As the years go by, mountain snowmobiling continues to attract a wide audience. What are the reasons for this? We can certainly point to its bold design, impressive performance and ability to tackle any terrain… Not to mention the fabulous sense of freedom that comes with exploring remote areas.
The year 2025 is no exception, with manufacturers continuing to innovate to the delight of enthusiasts. Reworked models, new options and even an all-new engine are on the agenda. The Passion Motoneige team invites you to discover the new off-road models of 2025.
Arctic Cat
THE big news for 2025 comes from the manufacturer with the feline logo. With the help of social networks and a few images here and there, Arctic Cat has generated a lot of interest in its new engine. It’s finally time for a 2-stroke, large-displacement engine for its new Catalyst platform. The 858 engine that finally makes mountain models shine.
Installed in the Catalyst chassis, it boosts power by 11% compared to the previous engine. This raises power output to around 180 hp. That’s all the horsepower needed to push even the most seasoned riders to the top.
Arctic Cat mountain models with the Catalyst chassis offer centralized weight distribution. What’s more, the rider is right in the center of the action. When you sit on this snowmobile, you immediately notice its compact size… It’s as if you were on a three-quarter-size machine. Ergonomics are particularly well thought-out, with a slim tank and narrow seat to facilitate movement during technical maneuvers. What’s more, the narrow fairing offers excellent all-round visibility while minimizing drag in the snow.
The M 858 Alpha One
The M 858 Alpha One 2024 makes a striking entry into the off-trail snowmobile segment. It stands out for its balance, agility and light weight, thanks to the use of numerous composite materials. The wait for the new engine was well worth it. It was exactly what was missing last year to satisfy fans of big snow and performance. On the other hand, we found the engine a little lacking in “fine tuning”. To be continued… Find out all the details in the full article here.
With its new Catalyst platform, the manufacturer also offers a hybrid version. The Arctic Cat RIOT 2025 with 858 or 600 engines. This snowmobile makes it easy to switch from trails to powder, maximizing riding pleasure.
The Blast M, a version for beginners or younger riders, is also on the program for the 2025 season. The American manufacturer offers a range for this market segment, ensuring the snowmobile’s longevity.
Polaris
For 2025, Polaris is not launching any new mountain snowmobile models, but is proposing a number of improvements. The main objective is to reduce weight while increasing reliability and robustness, essential elements for off-road snowmobiles.
Certain models, such as the BOOST and 9R, will benefit from a weight reduction of up to seven pounds, while other models will lose almost five pounds.
Among the new features, a lighter LED front light saves almost four pounds, improving handling. A new, more compact throttle also reduces snow and ice build-up, making it easier to steer.
New antistab rail ends improve track transition, reducing the risk of breakage. In addition, an aluminum drive shaft has been reworked for improved durability.
Finally, a new ultra-compact seat and optimized step design further reduce weight and improve maneuverability. These latest improvements only apply to RMK models with BOOST or 9R engines.
More off-trail models for Polaris…
Polaris also offers other snowmobiles for beginners, with the RMK EVO model returning for 2025. Its 550cc air-cooled 2-stroke engine and entry-level components give it an interesting platform on which to evolve.
And for those wavering between trails and powder, the ever-popular Switchback Assault returns this year. What’s more, it can now be ordered with the 9R engine for maximum power.
In short, the Polaris range is more than complete, to suit every type of rider.
Ski-Doo
The Valcourt-based manufacturer didn’t present any major innovations in the mountain segment for 2025. It’s more a question of adjustments and reworking. For example, the Summit NEO and NEO+ snowmobiles for beginners have been upgraded. The Ski-Doo Summit NEO+ now boasts 85 hp (up from 55). For the NEO version, 55 hp will come as standard instead of the previous 40 hp. To find out more, read the full article here.
Personally, the highlight for Ski-Doo off-trail snowmobiles this year… is the arrival of the “integrated GPS” function with the 10.25” screen. As a result, there’s no longer any risk of network failure when “riding” far from cellular signals. This is often the case when snowmobiling in the mountains. This makes it extremely interesting to continue using the screen even in remote areas.
Ski-Doo has also taken advantage of 2025 to fine-tune new accessories for off-trail use.
And if you’re less the 100% mountain type, you can always opt for the famous Backcountry. This season, it will be available with the 180 hp 850 Turbo R engine and two different ski gauges (39“ and 43”). It all depends on your trail vs. off-piste use. The choice is yours!
Here’s the full review of the Ski-Doo Backcountry XR-S 2025.
LYNX
Now, for Ski-Doo’s European cousins, changes are virtually non-existent for the SHREDDER models. Two versions: RE and DS with 850 cm3 naturally-aspirated or turbocharged engine combinations. Like Ski-Doo, these mountain snowmobiles also feature an integrated GPS function.
In comparison with the Valcourt-based manufacturer, LYNX’s offering has some similarities, but also some distinctive features. Suspension is stiffer, shock absorbers are sturdier with larger diameter rods, and elements reinforce the chassis. These features are ideal for riders who push their mountain snowmobiles to the limit.
The new LYNX Brutal RE
The big news is a hybrid snowmobile that I’d describe as extreme. It’s the LYNX Brutal RE 2025. This machine is focused on off-roading and finds a different market segment with its 16-inch track and, above all, equipped with the 180-hp 900 ACE Turbo R engine. This snowmobile promises hours of fun in powder or on trails.
The turbocharged engine ensures constant power even at altitude, with three power modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) to adjust throttle response. Although designed for off-road riding, it’s still a pleasure to ride on groomed surfaces. Off-trail, its flotation is impressive, even if its wide skis can limit slalom maneuverability.
KYB PRO suspensions are robust, adjustable and reliable, while the suspension geometry ensures intuitive control. In short, the LYNX Brutal RE 2025 delivers power and versatility, and is ready to take on any terrain!
Yamaha
To conclude our tour of the new 2025 off-trail models, Yamaha closes the ball… The manufacturer has announced that this will be its last year of production. So, for the mountains, there are very few models available. The association with Arctic Cat to offer the Mountain Max 800 is not available for 2025. We’ll have to fall back on the Sidewinder M-TX with its 153” track and, above all, its 200 hp turbocharged 4-stroke engine. Still, this snowmobile is heavy and less suited to technical mountain riding. Nonetheless, it’s a pleasure to operate in more open terrain.
Yamaha also offers the SX VENOM Mountain as an introductory snowmobile, which, despite its entry-level features, delivers good performance.
The 2025 snowmobiles come with a plaque and “Final Edition” labels to mark the end of this chapter.
Conclusion
2025 was a quieter year for off-road snowmobiles. No brand-new models, with the exception of Arctic Cat’s “big bore” engine. Let’s bet that 2026 will bring some big surprises… At least, we hope so!
Gears shown in photos
- One-piece suit: CKX Elevation Zero
- Helmet: CKX Titan Air Flow
- Gloves: Klim Klim
- Boots: FXR X-Cross Pro Boa
Photo credits : Steve Maillet, photos taken during the SnowShoot
