The snowmobile’s roots are in utility. Invented in Canada in 1935, these rigs were built to cross remote, snow-clad terrain for practical purposes. It’s no secret that they’ve evolved a lot over the intervening 80-plus years. Today, there are all kinds of reasons to ride or own a snowmobile. Some folks want them for leisurely scenic touring, some ride them for winter thrills, and some appreciate how convenient and reliable they are for tending to a ranch or getting to a hunting spot.
As sleds evolved, they branched out with specialized features to meet these various needs. Anyone new to the snowmobile game might find it overwhelming to put it all in perspective, so here is our brief guide introducing the main categories of sleds: Trail, mountain, crossover, sport-utility, and touring.
Anyone considering buying a snowmobile should define how they expect to use it, so they can get the right type of snowmobile for their needs. Think about your priorities. Some people want power, some want speed, some want agility. How about comfort? Do you want to haul? Another factor to bring into the mix: Your experience riding snowmobiles. We hope this buying guide will help you understand all the options out there. Once you’ve got a better idea of what you’re looking for, we invite you to check out our inventory of snowmobiles for sale at Yellowstone Adventures in West Yellowstone, Montana, located near Big Sky Resort.
Trail Snowmobiles
Trail snowmobiles are lightweight, easy to handle, agile, and comfortable. They’re entry-level rigs at an entry-level price, so they are highly recommended for newer riders who are still learning the sport and still exploring different ways to enjoy it. Trail snowmobiles are perfect for cruising around on groomed trails for recreation and enjoyment of our incredible Montana wilderness. They are simple sleds with fairly basic construction, which means you don’t have either the expense or the weight of some of the elaborate features seen in other categories. You can still kick up some adrenaline, though! Think of these like an economy car: Reliable, nothing fancy, and totally capable.
Mountain Snowmobiles
If you’re all about agility and adrenaline, you might want to hop on a mountain sled and shred. These are the sportscars of the slopes: Sleek, nimble, and lightweight. They’re built to tackle steep terrain and high altitudes, thanks to powerful engines and large powder-gripping lugs. They’re light and narrow, so you can handle tight trails and ride aggressively. Like a racecar, they prioritize performance over comfort.
Crossover Snowmobiles
A crossover sled represents a hybrid of a trail snowmobile and a mountain sled, delivering the best of both worlds in a fun and functional package. They’ve got the long tracks of a mountain sled, so riders can handle trail and powder with equal confidence. This is an excellent sled for the experienced snowmobiler who wants to pair an aggressive riding style with a responsive machine. Like a 4WD station wagon, they deliver comfort, performance, and function on all kinds of terrain.
Sport-Utility Snowmobiles
With a sport-utility rig, you’re sure of a stable ride on extra-wide tracks, with the capacity to load up cargo and ride with ease. Anyone with outdoor winter responsibilities will appreciate these rigs: They’re solid and reliable, like a 4x4 pickup. These are the rig of choice for anyone with a ranch or large property where fixing fences and checking on livestock are regular tasks. Take it out for firewood or backcountry hunting and fishing. These sleds have plenty of storage space and attachment points, so you can haul tools and gear, tow a broken-down sled back to civilization, and do winter property maintenance in places where a truck would struggle.
Touring Snowmobiles
If a trail sled is an economy car, a touring sled is a luxury sedan. These are perfect for folks who prioritize comfort. We’re talking about heated seats, large windshields, and other features that make a long day of sightseeing cushy and pleasant. With long tracks, they have a super-smooth ride but sacrifice some agility. Safety, stability, and enhanced suspension lead to a heavier sled, so they’re less than ideal on virgin powder, but a great choice for anyone wanting long, comfortable rides. Touring sleds often offer two-up seating if you like riding with company.
We hope this helps you sort out the many wonderful ways to get out on (or off) the trails every winter. Whatever your preference -- cushy Sunday drives or flying over powder -- we’ve got a sled for you. Make winter your favorite season with the snowmobile of your dreams! We look forward to helping you at Yellowstone Adventures in West Yellowstone, Montana, where we rent, sell and service snowmobiles.
