New snow season, new sleds

Valley Life editor

This year's lineup of snowmachines doesn't feature many new models, but there are numerous technological upgrades you'll find under the cowling of most manufacturers, all of which are looking for that extra edge to attract new riders.

The main new model this year comes from Polaris, and packs a wallop. The new Fusion 900 and RMK 900 models features Polaris' new IQ chassis and new Liberty engine.

"We sold quite a few of them during the Snow Checks," said Chris Graeber of Hatcher Pass Polaris. "They are completely new, from the ground up, and they've been really popular."

Also new on the 900 RMK and Fusion machines is a new front suspension that Polaris is excited about.

The new 900 RMK, 900 Fusion, 600 XC SP and 600 Touring models are all being offered in special Polaris 50th anniversary editions.

The 900 RMK anniversary edition features a 151-inch track with special 50th anniversary color and graphics.

Other than the two models, the Polaris lineup hasn't changed much. The ever-popular RMK series is still a strong seller.

At Ski-Doo, sales managers are extremely happy about new technology that is converting riders to their snowmachines.

"We've still got the Summit, which is a mountain machine, the Renegade, which is your cross-country machine, and the Skandic, which is the workhorse machine," said Randy Bedard of Valley CC Ski-Doo.

Bedard said Ski-Doo technology this year includes a new semi-direct injection, which reduces emissions while improving fuel economy, with the same power as carbureted engines.

"It is as clean burning as a four-stroke, it's more lightweight, cleaner and actually has more power," Bedard said. "We're meeting 2006 EPA emissions standards with these TEC-2s."

The Rotax 2-TEC twin cylinder engine is being touted by Ski-Doo as "the most powerful Rotax ever -- it is the most technologically advanced snowmobile power plant to ever growl down a trail."

Arctic Cat, meanwhile, has plenty to offer it's legion of riders this year. The biggest new thing from Arctic Cat is the big new M series -- but don't think you are going to swing by your favorite Arctic Cat shop and pick one up.

"They are purpose-built mountain rigs with pretty innovative stuff," said Bill O'Hara of Bill's Cat House in Big Lake. "But they're pretty much sold out all over the state. I've heard there's a couple in Anchorage, but that's about it. You can't even get them from the factory anymore."

O'Hara said the new series doesn't have a chain drive, instead using a planetary gear set that helps drop the sled's weight by seven to 10 pounds. Plus, riders who break their chain won't lose their brakes as well, making it a big improvement for safety.

"The Firecat also has that technology," O'Hara explained.

The new changes mean that you get a lighter snowmachine with more power, a great combination for most riders.

Of course, all these innovations and technological advances come at a price -- a very steep price these days.

"It's really easy to spend $10,000 on a sled right now," O'Hara said. "It doesn't matter which kind you ride, you can sink a lot of money into them, and quick."

After you have your new $10,000 snowmachine, you'll need the standard accessories, which add to the price tag.

Then, throw it on a new enclosed snowmachine trailer, and you're looking at spending almost $20,000 for a brand new, top-of-the-line snowmachine.