With a range between $3,000 and $18,000, snowmobiles sure don’t classify as affordable equipment. And to be frank, that shouldn’t be surprising; almost all snow gear can break the bank.
The question shouldn’t be, “How much does a snowmobile cost?” We should be asking about the factors responsible for that wide price range. Curious? Well, read on to find out!
Snowmobile Prices Based on the Type
Many factors participate in the final cost of snowmobiles. Things like the brand, engine power, suspension, and amenities can feel too overwhelming to analyze.
Instead of examining the price of each model, we can take an overview of the general snowmobile types. This way, you can better understand how much a particular set of features will cost you.
Trail Snowmobiles
Trail snowmobiles provide the best value for beginners and recreational riders. They often come with pretty intermediate fan-cooled engines with a maximum of 70 HP. Nevertheless, thanks to the narrow frames, these snowmobiles still manage to provide acceptable performance over regular trails.
Here are some of the best models of this category:
| Model | Price |
| 2021 Ski-Doo MXZ® Sport 600 EFI | From $8,650 |
| 2021 Yamaha SX Venom | From $8,000 |
| 2021 Ski-Doo Renegade® Sport 600 EFI | From $8,850 |
| 2021 Ski-Doo Backcountry® Sport 600 EFI | From $9,000 |
| 2021 Arctic Cat Blast ZR 4000 121 1.0 | From $8,100 |
As you saw, the trail models rarely go above $9,000; that makes them the most affordable options on the market.
Touring Snowmobiles
Do you often travel with your significant other over long distances? In that case, you should consider getting a touring snowmobile.
With hefty frames and long tracks, these snowmobiles provide the best stability on challenging terrains. But as you might already know, making turns won’t be that easy with a long track.
To keep you entertained during lengthy trips, touring snowmobiles come with lots of luxury features, such as:
- Heated seats
- Electric start
- MP3 player
- Communication system
- Large windshield
- GPS
- Reverse gear
Here are my select models in this category:
| Model | Price |
| 2021 Ski-Doo Grand Touring Limited 900 ACE | From $13,250 |
| 2021 Polaris TITAN® Adventure 155 | From $15,600 |
| 2021 Yamaha RS Venture TF | From $13,250 |
| 2021 Ski-Doo Expedition® SWT 900 ACE Turbo | From $13,500 |
| 2021 Ski-Doo Expedition® LE 900 ACE | From $12,900 |
Based on this analysis, we can say that most touring snowmobiles lie around $13,250. However, the actual price can be a bit higher or lower based on the provided features.
Performance Snowmobiles
The next type of snowmobiles is geared toward one thing — performance. With the most powerful engines on the market, these models provide the best speed and the fastest acceleration. It’s also common to see features like reverse gear and electric start in these models.
Here are my favorite snowmobiles in this category:
| Model | Price |
| 2021 Yamaha Sidewinder SRX LE | From $18,000 |
| 2021 Yamaha Sidewinder X TX LE 146 | From $17,400 |
| 2021 Arctic Cat Riot 8000 146 1.6 ARS II w/QS3 | From $14,700 |
| 2021 Arctic Cat Riot 8000 146 1.6 ARS II | From $14,100 |
| 2021 Polaris INDY® VR1 137 850 | From $14,600 |
On average, performance snowmobiles cost less than $15,000. The Yamaha Sidewinder is the only series that strays outside this range at about $3,000. But to be fair, their one-of-a-kind 998 Genesis Turbo Engine deserves this whopping sum.
Utility Snowmobiles
If you’re planning to use the snowmobile for work, you won’t probably make use of the luxury and speed offered by the previous models. Alternatively, you should consider getting a utility snowmobile.
With longer and wider frames, these snowmobiles will handle heavy-duty work with ease. They usually come with hitches for towing sleds, in addition to sturdy suspension systems to handle tough terrains.
Here are some of the best snowmobiles in this category:
| Model | Price |
| 2021 Arctic Cat Norseman X 8000 | From $13,500 |
| 2021 Ski-Doo Skandic® SWT 900 ACE | From $13,500 |
| 2021 Ski-Doo Tundra™ LT 600 ACE | From $8,750 |
| 2021 Polaris Voyageur® 550 155 | From $8,800 |
| 2021 Yamaha VK 540 | From $9,550 |
Based on the previous data, you can expect to find most utility snowmobiles lying around $9,000. The higher costs of the Norseman X 8000 and Skandic® SWT 900 stem from their premium engines, suspension systems, tracks, and skis.
Mountain Snowmobiles
Not every sled can climb steep mountains. Specialized mountain snowmobiles excel in this task with their powerful engines that allow for rapid acceleration. Also, the frame is usually thinner than other models to enhance maneuverability during tight turns. Some models have long track lugs to guarantee efficient traction over slippery terrains.
Here are five of the most famous models in this category:
| Model | Price |
| 2021 Arctic Cat M 8000 Mountain Cat Alpha One 165 3.0 w/ATAC | From $15,745 |
| 2021 Ski-Doo Freeride™ 146 850 E-TEC | From $15,099 |
| 2021 Polaris RMK® KHAOS® 155 850 | From $14,700 |
| 2021 Ski-Doo Summit X 850 E-TEC Turbo | From $13,700 |
| 2021 Yamaha Mountain Max LE 165 | From $14,249 |
All in all, a high-quality mountain snowmobile will cost you around $15,000, which makes it one of the most expensive types on the market.
Youth Snowmobiles
Like it or not, riding a snowmobile has its fair share of risks, which forces parents to disallow their kids from practicing it. But with a youth snowmobile, your teenagers won’t have to miss out on this fun sport. Thanks to their enhanced safety features and affordable cost, they’re becoming more popular than ever.
Here are some models to consider:
| Model | Price |
| 2021 Arctic Cat ZR 200 | From $4,450 |
| 2021 Yamaha SnoScoot ES | From $4,400 |
| 2021 Polaris INDY® 120 | From $3,000 |
| 2021 Arctic Cat ZR 120 | From $3,245 |
On average, you should expect to pay about $3,500 for a youth snowmobile.
To Sum Up
How much does a snowmobile cost? That depends on the type you’re asking about. The most affordable trail snowmobile will cost you about $8,000, while an elaborate performance model will lie around $15,000.
Disclaimer: All of the mentioned quotes represent the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP); they don’t include the transportation and assembly fees. Allocate an additional $1,000 to make sure you don’t fall short in the process.