2026 SKI-DOO SPRING CHECK ENDS: March 31, 2025

Visit ski-doo.brp.com to build your sled to order or head into your local Ski-Doo dealership to put down your SPRING CHECK deposit!

We’re going to stick with our viewpoint, but deliver a caveat. Despite denials from the yellow faithful, we are equally as adamant, Ski-Doo, in the past decade or so, has not delivered number one rated handling prowess.

A giant shift occurred in model year 2025 with a complete redesign of the front steering and suspension with the new RAS RX front end.

By raising the sled’s roll center and keeping its center of gravity low, the engineers have allowed the chassis to have less leverage on the skis, to corner flatter and reduce inside ski lift when cornering at speed. The changes have also made the turning arc of the sled more linear and predictable to steering inputs over rough terrain.

Roll Center refers to the imaginary point at the front of a snowmobile’s chassis (between the skis) where the inputs from the skis and suspension intersect as the sled cycles through its suspension movement or steers through corners. If it’s too low, you get ski-lift, body roll and imprecise handling.

Ski-Doo raised the roll center on RAS RX adding completely new castings that have lengthened the distance between the A-arm attachment points and the distance between the lower A-arm and the ski saddle. This longer spindle raises the front of the sled slightly and has much to do with raising the roll center.

Besides the longer spindle, the ski’s pivot bolt has been moved backward a bit resulting in a steeper steering angle. This makes the sled much “quicker steering” or responsive to the driver’s feeding of input into the handlebars.

Other changes to the swaybar, shock angles and the addition of new curved upper and lower wishbones helps the RAS-RX deal with bumps better and particularly, the curved A-arms help deliver increased useable travel.

Does all this work and actually make a tangible difference? You bet it does. Our test riders are sold on RAS RX and unanimously, very impressed.

The lineup contains completely redesigned Expedition models, deep snow models that are lighter with new features including a 32-inch ski stance, redesigned entry level models and enhancements that touch every segment.

“Our customers expect constant advancement and improvements every year, even more than any other powersports product,” said Pascal Vincent, Director Global Product Strategy, Snowmobiles. “It’s recognizing and embracing the passion of the customer mindset that drives Ski-Doo to keep pushing further with new ideas and reinventing products, like you see with the 32-inch ski stance on the Summit X with Expert package and the redesign of the Expedition.”

While the Ski-Doo Expedition models already led the wide-track crossover segment, the newest iteration increases the gap significantly. It moves onto the REV Gen5 platform that brings the newest technologies and up-to-the-minute styling in addition to increasing both comfort and performance.

Versatility and functionality are key for riders and the Expedition delivers thanks in part to the new uMotion rear suspension for great on and off-trail performance. This new suspension also brings unexpected levels of comfort and capability.

Versatility attributes are extended with the Multi LinQ Plate to access the complete LinQ accessory ecosystem, and the redesigned Cargo Box that lets owners quickly and easily adapt their snowmobile to their needs day in and day out. Buyers in this segment now have access to one of the most complete and competent snowmobiles, plus a luxury look and feel!

In the deep snow world, Ski-Doo models continue to offer mountain riders targeted choices as the 2026 models evolve and push concepts further. With lighter weight and a new industry leading 32-inch ski stance on the forward-thinking Summit X with Expert package, it’s clear product development doesn’t rest at BRP.

Redesigned chassis components including shorter tunnels and heat exchangers contribute to wet weight reductions on all Freeride and Summit packages of up to 14 pounds for specific configurations – with each change targeted to meet the intended riders’ needs.

The Summit X features the most weight loss with the highest number of lightweight components for increased agility and playfulness that targets the largest cross section of deep snow riders.

The constant improvement continues across the lineup as spring only available Renegade models get their own version of the RAS RX front suspension for increased cornering prowess and stability. Backcountry buyers now have a choice of narrow RAS X or wide RAS RX front suspensions in most models, with the X-RS, X and Adrenaline packages also featuring the Pilot RX skis for the wide option.

To cap off the 2026 lineup, all Sport and Neo models will move to the REV Gen5 platform – delivering one of the finest riding experiences at the most affordable prices. Refined performance with ease of use and low levels of sound and vibration make for all day enjoyment.

