Here’s What I Discovered While Riding All of Ski-Doo's Snowmobiles

      Unless you reside in a secluded area where winter conditions render roads unmanageable—such as the Upper Peninsula of Michigan or the Arctic Circle—snowmobiles are generally seen as luxurious toys for a select few to enjoy during extravagant winter getaways. This was my perspective until I made the unusual choice to accept Ski-Doo’s invitation to test their entire 2026 lineup in Montana last month.

      Why unusual? Well, we are The Drive, not The Ride. Although we occasionally cover motorcycles, at least those have wheels. Snowmobiles lack even that! Nevertheless, it appeared to be a fantastic chance to delve into a realm I knew little about. Prior to this, my snowmobiling experience was akin to driving a golf cart around a gated community—interesting, but hardly thrilling, and the vehicle itself was just a forgettable, worn-out rental.

      However, this time was different. Unbeknownst to me, I had signed up for two days of rigorous riding through some truly captivating terrain—eight-plus hours each day, traversing frozen roads, designated trails, steep inclines, dense forests, and even through seven feet of snow that could engulf me entirely.

      Eric Parker

      The objective? To experience the Ski-Doo allure. To discern what makes a snowmobile suitable for novices versus seasoned riders. To understand what features make a machine better for outdoor adventurers looking to journey into the wild with ample gear compared to those who simply want to navigate trails and jump ramps. In automotive terms, Ski-Doo offers a variety of models ranging from an electric Nissan Leaf and a versatile Honda Accord to a spacious Cadillac Escalade. There are also models that made me wish for a little more courage: the Porsche GT3 RS of snowmobiles—only much more intimidating.

      Day 1

      After being outfitted in some impressive snow gear that made me resemble a character from Halo, I was introduced to what some called the “Honda Accord” of snowmobiles: the Ski-Doo Grand Touring Sport ($11,349). With seating for two, heated grips, a heated throttle, a tall windshield, side mirrors, a wide front track for added stability, and a comfortable suspension, the Grand Touring Sport featured a liquid-cooled, Rotax 900 four-stroke engine that was neither sluggish nor frighteningly fast.

      What was even more thrilling than the ride itself was the setting for this particular machine: Yellowstone National Park. During winter, the park is closed to the public, and access is granted only via snowmobile (or a tracked vehicle with a special permit) and accompanied by a park-certified guide. This restriction is due to the severe terrain and weather conditions, as well as the unmaintained roads during the winter season.

      It’s worth noting that Ski-Doo is the sole snowmobile brand permitted into the park in winter owing to strict emission and noise regulations—and even then, not every Ski-Doo model qualifies. Fortunately, the Grand Touring Sport’s four-stroke engine met the required standards, so off we went.

      Eric Parker

      The briefing was brief since the GTS is straightforward to operate. There’s a push-button electric start, and the throttle is controlled by the right thumb. A brake lever is located on the left grip, and a small digital display shows essential information such as engine temperature, speed, fuel level, heat settings (for grips and throttle), and "drive" mode selections—yes, snowmobiles come with different modes just like cars. This particular GTS boasted 90 horsepower and weighed 536 pounds, providing a power-to-weight ratio superior to that of a BMW M3 Competition.

      Once I swung my leg over the seat and set off toward the park entrance, the road ahead was packed down, making it easy to follow the tracks left by preceding machines. I was quickly reminded of how "nervous" a snowmobile can feel at first, since the handlebars control only the skis. Thus, steering often feels more like a suggestion than a directive. To turn sharply, the rider must lean their body to the side, akin to a sidecar racer. Good luck trying to get my XXL frame to accomplish that.

      Even with a full day of riding ahead, this was the only machine I would ride that day, as the plan was to acclimate to the cold (a fairly pleasant high 30s), the altitude (roughly 7,000 feet), the bulky gear, and, of course, the dynamics of operating a snowmobile.

      Jerry Perez

      Gradually, I grew more confident and comfortable on the Grand Touring Sport, eventually reaching speeds of 40 to 50 mph for extended stretches. The heated grips and throttle became a functional necessity rather than a luxury, although some higher-end models also provide heated seats among additional fancy options. The scenery varied from stunning to breathtaking, enhanced by the fact that there were probably only a few hundred people in a park that spans three U.S. states. Visitors who had