2026 Snowmobile of the Year: Ski-Doo Summit X with Expert Package 850 E-TEC Turbo R 154

As strange – and maybe even counter-intuitive – as it sounds, Ski-Doo has once again made snowmobiling easier for the riders who seem determined to make it as difficult as possible.

Many snowmobilers try to simplify the sport by sticking to groomed trails they know, riding in low-traffic areas or on weekdays, and carefully dialing in their suspension for the best possible ride quality and handling. That all seems wise.

But some extreme mountain riders are different. Way different.

Rather than taking the simplest path to their planned destination, they purposely seek the most challenging and unique route. They want to dangle along the steepest slopes, thread through the tightest sections of trees, drop into ravines and claw their way back out using the gnarliest lines to push their own capabilities as well as those of the machine beneath them.

With that mindset, some might argue those wannabe hooligans should probably consider riding less-capable mountain sleds from 20 or 30 years ago just to prove their skills!

Instead, these extremists are drawn to the cutting-edge innovations at the top end of the mountain market that allow them to ride deeper into the backcountry, through even more precarious terrain and into areas that previously seemed unreachable.

And no brand is pushing the envelope farther – or faster – than Ski-Doo with the Summit X with Expert Package machines. Ski-Doo insiders refer to the Expert Package models as their laboratory for innovation. That’s reflected by the debut of short tunnels, tiny snowflaps, remote limiter strap adjustments, lower ergonomics and more on the Expert in 2020; a turbocharged two-stroke and belt monitoring system in 2021; and a benchmark new 34-inch ski stance in 2022. In 2023, Expert riders benefited from the all-new REV Gen5 platform, rigid tMotion XT suspension and Pilot DS4 skis.

Flash forward to 2026, and the Summit X with Expert Package models are once again setting new benchmarks. It starts with the new S32 front suspension geometry and its 32-inch ski stance. Designers didn’t just shave an inch off each side to make the S32; they created a completely redesigned suspension with new spindles, A-arms, shock angles and more.

The package also debuts new Twin Link steering geometry, which tightens the steering, limits bump steer and allows the skis to turn farther, all without adding weight. And speaking of weight, Ski-Doo carved away another 6 to 8 pounds, thanks to an even shorter and lighter tunnel, smaller and more efficient heat exchanger system and other refinements.

Most importantly, our mountain test team confirmed that all of this new stuff actually works together to create new benchmarks when riding in extreme terrain. Once accustomed to the new features, riders found the sled to be more stable, better at holding its line (even when crossing other rider’s trenches) and less demanding of constant rider input.

For some, all of this will result in easier, less-fatiguing rides. For the truly hardcore mountain riders, though, it simply means they can push limits even further.

That blend of innovation, forward-thinking design and realworld results perfectly embodies our time-tested criteria for the annual Snow Goer Snowmobile Of The Year award. For model year 2026, no sled defines that spirit better than the Ski-Doo Summit X with Expert Package 850 E-TEC Turbo R 154.