Beginner Snowmobile-Complete noob

[mtnbound]

Been thinking about getting my first snowmobile, I know absolutely nothing about them. That being said, it'll ONLY be for hunting and going into remote lakes, no crazy climbs or anything serious. Mostly just groomed trails to get around faster then the atv on tracks.

One of the spots we're wolf hunting is a long slow ride in the side by side. I assume a mid 2000s 4-stroke anything would be reliable and effecient for this need? Googling snowmobile reliability is like opening pandora's box...
Most of which I don't understand as it's all written in go fast lingo

Thanks for any help or ideas for what to look into and look for. I have about 5-6 weeks to research it before I consider a purchase, so just a general idea of what to research to cut out the bs is helpful.

I would look for 2010 and up. 150” track length and over 2” lug height. Trails in N Idaho get whooped out fast so the older sleds with their limited suspension travel are going to suck very quickly. Short tracks also suck in the whoops. Standing is a lot more comfortable than sitting so the newer machines also tend to be taller which is good.
Reverse is nice to have even if it’s only used for unloading.
Get an engine compression tester and test the machine before you purchase a used one.
4-strokes are about twice as heavy as 2-strokes.
A dedicated trail machine can be difficult to use even on ungroomed logging roads especially with no experience.
Snowmobiles are not similar to anything else they have a different balance and control aspect to them.
You will get stuck.
How are you going to transport the sled to the trails?

 

[Idaho4x4Bronco]

I would look for 2010 and up. 150” track length and over 2” lug height. Trails in N Idaho get whooped out fast so the older sleds with their limited suspension travel are going to suck very quickly. Short tracks also suck in the whoops. Standing is a lot more comfortable than sitting so the newer machines also tend to be taller which is good.
Reverse is nice to have even if it’s only used for unloading.
Get an engine compression tester and test the machine before you purchase a used one.
4-strokes are about twice as heavy as 2-strokes.
A dedicated trail machine can be difficult to use even on ungroomed logging roads especially with no experience.
Snowmobiles are not similar to anything else they have a different balance and control aspect to them.
You will get stuck.
How are you going to transport the sled to the trails?

Sorry for late replies, I've been outside all day getting the plow on the atv, and I scored a craigslist grandpa canopy for my F-350 for $300 so I can look like uncle Bob now

I have 2 flatbeds I can haul with, not an issue there. I should of added I'm about 6' 220 and will be hauling a little gear with me. If you're familiar with the area around Sandpoint, I'll be around Priest Lake and all over the Bunco/high drive area, usually alone.

That being said, after reading everyone's opinions and experiences, am I better off to just go buy a brand new sled ? (assuming I'll keep it a long time)

Am I better off getting something new, refined, that I can grow into? I don't plan to ever leave N Idaho, and I already have an atv and a close friend with a UTV on tracks (currently what I've been out in)

It looks like last year's model Ski doo Backcountry sport is only about $10k new, little more for a 2025 model, and would cover all my bases? As I said, it's just for traveling to frozen lakes and predator hunting, my fatass isn't shooting up any avalanche slopes lol.

 

[7mm-08]

Sorry for late replies, I've been outside all day getting the plow on the atv, and I scored a craigslist grandpa canopy for my F-350 for $300 so I can look like uncle Bob now

I have 2 flatbeds I can haul with, not an issue there. I should of added I'm about 6' 220 and will be hauling a little gear with me. If you're familiar with the area around Sandpoint, I'll be around Priest Lake and all over the Bunco/high drive area, usually alone.

That being said, after reading everyone's opinions and experiences, am I better off to just go buy a brand new sled ? (assuming I'll keep it a long time)

Am I better off getting something new, refined, that I can grow into? I don't plan to ever leave N Idaho, and I already have an atv and a close friend with a UTV on tracks (currently what I've been out in)

It looks like last year's model Ski doo Backcountry sport is only about $10k new, little more for a 2025 model, and would cover all my bases? As I said, it's just for traveling to frozen lakes and predator hunting, my fatass isn't shooting up any avalanche slopes lol.

Laugh all you want at that canopy, but having just a few inches of headroom in there is MONEY! Good luck with your snow machine purchase. Last I rode one of those things was in the early to mid-60's shortly after Bombardier first produced a single-cylinder machine. I've been following this thread, and doing some Internet queries - what an advancement in technology!

 

[Wrench]

Sorry for late replies, I've been outside all day getting the plow on the atv, and I scored a craigslist grandpa canopy for my F-350 for $300 so I can look like uncle Bob now

I have 2 flatbeds I can haul with, not an issue there. I should of added I'm about 6' 220 and will be hauling a little gear with me. If you're familiar with the area around Sandpoint, I'll be around Priest Lake and all over the Bunco/high drive area, usually alone.

That being said, after reading everyone's opinions and experiences, am I better off to just go buy a brand new sled ? (assuming I'll keep it a long time)

Am I better off getting something new, refined, that I can grow into? I don't plan to ever leave N Idaho, and I already have an atv and a close friend with a UTV on tracks (currently what I've been out in)

It looks like last year's model Ski doo Backcountry sport is only about $10k new, little more for a 2025 model, and would cover all my bases? As I said, it's just for traveling to frozen lakes and predator hunting, my fatass isn't shooting up any avalanche slopes lol.

I'm pretty much in the same area as you. I like fan cooled sleds for spring bear potential. I've unloaded at the snow line at ruby or snow creek and found half mile stretches of dirt.

Those skidoo expeditions in Wallace would be the ticket. I am doing my level best to not buy them as I have a trail rmk here now.

