BY JOHN T . PRUSAK

Coming off of a low-snow winter and with interest rates still a tad bit high , we definitely understand if you feel that maybe this isn ’ t the year for you to buy a brandnew snowmobile . But that doesn ’ t mean you have to return with the same-old , same-old setup you had for the last several winters .

Instead , as the new riding season is getting started , now might be a perfect time to update your sled with some parts or accessories to make it more capable of delivering positive experiences on your next adventures .

For several decades , the Snow Goer staff and extended family of contributors have been attaching aftermarket products to snowmobiles and writing about the experience in our product test department ( called “ Cold Tested ” since 2006 ). And we just may have learned a few things along the way .

After polling our test team , here are our thoughts on potential easy add-ons we ’ d suggest considering for trail riders . Our list assumes that all maintenance issues have been addressed and the sled is in proper running order . To focus the article , we limited our list to non-performance accessories that physically attach to the snowmobile – so no sled dollies , helmet radios , trailer accessories , service tools , etc .

We ’ ve also included some “ Pro Tips ” based on our experiences installing or using the various items in the different categories .

Protect Yourself

The smaller / tighter chassis design and taller seating position of modern snowmobiles leaves riders hanging out in the breeze more than previous sled designs . Plus , there ’ s science to the fact that you get colder as you age , thanks to slowing circulation , lowering metabolic rates and a thinning of the fat layer directly under the skin . Not that any of us are getting old , of course !

Don ’ t put up with the biting pain that cold can induce any longer .

It starts with the windshield – a tall or mid-height design may not look as snazzy on the showroom floor , but it can make your riding experiences much more comfortable .

PRO TIP : Consider your trailer ’ s overhead clearance when shopping for a new window . We wrecked a few over the years in clamshell-style trailers .

Another key is protecting your hands . Handguards have become an increasingly popular option , both from the factories and the aftermarket .

Whether you use handguards or not ,

A tall windshield and handguards can change the way you think about really cold riding days .

PRO TIP : Make sure the handguards you ’ re considering will have full clearance with your sled ’ s windshield in full-lock turns .

a good set of handlebar gauntlets ( a . k . a ., hand muffs ) is another fine investment . Consider buying a set that can easily be stowed in the luggage or storage areas on your sled so you can use them in the morning or evening when the weather is especially bitter but easily pull them off if temperatures are pleasant at midday .

PRO TIP : We prefer gauntlets with some structure so they don ’ t just collapse around your hands when carrying some speed . Gauntlets that fit around installed handguards minimize that need .

Adding heat to your riding experience is another option . As the popularity of riding with a heated visor on a full-face or modular helmet continues to increase , adding a plug-in location on your sled is a relatively easy project for anybody who is comfortable running a few wires and drilling a hole .

Installing a heated seat can be a bit more complicated , depending on which sled you own , though the factory heated seats usually aren ’ t very difficult to install .

PRO TIP : Some heated seat-top pads used by ATV and motorcycle riders don ’ t work very well in a snowmobile application , particularly for active riders who move around in the saddle .

Get A Grip

One of the most impactful off-season changes you can make to your

42 / JANUARY 2025 / SNOWGOER . COM