Arctic Cat Acquires Widescape
Widescape, a stand-up snowmobile, is now in the Arctic Cat den. Cat purchased the company in early January, acquiring the Widescape names, intellectual property and existing product inventory from the previous Quebec-based company.
Widescape introduced the WS250 stand-up enduro snowmobiles in 2023. Reports say that the company, in December, filed a notice to restructure. According to its website, it had 27 dealers in the U. S. and 45 in Canada.
Comments on owner forums noted frustrations with recent customer service, optimism for the new ownership and fears about price increases. However, Arctic Cat has already reduced the unit price. Prior to the acquisition the retail price was $ 7,500; now they’ re selling for $ 6,000.
The machine uses a proprietary 242cc EFI liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine sends power through a traditional CVT clutching system to a 12- by 105- inch track with 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 connects 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 200 pounds. Additional standard features include electric start, a tether cord and a multi-function digital display screen / gauge.
“ The Widescape WS250 machine offers a very different winter recreational experience than traditional snowmobiles,” said Brad Darling, Arctic Cat President and CEO.“ It provides riders with a playful experience and the ability to go places no other snowmobile can.”
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HOLESHOTS
▶ BRP announced its
third-quarter results in December, with revenues of $ 2.25 billion, an increase of 14 % over the same time period; its net income increased by 150 % to $ 76.5 million. BRP says these increases are driven by higher off-road vehicle deliveries and favorable product mix following the successful launch of new products. Seasonal products, which includes snowmobiles, saw a decrease in revenues, however, due to lower snowmobile unit sales.
▶ The“ Snowmobiles
Aren’ t Weapons” act is working its way through Congress to prohibit running down wild animals on public lands with motorized vehicles. The act, introduced in December, was triggered by a Wyoming snowmobiler who allegedly chased a wolf, tortured it and killed it in 2024. The act was also introduced in 2024 but did not make it out of committee. There are already state statutes against this kind of cruelty in Oregon, Colorado and Minnesota.
▶ After the Olympics
wrap up, keep watching to see former snocross athlete Mike Schultz of St. Cloud, Minnesota, compete in the Paralympic Games in Cortina, Italy. Schultz lost his leg after a snocross accident in 2008 and subsequently began to make prosthetics that could handle high-impact sports. He also expanded his athletic endeavors to competitive snowboarding. This will be his third Paralympic appearance, and he hopes to add to his seven medals.
6 / FEBRUARY 2026 / SNOWGOER. COM