with all types of snow, crossover snowmobiles combine the pros of performance and touring snowmobiles with the sporty fun of trail snowmobiles. While not as bulky as utility sleds, they have more durable suspensions and longer tracks for smoothing out uneven terrain. They’re perfect for adventurous riders who want to forge their own path.
Riding Tips:
The extended sled print leads to wider turns. Avoid turning too quickly and stick to a set direction. You’ll reap the full benefits of this style when cruising on powder. Drive off-road away from obstacles with a reduced speed to avoid encountering turns you can’t make.
Choosing a Snowmobile Type
Finding the right make/model depends on your experience level, budget and where you plan to ride. Each type of snowmobile has pros and cons, which makes them best suited for particular purposes and landscapes. Use them as they were intended to experience snowmobiling at its best.
