Motorhead Mark shares his thoughts on the 2025 Polaris Indy SP 137 featuring the Patriot 650 engine.
Cochrane is part of the “World’s Best Snowmobile Destination” and home to the Northern Corridor trails, offering some of the longest and best-groomed trails in Ontario. Cochrane is a place that offers it all – a vast network of interconnected trails, beautiful scenery and a town that welcomes sledders with open arms all season long.
Luke evaluates the 2025 Arctic Cat CATALYST ZR 600 137 featuring the 125 horsepower Dual-Stage Injection C-TEC2 engine.
We invite a local dirt bike rider who competes in off-road enduro races to experience the ultimate snowmobile for enduro adventures – the Widescape WS250.
Cain’s Quest Snowmobile Endurance Race is definitely not for the faint of heart. It has been described as the ultimate in extreme racing, pushing riders from around the world to their absolute limits.
The incredibly scenic and rugged course, set in beautiful Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada challenges snowmobile racers for more than 3000km/1800 miles with high-energy, gruelling racing action.
Cain’s Quest is a true northern adventure giving racers the experience of a lifetime and it is the longest racing challenge of its kind in the world, promising to keep race fans on the edge of their seats.
Competitors push their bodies and machines to the edge in a methodical race to the finish for a shot at the lucrative prize purse and once-in-a-lifetime stories when they return home. Teams of two begin the race pumped with adrenaline and an eye on the prize.
Some racers arrive at the starting line, with the “take no prisoners” attitude, but can quickly learn when the going gets tough, strategies need to shift direction in order to successful. Oftentimes, sportsmanship, a more deliberate pace and even getting some assistance from competing teams is required to make it through to the end.
The race runs day and night, guided by GPS and pure gut instinct to get teams from checkpoint to checkpoint and requires a solid strategy, top-gun riding skills, a tough, dependable snowmobile, a little luck and most importantly, the determination to persevere!
A GLOBAL EXPERIENCE
Cain’s Quest brings the race into the homes of race fans and snowmobile enthusiasts across the world. Each team is equipped with a satellite tracking unit which enables visitors to log onto the Cain’s Quest website and watch the race in near real time.
Not only is this an added safety feature for the teams, but it allows race followers to watch the race changing from moment to moment.
Teams will travel through a variety of topography, including deep snow, thick wooded areas, and wide-open frozen lakes. Teams must make it through each checkpoint and stop at mandatory layover points in various communities along the way.
Not everyone who starts the race will cross the finish line. Do you think you have what it takes?
CAIN’S QUEST 2026 registration opens soon!
For more information on this incredible race, visit CAINSQUEST.com
On this episode of SNOWTRAX…
Luke dives in deep into the inner workings of Polaris’ DYNAMIX Semi-Active snowmobile suspension and how this technology, which was originally developed for off-road, has been successfully adapted to snow providing even smoother ride and handling.
Then Luke takes a closer look at MBRP’s all-new auxiliary lighting kits for your snowmobile that adds considerable illumination delivering a safer ride and a clearer view while riding at night or in low light conditions.
Then in TEST RIDE AJ reviews Ski-Doo’s in-season trail option, the 2025 MXZ Adrenaline 600R E-TEC featuring the all-new RAS RX front suspension.
Our crew recently visited Upstate, NY for an epic snowmobiling adventure in the Adirondacks. Like most snow regions in North America this winter, the weather was frigid with no shortage of snow, making for ideal snowmobiling conditions.
Over the years, literally riding tens of thousands of miles all over the world, we’ve come to appreciate how being comfortable and dry seriously impacts the overall enjoyment of any snowmobiling adventure… and nothing could be truer when it comes to having warm feet. We’ve all been there at one time or another and having cold feet is no fun at all.
Canadian-made, Baffin Boots, have a long-standing reputation for manufacturing top quality, stylish footwear, specializing in boots that combat cold climates. For this trip to the Adirondacks, we chose the Baffin Impact boots specifically for their Polar cold comfort rating, literally tested for the “”the coldest moments on earth” at the North and South Poles.
Baffin’s B-Tek Dry Waterproof technology was something else that attracted us to these Impact boots and we can tell you first-hand, it really works because our feet stayed bone dry the entire trip. We enjoyed the convenience of simply sliding right into the boots and when sitting on our sleds in riding position, the boots provided a sense of security while offering excellent flexibility when both sitting or standing.
Additionally, the Baffin Impact boots have a luxurious, comprehensive liner system that gently hugs your feet like you’ve slipped them into a bag of marshmallows with room to wiggle your toes, providing the perfect environment for keeping your tootsies at just the right temperature.
