Snowmobiles are more than just fun toys; they’re also useful tools for the rugged outdoorsman. These vehicles help backwoods hunters cover distance and haul back a kill. Snowmobiles even help those raging ski demons get a head start on carving fresh powder down a wicked line.
But how much is a snowmobile? When talking price, we aren’t just talking about the initial purchase price of a new sled. Sure, that’s important, but what should you budget for as far as operating and maintenance costs?
Are you looking for the cheapest snowmobile to get from point A to point B or a mid-sized snowmobile that can do more? And where do you store it during the summer months?
All these factors inform the overall cost of owning a snowmobile. So, let’s break it down by initial cost, operating costs, and the maintenance and storage costs associated with your new snowmobile. That way, you’ll have a big picture of what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- The cost of a snowmobile ranges from $4,100 for entry-level models to over $22,199 for high-end luxury and performance models.
- Used snowmobiles are a budget-conscious option if the former owner maintains the snow machine well.
- When you add up the additional costs of owning a snowmobile, owners usually spend around $2,900-$5,950/year on operation and maintenance.
What Influences the Initial Cost of a Snowmobile?
The cost of a snowmobile depends on the engine size, quality of shocks, types of tracks, and other luxury features like digital displays.
Remember: the larger the engine, the greater power you have. The better the shocks, the smoother your ride is. And the thicker your track, the better traction you’ll get.
Because those features help you enjoy a safe ride through the white-coated wilderness – they cost more to experience.
New snowmobiles run between $4,100 (for youth sleds) and $22,199 (for the expensive snowmobile models).
That’s quite the spread, so here’s a table showing what you can expect to spend–depending on the type of snowmobile you’re buying.
| Type of Snowmobile | Brand | Price Range |
| Youth Snowmobiles | Across brands | $4,049-$9,399 |
| Trail Snowmobiles | Ski-Doo | $6,749-$11,199 |
| Utility Snowmobiles | Arctic Cat | $9,399-$22,099 |
| Mountain Snowmobiles | Polaris | $8,199-$16,199 |
Whether you buy a new or used model also plays a big part in the price you pay. Many snowmobiles last over 10 years and are still in good condition with proper maintenance. Choosing a used snowmobile (over a brand-new model) can save you thousands of dollars. But you want to make sure you thoroughly inspect the snow machine first.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to snowmobiling and don’t know what to look for, bring along a friend who’s been doing it for a few years. They’ll be able to point out the wear and tear on the skis and tracks and help you decide if the used model would be a good buy.
How Much Do Snowmobiles Cost Upfront?
Before taking your snowmobile out for a run, you’ll need to stock up on the right gear. Some of the gear is practical – like extra gas caddies. Other gear is for safety – like an emergency survival pack.
The typical price range for snowmobile registration, insurance, and gear can be upwards of $1000.
Like any motor vehicle, you have to register your snowmobile, and that fee varies by state or province. Generally, registration fees hover somewhere between $100-$150. Carrying insurance on your snowmobile is also a good idea if you want to protect yourself and your investment–but it’s going to cost you. Monthly insurance rates range between $100 and $300.
Most places will also require you to have a license to drive your snowmobile, but that fee is only about $30.
Now, when you’re out snowmobiling, you’re usually in the backcountry, miles away from anywhere, and that means you’re on your own. You’ve got to provide your own safety equipment and gear for a safe journey.
Standard safety equipment includes things like…
- GPS device to keep you from getting lost
- A transceiver emergency location device, so loved ones can find you in case of an emergency
- First Aid kit with essentials like Vaseline, sunscreen, and hand warmers.
- Spare parts to make common repairs
- Tools to make repairs if needed
- Helmet and goggles
- Proper cold weather gear that protects you from windburn
- An avalanche airbag: If you’re in mountain country, give yourself room to breathe and move in case of an avalanche.
- A shovel: To dig a test section of snow and possibly dig yourself out of an avalanche
- A probe: To check the snow and make sure it’s safe to transverse
As you’re cruising the backcountry on your snowmobile, it’s cold –obvious, I know. That means you have to prepare for cold weather emergency survival situations in case your snowmobile has engine trouble, and you get stranded…or worse.
