How Much Does a Snowmobile Cost

It’s winter, and you want to feel the thrill of zooming through the snow. Unfortunately for you buying a snowmobile might seem like a big commitment, and you’re having second thoughts.

Generally, winter sports tend to be a tad more expensive than their summertime counterparts. You will need a few additional gears, and sometimes, you must travel a few hours before reaching the perfect spot. Once you consider all these factors, the final cost can end up higher than expected.

But are snowmobiles prices high overall? Or is it possible to find the perfect ride within your budget? Now let’s take a closer look at a snowmobile’s costs.

Choosing Your Snowmobile

Like any heavy machine purchase, you can choose between a brand new or a used vehicle.

Both options can be equally viable depending on your preferences and budget. But before you decide, it is important to understand the pros and cons of each option.

Let’s review each option’s pros and cons so you can make the right decision.

Pros & Cons: Brand New

A new snowmobile is always going to be expensive. If you’re looking for one of the season’s hottest models, you will have to pay upwards of $10,000-$15,000. 

But getting yourself a brand new ride can be a better decision if you have the money to spare. You’ll have a brand new ride in top condition to enjoy the winter. As it just arrived from the manufacturing line, you’ll be all set for your first ride without worrying about any hassles.

All these pros can still be a turn-off because of the price, which is the most significant disadvantage of buying a new snowmobile.

But you can go around this problem by getting simple loans and paying them off over a long period. During that time, your new snowmobile will most likely have a warranty to help you cover additional costs such as repairs and maintenance.

Pros & Cons: Used

A used snowmobile is a lot more affordable than a brand new one. You may find the exact model with just a few miles on at a surprisingly low price if you look for it.

Private sellers can be difficult to come by, but they offer the best deals. But buying from a dealer for a slightly higher price will still cost you significantly less than buying brand new. 

And if you’re looking for the best value, you should look for an older model. These snowmobiles might have lots of mileage, but you aren’t going to find anything cheaper.

When buying a used product, there can be some mechanical issues. As a result, you may end up paying more for repairs than the actual cost of your ride. Unlike brand new purchases, the seller won’t have any liabilities once you make the purchase.

So be sure to examine the used vehicle carefully before you finalize the deal. When done right, buying a used snowmobile is the best option.

Size

Different people need a different-sized snowmobile depending on their use. As a result, companies use different dimensions when they make their snowmobile. You can choose the brand depending on what size you might need.

If we discount some gimmick models, one of the smallest models is “Arctic Cat ZR 120” (185.4 cm./91.4 cm./86.3 cm.), which starts at $3,699 brand new. Meanwhile, the “Ski-Doo FREERIDE 154/165” is among the largest snowmobiles (344.5 cm./111 cm./136.8 cm.) you can buy, and a brand new model will cost you upward of $15,699.

But don’t worry because you will find many options between these two sizes. So browse your options and see which snowmobile best fits your needs and budget.

Maintenance Fees

Yearly maintenance and repairs on a snowmobile can typically cost around $200-$500. These costs generally depend on a few factors, such as your snowmobile type, age & use, ride performance, riding style, etc.

Another important factor is choosing between servicing the ride yourself or taking it to a garage. In the case of self-maintenance, you only pay for the parts. It may take some time, but this can also be exciting if you like working on engines.

Maintenance becomes even more important if you buy a used snowmobile. So the frequency of repairs usually goes up. Moreover, regular assistance from mechanics can be quite expensive, so you should avoid buying a used snowmobile if you cannot service the snowmobile yourself. 

Service shops and dealers typically charge around $100 for an hour. Aside from the regular maintenance, you also need to be ready for unexpected repairs, which can often cost a hefty amount.

Usage

Federal law enforcement regulates the use of snowmobiles in national parks. There are specially groomed and marked roads for snowboarding, which they share along with regular vehicles. In national parks, using a snowmobile as an offroad vehicle is prohibited.

In the case of US National Forest Land, there are a few permanent and seasonal roads. These roads are generally managed by volunteers and the local U.S. Forest Service staff.

On average, a regular snowmobiler travels 1500 miles yearly, which can fluctuate depending on various factors. But it’s easy to find enthusiastic riders in almost every snowmobiling point.

Miscellaneous Costs

You also need to buy a few products and services whenever you buy a snowmobile. For most snowmobile owners, purchasing a trailer is a must.

Besides the trailer, you will also have to purchase some gear such as jackets, bibs, boots, gloves, helmets, masks, and goggles. They are barely the minimum, and you will also probably need bags, fuel caddies, a shovel, etc. These accessories may cost you anywhere from $500 to over $1000.

Snowmobiles have an annual registration fee. This may vary from state to state, but be prepared to pay around $100-$150. Club members can get a discount on these fees.

In most states, you will need a snowmobile license to operate a snowmobile legally, costing around $30.

The cost of snowmobile insurance can vary depending on the price of your sled and the insurance pack. Liability coverage may cost only $100, while the average cost of snowmobile insurance can cost around $300-$400 annually.

Considering that an average snowmobile runs for 1,500 miles a year, you will need close to 100 gallons of gas. A garage snowmobile can get up to 15 miles per gallon of gas.

Conclusion

Most people think buying a snowmobile sounds only viable to people with lots of disposable income, but there are many ways to get a snowmobile within almost anyone’s budget.

After you’ve bought the snowmobile, you must also account for the maintenance and repairs. But if you do the servicing yourself, you can lower the cost dramatically.

Finally, you have to accept that snowboarding is an unconventionally expensive hobby. But passionate snowboarders won’t let that stop them from owning a snowmobile. The good news is that you may dramatically reduce costs and get the most out of your purchase with the appropriate information!