A snowmobile, also known in some places as a snowmachine, sled, or skimobile , is a land vehicle for travel on snow that is commonly propelled by a continuous track or tracks at the rear and steered by skis at the front.

Early snowmobiles used rubber tracks, however modern snowmobiles typically have tracks made of a Kevlar composite. They are designed to be operated on snow and ice, and require no road or trail. Originally snowmobiles were typically powered by two-stroke gasoline/petrol internal combustion engines. Four-stroke engines are becoming more and more popular in snowmobiles. Noise and air pollution concerns and regulations are a driving factor in this transition. Summertime occupations for snowmobile enthusiasts can also involve drag racing on grass, asphalt strips, or even across water.

People who ride them commonly are known as snowmobilers. The main types of riding are Snowcross/racing, trail riding, freestyle, and mountain climbing.

History