The shortlist of essential cold-weather survival items includes:
- Emergency shelter
- Extra food and water
- Firestarter and fuel
- Spare clothing – in case you get wet
And that’s what you’ve spent before you ever get out there. Now, let’s talk about operational costs.
Operational Costs: Breaking Down Hidden Snowmobile Costs
Now that you’ve bought and outfitted a snowmobile for your adventures, you have to fuel it up. Most snowmobiles get 15 mpg.
So, if you travel about 1500 miles a year, and gas is around $3 a gallon, then you’ll spend about $300 a year on gas.
Note that not all trails are open season for anyone who wants to drive around. In an effort to preserve our natural treasures, many places limit the number of people on the trails at once. Before you head out, make sure you purchase the necessary trail passes for your expedition. Assuming you’ll be frugal, you can expect to spend $100/year on trail passes.
What about Maintenance Costs for a Snowmobile?
Just like any other vehicle, snowmobiles require consistent maintenance for smooth operation. Such a task is harder, considering snowmobiles sit idle during the warm months. Maintenance tasks typically encompass:
- Checking fluid levels
- Cleaning the carburetor
- Changing oil
Regular maintenance costs vary depending on whether you bought a new or a used snowmobile.
With a new snowmobile, it’s not likely that you’ll have to do more than keep it clean and change the standard oil. New snowmobile maintenance will total about $200 when all is said and done.
If you opt for a used snowmobile, then you should be prepared to make some repairs on top of the standard oil changes. Used snowmobile owners usually spend around $800/hour, depending on the repairs necessary.
Pre-Owned Sleds: Is Buying a Used Sled a Wise Choice?
Purchasing a pre-owned sled could be a smart decision if you’re on a tight budget (and know a thing or two about engines). Used snowmobile prices largely depend on demand and inventory levels. Furthermore, the age of a snowmobile can significantly impact its resale value, with the original price often decreasing by 40%-60% after 4 years.
That being said, several snowmobiles hold their value well after four years. The Arctic Cat M8, for one, is an excellent machine that handles well and can traverse a variety of terrain.
How Much Is a Snowmobile Worth to You?
You may have read through this list of expenses, nodding your head in reasonable agreement and weighing them against other costs in your personal budget. But for those of you who lost track, here’s the running tab…
| Initial Costs | $5,100-$23,199+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance and Registration | $480 | |
| Gear | $520+ | |
| Purchasing a snowmobile | $4,100-$22,199 | |
| Operating Costs | $500+ | |
| Gas | $300 | |
| Oil | $100 | |
| Trail Passes | $100 | |
| Maintenance | $200-$800 | |
| New Models (Oil changes) | $200 | |
| Used Models (Oil and repair) | $800 | |
| Cost of Buying and Owning a Snowmobile | $5,800-$24,500 |
And this isn’t a comprehensive list. It covers the basics that a typical buyer needs to think about. So, if every added expense feels like a brick pressed on your chest, you’re not alone.
Plenty of people choose not to buy a snowmobile because they can’t justify the expense. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still take a joy ride.
Even if you can’t own one, you can still rent a snowmobile for specific trips you take.
Summary
Whether you’re a beginner looking to buy a trail performance new sled or the cheapest adult snowmobile, understanding the costs associated with snowmobiling can help you make an informed decision. But there’s one more expense to consider.
Where do you store your brand-new snowmobile when you’re not galavanting over the snow-capped mountains?
You don’t have space to keep it in your garage or your tool shed. What you need is a neighbor who’s close by and has some extra space in his shed where your snowmobile can rest in the warm months.
Lucky for you, that’s exactly what Neighbor is here for.
Neighbor.com is a peer-to-peer marketplace where you can find safe, affordable storage from one of your neighbors who lives nearby.
So gear up, hit the trails, and enjoy the exhilaration of snowmobiling without breaking the bank!