The most current styling that includes LED lighting for improved nighttime vision with top-of-the-line fit and finish brings a sense of pride and sophistication to owners. This speaks to the brand’s commitment to make winter experiences the best they can be for all riders.

On the connected riding experience, the Group Ride capability, available in North America, takes a step further in its development. It is now added to the built-in GPS on snowmobiles equipped with the 10.25-inch touchscreen display and can be used with or without a phone or network connection to see other riders in your group.

In addition to the intuitive Group Ride function, riders can see topographic maps and snowmobile trails,* view their position with compass orientation, record the current trip, show or hide previous rides and experience enhanced Vibe system communications. Those choosing to connect with the BRP GO! application can access a richer experience with constant improvements being added. The 10.25-inch display is available across Ski-Doo’s most popular segments and models so everyone can enjoy 2026 enhancements.

For complete details on all the 2026 Ski-Doo news and models visit ski-doo.com.

BRP Inc. is a global leader in the world of powersports products, propulsion systems and boats built on over 80 years of ingenuity and intensive consumer focus. Through its portfolio of industry-leading and distinctive brands featuring Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and pontoons, Can-Am on and off-road vehicles, Alumacraft and Quintrex boats, Manitou pontoons and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts and recreational aircraft, BRP unlocks exhilarating adventures and provides access to experiences across different playgrounds. The Company completes its lines of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and apparel portfolio to fully optimize the riding experience. Committed to growing responsibly, BRP is developing electric models for its existing product lines. Headquartered in Quebec, Canada, BRP has annual sales of CA$10.4 billion from over 130 countries and employs close to 20,000 driven, resourceful people as of January 31, 2024.

After my first 100 klicks I came away flat-out impressed with its handling prowess from the new Pilot RX skis and RAS RX front end. The 2025 MXZ X-RS can go toe-to-toe with a Polaris in the twisties. Frankly, the response to steering inputs in tight trails when you’re sawing on the bars and aggressively squeezing the loud handle are way, way familiar. 

What we mean is the MXZ in its many variants, going back more than 10 years, can’t hold a candle to the new G5 with RAS RX and Pilot RX skis. This move – above all other tweaks Ski-Doo has brought to the table year after year – is pure steak. No sizzle here; just genuine, game changing filet mignon.

You also can’t help but be impressed by Smart-Shox when you run into choppy trail surfaces. You’ll get to the point where you won’t even back off the throttle in the presence of sucker bumps or square edgers. The front shocks read the terrain and then warn the rear arm shock what’s coming, and it works as fast as greased lightning. 

KYB Pro Series dampers, ECU and associated chassis sensors have been available for two model years. However, due to a supply chain glitch with the original Smart-Shox in previous model years, followed by a disastrous winter last year, I hadn’t had a genuinely good opportunity to rip on them. I can now say with conviction that I am totally impressed with how this setup rides.

Usually, I’ll brace myself or pull myself up off the seat when encountering trail craters, but not here; just stay on the throttle and steer. You so rarely ever feel any harshness that you quickly become comfortable enough to dial up the wick in gnar. 

Here’s the verdict: Semi-active suspension is the future of snowmobiling. Keep in mind our 2025 Polaris Indy VR1 features the all-new DYNAMIX semi-active suspension and our initial exposure to it in West Yellowstone earlier this year produced overwhelming approval. For sure we’ll have these two state-of-the-art trail sleds running head-to-head in the next few days so stay tuned for more insightful impressions.  

Luke explores the championship winning characteristics of Ski-Doo’s snocross race sled and its influence on the MXZ trail sled line-up.

AJ takes a closer look at the 2025 Arctic Cat lineup going into detail where you can find the ALL-NEW 858 2-stroke engine if you’re looking to spring order a new Cat.

Then he’s in the TRAIL TECH shop outfitting a couple of our sleds with Kimpex’s growing assortment of Connect tunnel accessories including an assortment of bags, racks and gas cans.

Then in TEST RIDE, Motorhead Mark hits the trails aboard Ski-Doo’s 2024 Renegade XRS 900 Turbo R 4-stoke powerhouse.