It’s done; the 2025 SnowShoot in Montana is over! For those who don’t know, SnowShoot is an event where specialized media get the chance to try out all the new snowmobiles on the market in advance. Every year, all the manufacturers gather in West Yellowstone, an ideal playground to test these machines in real conditions. This year, I had the opportunity to spend a full week riding 2026 Ski-Doo snowmobiles exclusively designed for the mountains. Four days dedicated to off-trail riding—that’s enough to compare and make an informed choice!
The Best 2026 Ski-Doo Mountain Snowmobiles at SnowShoot
After several days of intensive testing, three models stood out:
- The 2026 Summit Expert 🏔
- The 2026 Freeride 🚀
- The 2026 Summit X 🔥
2026 Summit Expert: A Monster of Agility, but Demanding
From my first contact with the 2026 Summit Expert, I was seduced by its sleek look and its narrow 32-inch ski stance. This slim snowmobile also offers aggressive and ultra-precise handling. After a few hours in the saddle, I quickly understood that this snowmobile is aimed at experienced mountain riders. It is:
✔ Agile and ultra-responsive;
✔ Powerful and spirited;
✔ Precise and playful.
But to fully exploit its potential, you need a good technical level. Its sharper build and lively handling demand more physical precision, especially in steep slopes and technical maneuvers.
My Verdict
The 2026 Summit Expert is an excellent choice for mountain pros! That said, it’s not my favourite this year.
2026 Freeride: Wild and Untamed
Let me introduce my second contender: the 2026 Freeride. For several years, Freeride has been synonymous with freedom. Indeed, this model is designed to climb without limits and play in deep snow.
The 2026 Freeride retains its rebellious spirit:
✔ An explosive turbo engine 🚀;
✔ A hyper-reactive snowmobile 🎯;
✔ A unique and bold design 😎.
One of the new features that made me smile was the little “This side UP” written upside down on the side panels. A humorous nod reminding us that the Freeride loves to be pushed to its limits.
But beware… this fierceness comes at a price!
❌ Less accessible to beginners;
❌ Power that can be hard to control;
❌ Requires a good off-trail skill level.
In the end, I had to shovel more than once to get out of tricky situations. In the hands of an experienced rider, the 2026 Freeride is an absolute weapon. But for a less seasoned rider, it can quickly become intimidating.
My Verdict
The 2026 Freeride is an impressive mountain beast! But it’s not my ultimate choice.
Drumroll, please… 🥁
🏆 My 2026 Ski-Doo Favourite: The Summit X!
From my first minutes on the 2026 Summit X, I immediately felt a perfect harmony between power, handling, and balance.
1️⃣ Exceptional Mountain Control
First, what struck me most about the 2026 Summit X was its control. You slightly shift your centre of gravity, and voilà, the snowmobile leans smoothly.
Everything feels natural and intuitive:
✔ An immediate response to body movements;
✔ Reassuring stability, even on slopes;
✔ Minimal effort to make it turn.
Whether in technical climbs or carving through powder, it reacts exactly as expected. Predictable and well balanced, this mountain snowmobile instantly put me at ease.
2️⃣ Mastered Power
Next, there’s no doubt that power is there. But, unlike the Freeride, the Summit X is never intimidating. Its engine delivers a nice reserve of torque, strong enough to have fun, but without ever feeling uncontrollable.
What I love about the 2026 Summit X:
✔ Power is perfectly distributed;
✔ The engine responds instantly, without brutality;
✔ There’s a great balance between performance and ease.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll be able to fully enjoy this mountain snowmobile without fear.
3️⃣ 2026 Summit X Lightened for Better Handling
Now let’s talk about its weight. Compared to its predecessor, the 2026 Summit X is 14 lbs lighter! Why is this a game changer?
Because less weight means:
✔ Less physical effort to ride;
✔ More agility in maneuvers;
✔ Less fatigue at the end of the day.
I also noticed another notable improvement in chassis ergonomics. The seat and handlebar allow for a better riding position. Thus, our posture is optimized for better control in all conditions.
4️⃣ 2026 Summit X: A High-Performance Mountain Snowmobile Accessible to All
Finally, if you’re new to off-trail snowmobiling, this is clearly the model for you.
✔ Tolerant and easy to handle;
✔ Balanced and reassuring;
✔ An excellent stepping stone to progress in off-trail riding.
If you’re experienced, the 2026 Summit X remains ultra-high-performance and will allow you to push your limits. Not to mention, it’s more accessible than the Freeride. And if it’s not enough, you can simply upgrade to the Expert package.
🎯 Conclusion: Why Choose the 2026 Summit X?
After a full week of testing, my verdict is clear: 🏆 the 2026 Summit X is THE most balanced Ski-Doo mountain snowmobile this year.
✅ Exceptional and intuitive control;
✅ Well-dosed power, never intimidating;
✅ Lightweight for better handling;
✅ A machine accessible to beginners and fun for experts.
That said, let’s remember that choosing a snowmobile is personal. What works for me may not necessarily be the best choice for you. Indeed, several factors come into play.
👉 Your experience level will play a major role
If you’re an experienced rider, the Summit Expert or Freeride might suit you better, especially if you like a more radical and explosive behaviour.
👉 Also consider your riding style
Do you prefer a precise and balanced machine, or do you like a more aggressive and spirited snowmobile? You need to consider this aspect when choosing a snowmobile.
👉 The conditions you ride in are also essential
If you spend your time in extreme off-trail riding with friends who push the limits, the Freeride might be more suitable. Otherwise, for a versatile machine that will accompany you in your progression without negative surprises, the Summit X remains an excellent choice.
👉 Finally, there’s the budget question
We can’t ignore the impact of price on a purchase decision. Each model offers advantages, but also different costs. So, it’s essential to choose a snowmobile that not only matches your level and style but also your wallet.
💡 My Tip of the Day
Try them out! If you have the chance, test different models before buying. The important thing is to find the snowmobile that gives you the most pleasure and matches your style.
So, what will be your mountain snowmobile for 2026?
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