It’s not a stretch to say these Baffin Impact boots are amongst the most comfortable we’ve ever worn and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to any snowmobiler.
Visit baffin.com
Lynx, iconic brand of BRP Inc. (TSX:DOO; NASDAQ:DOOO), lifts the sheets on its 2026 snowmobiles, highlighting some major updates and its continued commitment to growing the brand’s presence worldwide. Europe’s most sought-after model, the Commander, has been completely reworked for 2026 with the Radien² platform underpinning it and will now be available in North America.
The Shredder gets significant updates for nearly every chassis component to raise the game in deep snow riding while the rest of the line benefits from important upgrades and feature expansion plus a focus on entry-level with the Core Package.
“With the 2026 Lynx models, you’ll see evidence of our dedication to bringing both new, innovative ideas and our constant improvement strategy – which has led to market leadership in Scandinavia, and is now taking hold in North America,” stated Hannu Härkönen, Global Product Manager, Lynx Snowmobiles. “From big things like redesigning Commander and Shredder models to smaller ones that solve irritants like the flippable snow flap, we make sure to bring the best performance in all aspects to the market.”
The Commander RE gets the most up-to-date Radien² chassis with LED lighting, cutting edge styling and the 10.25-inch Touchscreen Display that includes Group Ride functionality in North America without a cell phone or network connection. More new components to boost the ‘go anywhere performance’ include a 4-piston brake system, new arched A-Arms, heated seat and flippable snow flap that stays out of the way when reversing. The leading crossover sled in Europe is ready to show North Americans what they’ve been missing.
Shredder models enter 2026 with a multitude of changes targeting even more deep snow capability with the renowned ‘Built Tough’ Lynx DNA. The chassis gets a shorter tapered tunnel, shorter heat exchangers and elevated, reshaped running boards that all add up to less weight. The reworked PPS³-DS rear suspension uses a new rail profile and new geometry for improved sidehilling characteristics, while lighter and narrower Blade DSS skis, new LFS-DS front suspension and Twin Link steering give riders more control in all situations. Even with all these significant changes, riders can still count on premium features like the best Kashima Coated KYB shocks packages to be offered on Lynx Shredder RE and DS models.
Toughness, durability and performance are at the core of every Lynx snowmobile. The Core package is what Lynx delivers from the start – it includes high-quality KYB shocks, coil over springs that offer long life and less weight, backup rewind starters and reliable fuel efficient Rotax engines. The performance features like legendary suspension designs and ergonomics for active riding are all there too, so calling this ‘standard’ just doesn’t fit. For 2026, this package is now available on all Lynx models with the same Sisu spirit, at an affordable price.
The connected experience jumps another level as any model equipped with the 10.25-inch Touchscreen Display adds Group Ride functionality in North America. This allows riders to track their friends without a cell phone or a network connection in addition to seeing embedded topographical maps and snowmobile trails,* and using breadcrumb tracking to find their way home. Using the BRP GO! app takes it another step with an even richer experience and more functionality, such as turn-by-turn navigation.
More key changes for the 2026 Lynx lineup include the Brutal RE moving to the Radien² platform with powerful LED lights, new aggressive deep snow style running boards giving riders more foot traction and a 4-piston brake system for extra stopping power. The Rave RE adds a new LFS-R front suspension giving more capacity and stability that adds confidence. It also comes with a black color option and the added choice of the Rotax 850 E-TEC Turbo R with its 180 horsepower. Finally, the Xterrain adds choices with the availability of a Limited package offering more comfort, the 10.25-inch Touchscreen Display, a passenger kit, and Rotax 600R E-TEC and 900 ACE Turbo engine options.
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.
Ski-Doo, iconic brand of BRP Inc. (TSX:DOO; NASDAQ:DOOO), is releasing its Model Year 2026 snowmobiles that continue to improve the winter riding experience for all riders.
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.
Motorhead Mark hits the trails aboard the 2025 Ski-Doo MXZ XRS 137 featuring the 850 E-TEC engine, SMART-SHOX semi-active suspension and the all-new RAS RX front end with Pilot RX skis.
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SNOWTRAX has established itself as the most watched snowmobile TV series in North America.
Each season, the SNOWTRAX crew guides viewers through informative and entertaining content; revealing the inside scoop on the latest snowmobiles, accessories and riding destinations that make snowmobiling winter's greatest adventure sport.
SNOWTRAX can be viewed weekly during the winter season in Canada on City TV, Wild TV, REV TV and Sportsman Channel Canada and across America on Sportsman Channel.
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