Wow. Ski-Doo is keeping the ball rolling in the mountain segment with big news on its two most popular deep-snow models for 2026. A lighter Summit X and a 32-inch Summit Expert are the big headlines.
We'll start with the 2026 Summit X. We at SnoWest have been riding the mountains since long before the mountain segment existed. We've always pushed the snowmobile manufacturers to build lighter machines because we know first-hand the difference weight makes when the snow gets deep and the terrrain points up.
Listen to our first ride impressions on The SnoWest Show on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Lighter Summit X
For 2026, Ski-Doo engineers heard that cry and shaved 14 pounds off of the Summit X 154 3" 850 E-Tec. And, Ski-Doo dropped the torsion springs for a new rear coil-over suspension (T Motion X with Coilover) that not only saves weight, but improves handling in the mountains.
Where did Ski-Doo remove weight on the 2026 Summit X? Mostly from the tunnel, but here's the breakdown:
- New forged aluminum upper control arms (-0.5 lbs)
- New front S Module (-1.5 lbs)
- Super Short tunnel design. (-5 lbs)
- Shorter heat exchanger / less coolant (-2 lbs)
- Lightweight airbox––NA only (-1 lb)
- New lightweight T Motion X with Coilover rear suspension (-2 lbs)
- New PowderMax Ultra-Light track (-2 lbs)
- Delete external limiter adjuster
- New snow flap/ brake light assembly
The new forged upper A arms and a new S Module shave two pounds off of the nose of the 2026 Summit X. The S Module features a new high-tech casting method that creates a thinner-wall structure with strategic reinforcements.
The tunnel has been shortened by 45mm on 154 models and by 61mm on 165 models. Also, the tunnel materials are thinner as well as the two tunnel cross member supports. A shortened heat exchanger cuts back on the amount of coolant the sled carries. This new Super Short tunnel desing carries over to the Summit Expert, too. More on that later.
The T Motion X with Coilover rear susepnsion now weighs 39.3 lbs in the 154 configuration, and it has two inches more travel than the competition.
New ice scratchers are desinged to be lighter, more robust and direct snow into the rear suspension better than previous desings.
The new PowderMax Ultra-Light (154 only) track features a main belt that is 20-thousandths of an inch thinner, and narrower alternating outer lugs.
A new snow flap and tail light assembly is 27 grams lighter than the previous desing.
32-inch Summit Expert
For 2026, Ski-Doo is introducing an all-new front end on the Summit Expert. Dubbed the S32, this front suspension features new control arms, new spindles, new lightweight piggyback KYB shocks and a new Twin Link steering system.
The narrower 32-inch ski stance is only found on Expert models and is said to improve track-to-snow contact in sidehills by 8 percent and give the Summit Expert surgical precision in backcountry terrain.
The new ski spindle is taller to accommodate the new control arms.
The new Twin Link steering system is lightweight, eliminates any free play and reduces bump steer by 52 percent. Steering angle is improved by 30 percent as well. The skis track straighter and the steering benefits are on par with rack steering (found on the Freeride) but without the extra weight. There is less deflection off of old tracks under the snow as well.
Other changes to the 2026 Summit Expert include the new Super Short tunnel (explained above on the Summit X) that has been shortened by 45mm on 154 models and by 61mm on 165 models. Also included is a shorter heat exchanger that reduces the amount of coolant carried on the machine.
2026 Summit Expert 165 models are now 8 pounds lighter while 154 models are 6 lbs lighter.
GroupRide
The optional 10.25-inch color touchscreen now features BRP Connect, built-in GPS with GroupRide and does not require a phone to use GPS technology. Groups are easy to create and join through the BRP Connect app, and the system will show BRP riders in your group as well as other BRP riders who are using GroupRide in their groups. The new system will also show last-known location if a machine is turned off or out of range.
Freeride
The 2026 Freeride gets the new Super Short tunnel design (154 and 165) for weight reduction but retains the full-length heat exchanger. A new Scandi Blue color options joins Timeless Black.
Summit Adrenaline w/EDGE
Ski-Doo is offering the 2026 in-season Summit Adrenaline wth EDGE in 850 E-Tec Turbo R options. The model is available in two colorways and comes with either the 600R E-Tec engine, the 850 E-Tec engine or the 850 E-Tec Turbo R otpion.
Gen 5 Summit Neo Plus
The 2026 Ski-Doo Summit Neo and Summit Neo Plus recieve the Gen5 platform for improved ergonomics, ride quality and handling.