The 59th edition confirms that the passion for snowmobiling is stronger than ever
Motoneiges.ca and SledMagazine.com were right in the heart of the action in Minnesota, meeting with industry representatives, reconnecting with partners, and seeing firsthand just how vibrant the snowmobile world remains.
On September 12 and 13, 2026, the snowmobile world gathered in North Branch, Minnesota, for the 59th edition of Hay Days, often considered the unofficial kickoff to the winter season in North America.
Long before the gates opened at 7 a.m., enthusiasts were already lined up waiting to enter the grounds. And as soon as we arrived, one thing was immediately obvious: the crowd was huge.
The strong attendance from the earliest hours of the day once again demonstrated the enthusiasm surrounding this unique event. Hay Days remains a must-attend event in the snowmobile industry, bringing manufacturers, aftermarket companies, racers, clubs, enthusiasts, and specialized media together in one place. Event organizers themselves describe it as the world’s largest snowmobile event and a major powersports show.
For Motoneiges.ca and SledMagazine.com, however, this year’s edition had a very special meaning.
Motoneiges.ca and SledMagazine.com: Present, Active, and Looking Ahead
This weekend, we went out to meet with the industry.
We shook hands, spoke with our partners, reconnected with longtime friends and, most importantly, shared a message that meant a great deal to us:
Motoneiges.ca and SledMagazine.com are moving forward. And they are moving forward stronger than ever.
The past few months have brought major challenges following the loss of our friend Denis Lavoie. But when passion runs deep, it does not disappear in the face of adversity. It grows even stronger.
Today, a new and experienced management team is taking the reins. A team that knows the industry, understands media, believes in our mission and, above all, is fully energized and ready to write the next chapter of this story.
Hay Days gave us the opportunity to speak directly with several major players in the industry.
We reassured our partners. We looked them in the eye and told them:“We are here. We are moving forward. We have projects underway. And we still have so many stories to tell.”
This weekend gave us an incredible boost of energy. We are heading home with our minds full of ideas, our hearts filled with great encounters, and our foot firmly on the throttle.
Ski-Doo: The 2027 MXZ 600RS and Major Support for Snowmobile Clubs
At Ski-Doo, one of the major attractions of this year’s event was the presentation of the new 2027 MXZ 600RS.
The model was featured as part of the manufacturer’s official Hay Days program alongside several 2027 models and activities for snowmobile enthusiasts.
But Ski-Doo also used the event to highlight something even more fundamental: the health of the trail network and the involvement of snowmobile clubs.
Through the 2026 Ski-Doo Snow PASS program, more than 50 snowmobile clubs across North America will receive grants of up to $5,000 each to support projects related to protecting access, improving trails, and growing the sport. Three grant recipients were also announced directly at Hay Days on September 12.
Funded projects can address several important aspects of our sport:
- Bridge repairs;
- Signage improvements;
- Access preservation;
- Volunteer recruitment;
- Welcoming new snowmobilers;
- Trail infrastructure maintenance and improvements.
It is an important reminder: without the clubs, volunteers, landowners, and everyone working behind the scenes, our trail network simply could not exist.
To everyone who gives their time so thousands of snowmobilers can enjoy winter: thank you.
Polaris: The Season Is Already Taking Shape in Roseau
We also had several excellent meetings with the Polaris team.
One thing that clearly stood out from our conversations was that the team continues to work hard to improve reliability, build quality, and the overall experience offered to snowmobilers.
Polaris continues to maintain a strong industrial presence in Roseau, Minnesota, the historic birthplace of the brand and still one of its primary snowmobile manufacturing facilities.
During our discussions at Hay Days, Polaris told us that 100% of the planned snowmobile production would have left the Roseau factory for dealerships by October 30.
This is an important message in a market where delivery times and unit availability have sometimes been challenging in recent years.
Hay Days provides exactly this kind of opportunity for direct conversations with manufacturer teams, beyond technical specifications and press releases.
For us, maintaining this close relationship with the industry remains essential.
Arctic Cat: Optimism and Encouraging Spring Sales
The Arctic Cat booth was also highly anticipated.
Following a turbulent period for the brand, the team presented us with a very encouraging picture of its current situation.
During the presentation we attended, Arctic Cat indicated that its spring sales had reached a level not seen in approximately 15 years.
This statement was shared directly with us on-site by the Arctic Cat team. At the time of writing, we had not found an independent official publication providing detailed figures for those sales.
That said, the overall tone of the presentation was decidedly focused on the future.
For a brand with such an important place in snowmobiling history, it was certainly great to see so much enthusiasm surrounding its resurgence.
And judging by the interest from visitors at the booth, enthusiasts were clearly excited as well.
Go Snowmobiling: Making the Sport More Accessible to New Riders
One of the most interesting discussions of the weekend also focused on the future of the sport.
While at Hay Days, we learned directly from representatives of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) about the importance placed on the Go Snowmobiling initiative, known as À Vos Motoneiges in French.
The Go Snowmobiling campaign brings together the four manufacturers represented by ISMA: Arctic Cat, BRP/Ski-Doo, Polaris, and Yamaha. Its goal is to provide information, resources, and tools to make snowmobiling more accessible to newcomers and families.
The program focuses on:
- Information for new riders;
- Snowmobile rentals;
- Finding dealerships;
- Safety;
- Trip planning;
- Resources to discover where and how to go snowmobiling.
This approach matters.
Securing the future of our sport requires more than simply building better snowmobiles. We also need to help new generations and people who have never experienced snowmobiling understand how to get started.
ISMA has supported initiatives designed to introduce new people to snowmobiling for several years, including the Take a Friend Snowmobiling campaign.
Hay Days: Much More Than a Snowmobile Show
Of course, Hay Days is about much more than manufacturer presentations.
The event is a true celebration of the powersports world, featuring:
- Grass drag racing;
- Swap meet and parts;
- Gear;
- Accessories;
- Custom vehicles;
- Competitions;
- Exhibitors;
- Opportunities to meet racers and ambassadors;
- Family activities.
The grounds welcome hundreds of vendors and exhibitors, along with competitions and numerous activities throughout the weekend.
That mix is precisely what makes Hay Days so special.
You can talk technology with an engineer in the morning, discover a new accessory a few minutes later, watch a race, hunt for used parts, and finish the day talking with enthusiasts who may have travelled a very long way to be there.
For anyone who loves snowmobiling, Hay Days is difficult to describe until you have experienced it at least once.
An Atmosphere That Reminds Us Why We Love This Sport
The weather also cooperated.
Conditions were ideal for walking the grounds, meeting exhibitors, and enjoying everything the event had to offer.
But what we will remember most are the smiles.
They were everywhere:
- Among visitors;
- Among manufacturers;
- Among volunteers;
- Among racers;
- Among partners;
- And on our faces as well.
Despite the challenges the industry has faced and the changes of recent years, Hay Days reminded us of something very simple:
The passion for snowmobiling is still here.
And it is very much alive.
On the Road to the 60th Hay Days in 2027
The 59th edition of Hay Days will remain a memorable one for our team.
It allowed us to witness firsthand the energy that continues to drive the industry, speak directly with manufacturers, and make it very clear to our partners that Motoneiges.ca and SledMagazine.com are ready for what comes next.
We are returning from Minnesota with plenty of work ahead of us.
And that is exactly what we wanted:
- New projects;
- New tests and reviews;
- New collaborations;
- And countless stories to share with snowmobile enthusiasts.
One thing is already certain:
We will be there in 2027 for the 60th edition of Hay Days.
And something tells us it is going to be a special one.
