Snowmobile vs. Tracked ATV vs. Snowbike: Which Winter Machine Is Best for Ontario Riders?

Growing up in a snowmobiling family, the thrill of traversing the northern landscape in winter is something you never forget. Winter powersports are fun and exciting recreational activities, now with multiple travel machine options at our disposal. The best way to tour the north is up to the individual rider, be it a conventional snowmobile, a tracked ATV, or a snowbike (converted tracked motocross). 

Winter motorsport enthusiasts have for some time argued about which mode of cold-weather transport is superior: the beloved snowmobile, or the newer tracked ATVs and bikes. Heck, some ATVers (like those on the COATV Club trails in Simcoe County) skip the track completely and ATV year-round. There is no hard and fast rule on which method is better, just advantages and disadvantages to consider for each application.

Ontario’s mix of deep powder, hard-packed trails, frozen lakes and forested routes creates some of the most diverse winter-riding conditions in Canada—perfect for testing each machine!

How the Snowmobile vs. Tracked ATV vs. Snowbike Debate Began

Let’s see where it all started.

When Canadian snow pioneer Joseph-Armand Bombardier invented the very first snow machine back in 1935, he had no idea of its impact on winter travel. The enterprising young Bombardier designed a snowmobile which paved the way for the modern snow machines we see today. With skis and a rubber track, the first Bombardier snow machine maneuvered both hard-packed trails and soft snow with ease.

Ever in search of the perfect ride, we didn't stop there. Although modern snow machines are more sophisticated today, the concept of a rubber track with skis remains consistent—we see this same layout with the latest tracked ATVs and snowbikes. However, each form has its own strengths, and this means that each machine has built its own fanbase.

Snowmobile Advantages: Speed, Stability and Ontario’s Trail System

Conventional snowmobiles generally outperform tracked ATVs and snowbikes on hard-packed snow, due to their lightweight design, optimized track length, and low center of gravity. Experienced riders say conventional snowmobiles offer maneuverability and speed on most snow-covered terrain.

Sleds are smoother with improved stability and specialized engineering for cold environments, ensuring superior performance and comfort in winter conditions.

Plus, Ontario boasts over 25,500 km of maintained snowmobile trails throughout the province—a network made especially with snowmobiles in mind.

Still, that does not mean they are the ONLY fun winter option!

How Tracked ATVs and Snowbikes Perform in Ontario’s Mixed Winter Terrain

Tracked ATVs and snowbikes have grown increasingly popular in Ontario, as versatile and bona fide alternatives to conventional snowmobiles for some clear reasons:

• Powersports enthusiasts are drawn to their easy transition between seasons by simply swapping wheels for track kits.

• Unlike snowmobiles, tracked ATVs can tow equipment and handle mixed terrain, making them practical for both work and recreation.

Snowbikes, meanwhile, offer an agile and adrenaline-filled experience for winter sport speed junkies. Their adaptability and year-round usability make them exciting for adventurers wanting performance beyond the limits of traditional snow machines.

• For more information on snowbiking in Ontario, dive into The Ultimate Guide to Snowbiking in Ontario and Snowbike Adventures in Ontario's Backcountry

Expert Insight: Mark Williams on Winter Riding Machines in Ontario

Expert riders, like garage-owner Mark Williams, an experienced north-countryman, have converted and field-tested many tracked ATVs and snowbikes over the years. A master mechanic and winter snowmachine aficionado, Mark has built and driven more power equipment in his life than most snowmobile club members combined. 

Mark finds tracked ATVs to be somewhat comparable to conventional snowmobiles, with functional tracks running both front and back, though he still prefers his snowmobile for long rides.

His snowbike, however, is an altogether unique experience.

A snowbike replaces its wheels with snow tracks and a front ski, transforming it into a snow-ready vehicle. Designed for winter travel, it provides high maneuverability in soft snow and tight spaces—ideal for forest exploration and extreme winter sports.

“With its big, wide front ski, it is difficult to steer on hard-packed conditions,” Mark said. “My snowbike will go anywhere in powder, though.”

That said, it should be noted that snowbikes are not permitted on OFSC Snowmobile Trails. But since soft, powder snow conditions are where these ultra-light snowbikes really shine, might as well take them off-trail anyway and leave the packed stuff for the sleds.

"I was riding with friends who had heavy snowmachines along the power lines last winter, and they all got stuck in the deep stuff,” Mark explained. “I drove all around them with ease, laughing… I was even able to stop and take off right beside them in deep snow.”

With their extremely lightweight design, snowbikes are a lot of fun in the right conditions.

Consensus: How To Choose the Best Winter Riding Machine for Ontario Trail Conditions

Which winter riding vehicle is best comes down to a matter of choice (so long as you are enjoying the beautiful northern landscape), as well as the conditions you prefer to ride in.

• Scant snowfall and hard-packed trails with some ice are better for conventional snow machines and tracked ATVs

• Wilderness and field travel in thick powdered snow conditions is better for tracked motocross bikes

Bottom line: Snowmobiles dominate on hard-packed trails; snowbikes shine in deep powder; tracked ATVs excel in mixed terrain. 

A friendly reminder: in Northern Ontario, it is suggested you check snow conditions first before heading out. Be sure to do your sledding homework before hitting the trails this winter.

Enjoy the great outdoors this winter—and perhaps I'll see you on the trails!

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