The snowmobile industry descended on North Branch, Minnesota, September 12-13 for the 59th annual Hay Days, the unofficial kickoff to winter and one of the largest gatherings of snowmobile enthusiasts in North America.
Hosted by the Sno-Barons Snowmobile Club, the two-day event brought together manufacturers, aftermarket companies, racers, dealers and thousands of snowmobilers for a weekend celebrating all things powersports. The sprawling grounds offered plenty to explore, from manufacturer displays and new-product introductions to hundreds of vendors, a massive swap meet, grass drag racing, freestyle exhibitions and UTV mud events.
The major snowmobile manufacturers were out in force, giving attendees an opportunity to get up close with 2027 models and talk directly with product representatives. Ski-Doo highlighted its 2027 lineup, including the MXZ 600RS 20th Anniversary Edition, while Lynx brought several models and interactive activities to its display. Polaris and Arctic Cat also connected with enthusiasts and industry representatives, generating plenty of conversation about the upcoming season.
Beyond the new sleds, Hay Days remains an important opportunity for the industry to reconnect after the summer, show off the latest gear and accessories, and gauge enthusiasm heading into winter. The swap meet, with more than 30 acres of space and thousands of sellers, once again offered a little bit of everything for snowmobilers looking for parts, vintage machines, riding gear and hard-to-find treasures.
The 2026 gathering also marked the final countdown to a milestone. Hay Days will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2027, making next year’s event an especially anticipated gathering for the snowmobile community.
With another successful weekend in the books, the message was clear: Snowmobile season is getting closer, and the industry is ready.
