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!

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.

The new model includes the choice of a normally aspirated or for the first time in-season, turbo charged engine, along some of the most sought-after accessories pre-installed and a unique coloration.

“This snowmobile brings huge value to buyers with all the best features like clean running E-TEC engines, short tunnel for easy handling and a deep snow rider’s best friend, SHOT starting, plus the hottest accessories,” stated Elsa Vilarinho, BRP Global Director, Marketing, Snowmobiles and On-Road. “Someone that missed purchasing a turbo charged model usually available in spring only, or is looking to renew their ride will find this to be a great opportunity to get a sled that’s ready to go right out of the crate.”

This 2025 Summit Adrenaline with Edge package features a unique Carbon Black coloration with Spartan Red accents to highlight its upscale nature. Buyers also have the choice of either the Rotax 850 E-TEC or 850 E-TEC Turbo R engine – the first time the Turbo R has been offered in season.

Additionally, the package includes accessories most commonly added by deep snow riders:

• Soft Glove Box Extension
• LinQ Fuel Caddy = 11 L/3 Gal
• Deep Snow Ultra Lightweight Seat w/integrated belt holder
• Flexible Hand Guards
• Adjustable Brake Lever

3 configurations are available:

• 850 E-TEC – 154 x 2.5 in.
• 850 E-TEC – 165 x 3.0 in.
• 850 E-TEC Turbo R – 165 x 3.0 in.

Production of this unique snowmobile has already begun and they will be shipping to dealers very soon in limited quantities. Buyers wanting more information about this model are encouraged to reach out to their dealer soon.

About BRP: 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 a global workforce of close to 20,000 driven, resourceful people.

Hot on the heels of this negative news comes a very impressive legal win in a battle between BRP’s industry leading snowmobile brand, Ski-Doo, and Textron’s recently acquired Arctic Cat snowmobile brand.

THE REV AND THE PYRAMID

In 2002 Ski-Doo introduced a new snowmobile chassis design that literally changed the way a snowmobile was ridden. It’s design and ergonomics were referred to as “rider forward”. The new chassis configuration was unlike anything seen in the industry and closely mirrored the ergonomic orientation of an off-road motorcycle.

A large portion of the re-configuring of the chassis was rooted in what is called a “pyramidal frame”. Because the rider is oriented forward on the REV chassis (compared to all conventional snowmobiles before it) a new over-structure had to be developed to increase frame stiffness while accommodating a radically re-positioned rider’s perch.

BRP applied for and was granted patents surrounding, not only the pyramidal frame, but many other aspects of what is referred to as the “REV” platform.

FAST FORWARD TO 2008

In 2008 and later in 2012, Arctic Cat introduced snowmobiles using what looked very similar to a pyramidal frame. We will not argue if this was or wasn’t an infringement on Ski-Doo’s patents.

The issue has been litigated in both the US and Canada on more than one occasion and from what we hear, Arctic Cat won the issue against Ski-Doo’s assertion of infringement in the US and in Canada earlier this decade.

As of this week and beginning in July this year Arctic Cat is not only forbidden to sell but in some cryptic way is not allowed to use any snowmobiles affected by the award granted from the Canadian Federal Court.

Does this mean Arctic Cat snowmobile owners are contravening some legal statute when they head out for a ride this coming winter? Dunno.

SHOW THEM THE MONEY

On top of this ruling is an order for Arctic Cat (Textron) to pay BRP $135.00 for each and every Arctic Cat snowmobile manufactured since 2008 using the pyramidal frame design. Get out your calculator. That’s a big number in our world but maybe not so much in the corporate realm.

If you assume there have potentially been 100,000 Arctic Cat sleds built since 2008 using the pyramidal frame design, the number is not chicken feed (Cat food?). Here’s one number I guarantee is large in anyone’s world: The legal costs incurred by both parties to launch and to defend this action.

QUESTIONS

There are some profoundly intriguing questions surrounding this issue. First, the ruling is only enforceable in Canada. Does this mean Arctic Cat must stop selling sleds in Canada until a deal is struck with BRP? A deal? Yes, a deal. We haven’t heard a fat lady singing so look for something which sounds like a compromise.

