We sent Snow Goer Tech Writer T. J. Krob to Austria to visit the engine-maker that’ s served Ski-Doo since the early 1960s
The Rotax Factory
Experience
We sent Snow Goer Tech Writer T. J. Krob to Austria to visit the engine-maker that’ s served Ski-Doo since the early 1960s
STORY AND PHOTOS BY T. J. KROB
GUNSKIRCHEN
Austria
▼ A ROTAX HOMAGE
Where can one find a coffee maker seemingly powered by a light aircraft engine? At Rotaxstraße 1, 4623 Gunskirchen, Austria – the home of Rotax engines. The company’ s main lobby showcases every realm of what BRP-Rotax offers, including some fantasy applications like the coffee maker. Displays of products and equipment go way back to the company’ s roots in bicycles, with its original product – a rotating-axle bike – next to a Simplon pedal e-bike equipped with a Rotax Pinion gearset. Also on display are Rotax’ s flagship 125 MAX karts, Lynx and Ski-Doo snowmobiles, engines found in BMW and Aprilia motorcycles and more fun toys powered by Rotax. A lobby in another building showcases every current engine and motor: from E powerplants to watercraft mills, the Maverick R with DCT next to an 850 E-Tec next to a 900ACE. And they’ re all made just beyond the lobby walls.
40 / JANUARY 2026 / SNOWGOER. COM