 

[cnelk]

Buy new.
Insure it.
Drive it like you stole it and have the insurance cover anything that goes wrong.

 

[mtnbiker208]

I will never tell anyone not to ride alone, i have rode alone more than most people. When training for the irondog, i had a 125 mile loop out of the house in wolf lodge, i ran that loop alone alot that winter, i always had a bailout plan. Walking 1 mile in the snow sucks, let alone 30 miles to a trailhead. Have the gear for when it goes wrong. Buy new.

 

[Idaho4x4Bronco]

I will never tell anyone not to ride alone, i have rode alone more than most people. When training for the irondog, i had a 125 mile loop out of the house in wolf lodge, i ran that loop alone alot that winter, i always had a bailout plan. Walking 1 mile in the snow sucks, let alone 30 miles to a trailhead. Have the gear for when it goes wrong. Buy new.

That's kind of where my research last night led to me after reading all the replies here. In the UTV, we have enough gear to be safe if the worst happens, on a sled, maybe not so much. My employer offers a 40% discount on Garmin, so I guess it's time for an inreach.

@Wrench, are you talking about Valley power sports? Or something else?

And yes, I did laugh at the canopy but that tent during spring bear this year had a lot to do with that canopy finding a home on my rig

 

[johnnycake]

For hunting and ice fishing, fan cooled sleds are king. Love my Skidoo 550f.

 

[mtnbound]

Sorry for late replies, I've been outside all day getting the plow on the atv, and I scored a craigslist grandpa canopy for my F-350 for $300 so I can look like uncle Bob now

I have 2 flatbeds I can haul with, not an issue there. I should of added I'm about 6' 220 and will be hauling a little gear with me. If you're familiar with the area around Sandpoint, I'll be around Priest Lake and all over the Bunco/high drive area, usually alone.

That being said, after reading everyone's opinions and experiences, am I better off to just go buy a brand new sled ? (assuming I'll keep it a long time)

Am I better off getting something new, refined, that I can grow into? I don't plan to ever leave N Idaho, and I already have an atv and a close friend with a UTV on tracks (currently what I've been out in)

It looks like last year's model Ski doo Backcountry sport is only about $10k new, little more for a 2025 model, and would cover all my bases? As I said, it's just for traveling to frozen lakes and predator hunting, my fatass isn't shooting up any avalanche slopes lol.

The trailers can limit you at times due to available parking and low snow conditions. Yes, I am very familiar with where you will be riding and hunting. The Bunco is only usable for a very short period due to its elevation, so you will have miles of low or no snow, especially early or late season. Your best bet is to come in from Clark Fork. Trestle is similar. Priest holds snow longer, but logging on the east side limits access, so parking can be an issue. On the west side, it tends to be easier to find parking. Pack River is affected by timberland ownership, which changes from year to year.
Buying a new sled might be the best bet, as there are many overpriced used sleds. You might also seriously consider putting tracks on your ATV; it will maximize your ability to access the areas for hunting.
If you want to access the mountain lakes for wolf hunting, don't bother; you will not find them there as the lakes are end destinations for sleds and bikes, and I have never seen animals in there during the winter.
Get an InReach; do not rely on the SAT coms of an iPhone. If you want to talk, DM me. I am always happy to help folks kill wolves.

 

[Wrench]

That's kind of where my research last night led to me after reading all the replies here. In the UTV, we have enough gear to be safe if the worst happens, on a sled, maybe not so much. My employer offers a 40% discount on Garmin, so I guess it's time for an inreach.

@Wrench, are you talking about Valley power sports? Or something else?

And yes, I did laugh at the canopy but that tent during spring bear this year had a lot to do with that canopy finding a home on my rig

I sent you a link.

 

[Preston]

You will be looking at used sleds and a salesman will show you one of these vintage 440 rental machines - it will seem big enough, seem to have more than enough power, seem to not get stuck riding the groomed trail behind the dealer’s showroom, seem to be something great to get your feet wet, but don’t fall for it. These old things from any of the brands have been rode hard and are long in the tooth, not to mention they are dinosaurs - think of them like a 1970 Datsun pickup. The world has evolved so far from where these 1980 machines were, it’s not even close to what everyone is talking about. Lol

View attachment 803241

There is a joke about 1980s snowmobile. They are like women, you work on them all day just to ride them for five minutes.

 

[Silveroddo]

There is a joke about 1980s snowmobile. They are like women, you work on them all day just to ride them for five minutes.

I think that applies to any sled that's over 10 years old or over a few thousand miles, lol.

 

[CorbLand]

Probably never will but now I got a sxs with tune and clutch kit. Supper smooth but it will hit 85 real fast so my brain has to control the gas pedal. Growing up racing and in power sports speed is an addiction. I still would like to get on one and squeeze it to the handle bar

I get the wanna go fast addiction. Grew up with quads and sleds between my legs from a pretty young age. The new boosted sleds are absolutely insane. All the guys I use to ride with won’t get them and they are some very good riders.

Last year my cousins husband was riding one. Climbing hill, wheelied it over and pinned him underneath it. Killed him before anyone could get to him. Scary stuff man.

But like you. I would like to mash the throttle on one as well. I played with one in a guys backyard but there wasn’t enough room to really get on it hard.

 

[bow_dozer]

If you are handy at all the mid 2000 rmk will do that. Before I had to cut back on expensive hobbies (married with kid) going to the mountains riding was what I lived for. I sure would like to get on one of these new ones with boost and a 165 track. I can’t imagine how hard they pull now.

They pull pretty hard, when it’s not in the shop being worked on or recalls….