Sea-Doo lost a watercraft patent suit (seriously, a decades old watercraft patent) with Arctic Cat some time ago. It amounted to tens of millions of dollars being owed to Arctic Cat. We wonder – is that number still on the “accounts receivable” chart at Arctic Cat?

WILL THIS IMPACT YAMAHA

Wouldn’t you like to be a fly on the wall at Yamaha’s snowmobile division HQ in Markham, Ontario, Canada? Will there be implications for Yamaha as a result of the use of the same pyramidal frame design in play on virtually all the sleds Arctic Cat builds for Yamaha? As of this writing there is no mention of Yamaha in this action. We think that’s good.

TEXTRON’S ROLE

One might wonder what Textron is thinking about this jackpot. Even if the award and ruling is negotiated down there’s still staggering legal costs that often dwarf the actual settlement numbers. Textron has had to navigate this issue without ever being involved in the actual design of these sleds.

Here’s one more. Arctic Cat is no doubt working on the next generation of its ProCross chassis to take to market in the not too distant future. If this is true we can’t help but wonder if any new and under-wraps designs have continued to use the pyramidal frame design.

We don’t know the answers to most of these questions but you can be sure somebody does. Stay tuned.

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WINNER: ARCTIC CAT ALPHA ONE

Arctic Cat has been working feverishly the past five years on its mountain program. Although the company has kept its own customers, it’s been a struggle to convert Polaris and Ski-Doo enthusiasts over to the brand.

Andy Beavis and the Arctic Cat deep snow engineering team have pared weight, streamlined suspension components so there’s little snow retention, relocated the chaincase and changed the angle of approach of the track. All these things worked and improved the M-series but nothing has made a significant dent in the competition. Not until now.

With the intro of the new Alpha One single beam skidframe, Cat may have made a quantum leap into the mindset of other-branded riders.

The Alpha skidframe goes with the principal that a deep snow skid doesn’t need two rails. Instead, there’s a single, extremely rigid rail running down the middle of the track allowing more turning flexibility from the track, quicker pivots, better sidehilling, reduced weight while still maintaining all the best of what the back of a mountain sled should do in powder.

Our mountain riders tested the Alpha One and walked away impressed. Even considering both Polaris and Ski-Doo have incredible mountain sleds with amazing technology, this one rang the bell.

Combine this tech with Cat’s very torquey, lightning responsive DSI 800 and the Alpha is a very solid contender in showrooms.

This is big progress and we believe it will turn a lot of heads in the vert market. Kudos to Cat for breaking through!

Now, listen to Mark’s feeble rebuttal on why no one else but Ski-Doo or Polaris can ever be a consideration in the mountains. Times change, buddy, and that’s what makes the snowmobile industry run!

– Kent

Many snowmobiles are equipped with adjustable ski stance, but it’s a feature that’s under utilized because of the time and tools required to make changes. The new Rapid Adjust Ski Stance changes that and exemplifies simple and elegant design with real world use, by allowing snowmobilers to change ski stance in seconds rather than minutes, without any tools needed. Riders lift the spacer by pulling up on the extended lever next to the spindle, slide the ski over and then push the spacer back down into place on the other side of the spindle.

The new Rapid Adjust Ski Stance kit is easy and fast to use. Retail pricing is $49.99 USD/$64.99 CAD

Now owners of Summit, Freeride and Backcountry models can make easier, faster use of the different ski stance offered on their snowmobiles. Adjusts two inches (50.8mm) fits all Pilot DS-1, DS-2 and DS-3 skis.

Elliot will be joining AJ and Luke Lester on an all expenses paid mountain riding adventure to CKMP where he’ll hang out and rub shoulders with Carl Kuster, Rob Alford and Tony Jenkins.

In addition to the spectacular riding that awaits him in Sicamous, BC, Elliot will also star alongside AJ and Luke in a feature story on SnowTrax Television and be the focus of an article in Supertrax Magazine.

