Types of Snowmobiles

With the temperature dropping, some of you may be anxiously awaiting the day to use your snowmobile for the first time. Whether you use it as a means of transportation or a fun recreational activity, snowmobiles are great vehicles to have.

So maybe you’ve been thinking about getting one, but aren’t exactly sure where to start. That’s where Big St. Charles Motorsports comes in. We’ve provided you with some pointers on the different kinds of snowmobiles. Once you’re ready to look at some of our models up close, stop by our location in St. Charles, Missouri. We welcome all patrons from the areas of St. Louis, Columbia, and St. Peters, Missouri, as well as Belleville, Illinois.

Which Type is Right for Me?

Before we get to the snowmobiles types themselves, let’s talk about what you’ll need to know going into this process. Think about what you’ll most likely be using your snowmobile for. Are you more a recreational user or will you need yours for work? What kind of terrain will you be spending most of your time on? Will this mostly be packed snow travel or will you need something that can handle deep powder? Do you have some experience with snowmobiling or are you a novice? Will you need a second seat? All these issues will affect the kind of snowmobile you get.

Trail

Trail snowmobiles are known for their lightweight and easy handling. This means they’re ideal for beginner riders. They’re easy to use and often a little cheaper than the average snowmobile, so it’s perfect if you’re just testing the waters. They’re mostly built for groomed trails, so they’re not recommended for more difficult terrain.

Sport Trail

The Sport Trail snowmobile is the next step once you’re more comfortable with snowmobiling and want to try out more difficult trails. It packs more speed and more power, but the engine is still fairly small so it’s not completely out of your league. It’s still built for trails so we don’t recommend trailblazing with this model.

Touring

If you’re looking to branch out a little, touring snowmobiles are better equipped for longer rides. They often come with a second seat so you can bring a friend to keep you company and plenty of cushion so you won’t be uncomfortable on those longer trips. They often don’t come with a lot of speed and performance advantages, but that just gives you more time to enjoy the scenery.

Performance

The performance style snowmobiles are for the adrenaline junkies. They come with high-power engines, superior suspension and shock absorption, and sharp handling. They’re probably aways down the road as they’re a little bit of a handful, but they’re great for sportier snowmobiling activities.

Utility

On the opposite end of the spectrum, utility snowmobiles are work-oriented, built for hauling and towing. They have long frames and wide tracks to get you through even the thickest snow. Your day won’t be action-packed, but you’ll get the job done.

Crossover

The crossover snowmobiles are a nice blend of features to give you a sled that will get through just about any difficult situation. They come with better handling and traction for advanced trail use and long tracks to get through deep powder. It’s ideal for riders who expect to pass through a variety of challenges.

Mountain

If you find yourself using a snowmobile in the Ozarks, or one day snowmobile in an even more treacherous mountain range like the Rockies, you’ll want to get a mountain snowmobile. These sleds are built specifically to handle the steep terrain of a mountainside, with a longer and narrower frame. The engines are more powerful to better combat the high altitude. But it’s still difficult to maneuver through this kind of area, so work your way up to this.

Hopefully, this helps you find the perfect snowmobile to fit your needs. If you’re still unsure about which one you’ll need, let our experienced staff at Big St. Charles Motorsports know what you're looking for and we’ll help you narrow down your selection. We’re in St. Charles, Missouri and proudly serve the regions of St. Louis, Columbia, and St. Peters, Missouri, as well as Belleville, Illinois.