Snow Surrender: Three Luxury Snowmobiles Perfect for this Epic Winter Season
My grandfather ran a boat marina operation on a small lake in New England. But, in the reliably frozen, snowy winters of my youth, he also seasonally side-hustled as a Ski-Doo snowmobile retailer. I grew up riding snowmobiles in their peak “rec vehicle” period. Now, with climate change, finding local snow to ride (or ski or board) on has become more of a challenge.
That said, as I write this, where I live, we are pretty rich with snow right now. Meanwhile, my colleague Ash Longet is at an Oris ski event in Zermatt and reports fine mountain conditions and below-freezing temperatures. Granted, your local mileage may vary, but for many areas of the world, the winter of 2026 is shaping up to be a dynamic season for fans of cold-weather fun.
I was lucky enough to take advantage of my region’s white-washed climate recently to enjoy some fully modern “sleds” after a few decades of missing out. And I was a bit surprised by how much had changed in that world, especially for the most expensive vehicles.
Now, at the top end, snowmobiles have moved far beyond their just-for-fun, low-brow recreational beginnings into an area that borders on the “luxury automotive” lifestyle sector, as blazing performance, sumptuous comfort, unparalleled safety, and even cutting-edge technology all come into snow-play today.
That is why, today, we’re taking a look at three high-end rides that you can enjoy while there’s still plenty of full-tilt snow-time left in the season.
Electric Slide: Taiga Nomad
Canada’s Taiga Motors stands apart as a manufacturer of 100% electric-powered snowmobiles (and personal watercraft, btw). But that forward-reaching power approach detracts not a whit from the rip-roaring performance of its vehicles. In fact, it transforms thrilling jaunts across snow-covered terrain into quieter, cleaner experiences that let you better enjoy the natural beauty of winter trail exploration.
The two-rider Taiga Nomad starts at $19,499 and features a plug-in powerplant that delivers up to 90hp of tractive power and a range of about 62 miles. That’s enough electric power to tow 1,000 pounds of gear, making it both a workhorse snowmobile for exploration and a luxury recreational vehicle.
A peppy snow-sprinter that can go from 0 to 60mph in under 3 seconds, the Nomad has a maximum speed of 75mph (conditions permitting). Moreover, without a bulky gas engine, the Nomad’s design is equally cutting-edge: sleek, minimalist, and artful.
A Caddy for the Snow: Ski-Doo Grand Touring
Built by Canadian industrial conglomerate Bombardier (which makes everything from jet skis to private jets), the Ski-Doo started life in 1959 as more of a transportation necessity for the denizens of the Great White North. (Fun Fact: The first snow vehicles produced were utilitarianly referred to as “Ski Dogs,” which was quickly reduced to “Ski-Doo.”)
While the manufacturer makes more expensive, extreme, deep-snow adventure snowmobiles, the two-up Grand Touring sleds, which start at $11,649, better exemplify the enduring Ski-Doo spirit.
For instance, this two-rider features a sculpted backrest, high-wind screens, and larger side panels that protect you and your passenger from the elements with ample heat delivered right where you want it. Additionally, a touchscreen puts all this puppy’s options at your gloved fingertips.
Depending on the model options you choose, the fifth-generation Grand Touring line offers three different Rotax four-stroke engine power options that range from 95 to 180hp. Think of it as a snowy, thrilling resort experience on the snow.
To the Extreme: Polaris Patriot 9R Pro RMK 155 Limited Edition
Built in the Hoth-like region of northern Minnesota, Polaris snowmobiles have always embraced a more performance-oriented design since its beginnings in the early 1980s. However, with a fine watch-worthy price tag and equally timepiece-like long moniker, the $23,199 Patriot 9R Pro RMK 155 Limited Edition brings a considerable degree of lofty exclusivity to its blood-pumping performance.
The Limited Edition’s bold “Dream Orange Pearl” and “Matte Steel Blue” paint options, along with abundant chrome, set the aggressive design stance for this snow-baby. Meanwhile, a QuickDrive2 drive system and advanced suspension make it particularly nimble at navigating tight tree lines in unexplored back country, which is its primary intent.
That said, it’s no slouch on the open snow either: the liquid-cooled engine pumps out nearly 900ccs of unbridled power.
