Arctic Cat announced Jan. 6 that it is expanding its winter recreation portfolio with the acquisition of Widescape, a brand known for its WS250 stand-up enduro snowmobiles.
As part of the purchase, Arctic Cat will take over all Widescape names, intellectual property, and existing product inventory from the previous Quebec-based brand. Specific financial terms were not released.
“The Widescape WS250 machine offers a very different winter recreational experience than traditional snowmobiles,” says Brad Darling, Arctic Cat president and CEO. “It provides riders with a playful experience and the ability to go places no other snowmobile can.”
First introduced in 2023, the Widescape WS250 is a narrow, single-passenger vehicle designed for over-snow riding. Its proprietary 242cc EFI liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine sends power through a traditional CVT clutching system to a 12- by 105-inch track featuring 1.5-inch lugs. The track wraps around a single-shock rear suspension with 4 inches of travel. Up front, a 12-inch-wide single ski is connected to a dual-strut suspension with 5.5 inches of travel.
Riders typically stand atop the tunnel on non-slip material, and control the vehicle using traditional throttle and brake controls mounted on a raised handlebar. With its aluminum frame, tunnel, and handlebar plus composite bodywork, the WS250 has a dry weight of just 200 pounds. This lightweight construction enhances maneuverability and makes the vehicles very responsive to rider inputs.
Additional standard features include electric start, a tether cord, and a multifunction digital display screen and gauge.
The WS250 Widescape has an MSRP of $5,999.
Since the purchase of Arctic Cat from Argo back in April 2025, the newly controlled company has made significant strides. It has launched new products in the snowmobile, ATV, and side-by-side markets; restarted major unit production; introduced and expanded new technologies such as electric power steering on two-stroke snowmobiles; re-entered racing; and continued to grow its dealer base across North America.
“Arctic Cat is charging forward into a bold new future,” Darling adds. “The acquisition of the Widescape brand demonstrates our belief in the long-lasting future of on-snow motorized recreation.”
Arctic Cat has named Northpoint Commercial Finance as the exclusive provider of inventory lending and floorplan financing for its dealer network across the United States and Canada.
The partnership is designed to deliver flexible, customized financing programs supported by a dedicated customer service team, giving Arctic Cat dealers additional tools to manage inventory and improve cash flow.
“Partnering with Northpoint is a key step in fulfilling Arctic Cat’s commitment to being the right business partner for our dealers,” says Brad Darling, president and CEO of Arctic Cat. “As we continue to define our path forward, it’s critical that we provide attractive financing opportunities that support dealer profitability and help drive sales.”
Northpoint President and CEO Dan Radley said the collaboration builds on established industry relationships and aligns with Arctic Cat’s renewed dealer-first strategy.
“Arctic Cat is a strong and respected brand, and we’re excited to support their dealer network with financing solutions designed to help dealers operate with confidence,” Radley notes.
Since acquiring Arctic Cat in April 2025, company leadership has emphasized strengthening dealer partnerships through improved support, service, and value-driven programs. Erik Nelson, vice president of sales for Arctic Cat, said Northpoint’s approach fits that strategy.
“As we grow our dealer network and pursue new opportunities in open markets, Northpoint gives us the flexibility and support needed to deliver on our promises to dealers,” Nelson says.
The financing announcement comes as Arctic Cat prepares to launch its MY27 snowmobile lineup later this winter, adding momentum for dealers evaluating brand alignment and inventory planning heading into the next model year.
Polaris is relaunching its Free Snowmobile Rides program in February, offering complimentary one-hour demo rides at participating Polaris Adventures locations in key snow destinations across the U.S.
The annual program is designed to introduce new riders to snowmobiling while giving existing enthusiasts hands-on experience with Polaris’ latest snowmobile models. Riders can register in advance through Polaris’ website and book a guided ride at select outfitter locations with direct trail access.
“Our goal is to make winter adventure accessible and fun,” says Jenny Nack, vice president and general manager of Polaris Snow. “This program gives riders an easy way to try snowmobiling, explore new destinations, and experience Polaris snowmobiles firsthand.”
The Free Snowmobile Rides program is open to riders of all experience levels, from first-time participants to seasoned snowmobilers. Each session includes a safety briefing, use of protective gear, and guidance from experienced outfitters. Riders will demo current Polaris snowmobiles during a one-hour, guided on-trail ride. Polaris reported that last year’s program reached capacity within weeks, prompting the company to bring the initiative back for 2026.