Look for updates on Elliot’s ultimate Ski-Doo mountain riding adventure this March.

Thank you to everyone that participated and look forward to more amazing adventures and prizes we’ll be giving away in the future!

Actually, you can blame Ski-Doo and Rotax for this diatribe. It was Ski-Doo and its Rotax engine division that blew the lid off the whole “good motor – bad motor” argument in MY17.

You heard it, we heard it: Ski-Doo made the outlandish statement its new Rotax 850 2-stroke, the powerplant of the future for the all-new G4 chassis, would deliver durability rivaling an equivalent 4-stroke.

I don’t know about you but when I first heard this claim at the intro of the G4 in Riviere Du Loup, Quebec in January 2016, I was pumped. I am a bald faced proponent of 2-strokes. In my view, they are truly “snowmobile-centric” powerplants.

Conversely, 2-strokes are being replaced in virtually every other powersport genre by 4-stroke engines. Still, in our sport, the inherent advantages of 2-strokes are so compelling, investment in 2-stroke engine technology continues. Need proof? Polaris’ 800 HO, Arctic Cat’s DSI 600 and 800 and, of course, Ski-Doo’s successful E-TEC duo.

That’s not to say I’m anti-4-stroke. New stuff in the market like the imposing Yamaha/Arctic Cat turbocharged and intercooled 998cc triple definitely ignites my testosterone on an acetylene torch heat level. There are other 4-stroke engines that capture my interest no matter how much I resist, however, when they’re compared to similar output 2-strokes, in the back of my mind I’m thinking: “Why bother?”.

Lately, I’ve taken the opportunity to ask a number of movers and shakers in the engineering world what they perceive the future of snowmobile 2-strokes engines might look like.

One I asked is Rotax VP, Thomas Uhr, on a recent trip to Rotax’s home in Gunskirchen, Austria. Thomas is an insightful and likeable guy who answered my inquiry about the future of 2-strokes with this succinct and insightful quote: The 2-stroke engine is far from dead”!

The issues Rotax addressed that ultimately allowed Ski-Doo to make the almost outlandish claim of 4-stroke durability, when examined closely, make sense.

The 850 uses a forged crank, automotive in nature, and employs cast iron ring lands in its forged aluminum pistons: Diesel engine stuff. The 850 has pinpoint oiling nozzles shooting lubrication under the piston to the small end of the rods. This addresses a decades-old 2-stroke weakness. These features, when rolled together, make the Ski-Doo claim of 4-stroke durability entirely credible.

Despite the argument I’ve made for continued 2-stroke power in sleds, there are limitations. It’s pretty clear ultimate performance turbocharged snowmobile engines producing 180 to 200-horsepower in MY18 are the exclusive domain of 4-strokes.

Turbocharging 2-strokes, although possible, is not likely to happen in today’s world of EPA mandated exhaust emissions. The very nature of pressurized induction, whether achieved with an exhaust driven turbo or a gear driven supercharger, pushes too much unburned fuel charge out the 2-stroke’s exhaust port before the rising piston can close it off. The result is hopelessly dirty emissions. Yes, 2-stroke turbos do exist but none are consumer-available on production powersport engines.

I think snowmobile buyers value the inbred traits of both 2-strokes and 4-strokes using solid knowledge to make their purchase decisions. 2-stroke buyers appreciate light weight, low maintenance and imposing power-to-weight ratios. Many 4-stroke buyers line up behind the reliability-durability flag and appreciate not carrying oil when on tour.

What’s confounding is the amazing fuel economy Ski-Doo’s E-TEC 2-strokes consistently card. Arctic Cat’s Dual Stage Injection (DSI) 2-stroke also delivers strong mpg. Up until the arrival of the Ski-Doo ACE 4-strokes, the best fuel economy in any horsepower category was attributed to the Rotax 600 E-TEC.

Here’s the good news: It looks like this debate will rage on for some time to come. If Thomas Uhr is correct – and I wouldn’t bet against him – we should be enjoying 2-stroke power with improved durability for some time.