SnoWest February 2025

SPECIALIZED LUBRICANTS ENGINEERED FOR WHAT YOU RIDE AND HOW YOU RIDE SPECIALIZED LUBRICANTS ENGINEERED FOR WHAT YOU DRIVE AND HOW YOU DRIVE

FEBRUARY 2025

THE AUTHORITY FOR WESTERN SNOWMOBILING

FEATURES

18 ARCTIC CAT M 858

Matching Riding Style To Technical Terrain

24 SKI-DOO BACKCOUNTRY X-RS Perfect For Trails & Terrain

26 POLARIS SWITCHBACK ASSAULT Power, Performance, Perfection

28 ARCTIC CAT RIOT 858 SNO PRO 146 Made For The Trails But Excels In Terrain

30 FIGHTING FOG

The Heated Goggle Evolution

32 BEHIND THE LENS

SnoWest’s Photo Annual

DEPARTMENTS 6 STAFF 8 SNOWDUST 14 NEW PRODUCTS 16 SNOW REPORT 52 ADVERTISER INDEX 54 SNOWDUST

COVER

The Lynx Shredder lineup is making more and more noise in North America.

What will we see next Rider: Jason Ribi Photo: Tristin Ironi for SnoWest

CONTENTS

Jason Ribi trades the Shredder DS featured on the cover for the Shredder RE. Rider: Jason Ribi Photo: Tristin Ironi for SnoWest

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HARRIS PUBLISHING, INC. Darryl W. Harris—Founder Jason Harris—President Chuck Harris—Vice President Ryan Harris—Vice President Clayton Ward—Treasurer ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL OFFICES 190 1st St. Idaho Falls, ID 83401 Phone: 208-524-7000 Fax: 208-522-5241

PUBLISHER / CONTENT DIRECTOR RYAN HARRIS EXECUTIVE EDITOR - BRADY L. KAY EMERITUS EDITOR - STEVE JANES PHOTOGRAPHER - TRISTIN IRONI SNOWEST TEST STAFF RYAN HARRIS - STEVE JANES RHETT CLARK - NATE KING JUSTIN STEVENS - BRUCE KERBS BROC GENTA ADVERTISING MANAGER - KEVIN MALCOM kevin@snowest.com EDITORIAL STAFF - REBECCA BLACKSON DESIGN - LAVON HORNE IT DIRECTOR - CHUCK HARRIS CONTROLLER - CLAYTON WARD ACCOUNTING - JASON HARRIS CIRCULATION - CHUCK HARRIS WEB CONTENT CREATOR - KARCIN HARRIS NEWSSTAND MANAGEMENT ProCirc Retail Solutions Group SnoWest Magazine is published 7 times per year by Harris Publishing, Inc., Copyright (c) 2025, Harris Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part, without written permission, is strictly prohibited.

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SNOWDUST

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RIDER: STEVE MARTIN PHOTO: TRISTIN IRONI FOR SNOWEST SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025 9

SNOWDUST

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RIDER: BRUCE KERBS PHOTO: TRISTIN IRONI FOR SNOWEST SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025 11

SNOWDUST

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RIDER: RILEY KINCAID PHOTO: TRISTIN IRONI FOR SNOWEST SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025 13

COMPLETE ACCESS

As a trusted name in backcountry safety, Backcountry Access has been keeping riders safe through education as well as by offering quality products. If you’re going to play in the mountains, you need an avalanche beacon, it’s as simple as that. BCA invented the digital multi-antenna avalanche beacon, and now its Tracker avalanche beacons are considered the benchmark for durability, ease-of-use and simplicity. The BCA Tracker S Avalanche Beacon ($299.95) is a new lightweight avalanche beacon with a slim and low profile design with a real-time display. The redesigned case with improved ergonomics includes a harness and the beacon includes batteries.

An avalanche beacon is a great first step, but don’t forget the shovel. BCA Dozer 2H-S Avalanche Shovel ($119.95) is

locked and loaded for easy deployment. It includes a mediumsized blade, hoe mode, and 16cm folding wood saw stowed in oval shaft. The folding saw includes a high strength polymer handle and 420 stainless steel taperground, razor teeth blade.

Lastly, you need a place to store your gear and this is where the BCA MtnPro Tunnel Bag ($149.95) comes in. The low profile tunnel bag includes multiple mounting options for most snowmobiles so you can keep your airbag on, even when digging out sleds. With the MtnPro Tunnel Bag, your extra shovel is accessible and secure–along with all your extra gear for an unexpected night out.

It is compatible with Polaris Lock and Ride system and no drilling is required for the Ski-Doo Linq system or Polaris tunnels. (www.backcountryaccess.com)

MULTI-SPORT VERSATILITY The Vivid Jacket is engineered to be a high-performance and lightweight, reflecting TOBE’s commitment to supporting a diverse community of adventurers.

Just like the Vivid Monosuit, this jacket bridges the gap between snowmobiling and other winter activities, spotlighting its dedication to multi-sport versatility.

Built to withstand the toughest conditions, the Vivid Jacket ($449) features a rugged, no-nonsense design that’s essential for serious backcountry riders and skiers. When you’re tearing through fresh powder on a sled, the Vivid Jacket guarantees uncompromising performance and durability.

Key features include a 100 percent windproof and waterproof design, while still delivering optimal breathability. There are also four exterior pockets, and inner goggle pocket at well as mesh lined cell-phone pocket. Other highlights include a Sympatex 45.000mm membrane, full body Cordura, YKK Aquaguard zippers and reinforced seams. (www.tobeouterwear.com/us)

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RIDE THE RIDGE

Pairing your jacket with a quality bib is a recipe for success and FXR’s Ridge Pro Trilaminate Bib Pant has a lot of the features you’re looking for. For starters, the nylon/spandex Omni-Stretch outershell includes a Teflon finish with a waterproof and breathable HuroXPro PTFE membrane that is fully seam-sealed.

The Ridge Pro Bib ($499.99) includes a two-way front zipper and two-way side leg zippers, removable foam knee pads and adjustable suspenders. (www.fxrracing.com)

YOUR GO-TO GLOVE

The Pro-Tec Leather Glove ($99.99) from FXR is considered the go-to glove for 80-90 percent of the mountain riding conditions. It features a winning combination of handlebar feel, warmth, waterproofing, and durability.

The palm and the thumb are reinforced with full grain leather and the Thinsulate offers 150g of back of the hand and thumb insulation, with un-insulated palm. Another highlight is the HydrX Pro X-grip bonded palm construction as well as the soft gauge index finger goggle wipe and goggle wipe suede thumb. (www.fxrracing.com) d

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SNOW REPORT

YETI SNOWMX RETURNS TO C3 POWERSPORTS As of July 2023, YETI SnowMX has officially returned to its original home: C3 Powersports after its previous sale to Camso.

While there may have been some confusion around what was happening with the brand, the company is happy to be back in the hands of the people who made the YETI brand what it is.

This isn’t just a transition—it’s a revival of the passion, innovation, and performance that made YETI the leader in snowbike excellence prior to its acquisition.

When Camso/Michelin stepped away from the snowbike space, C3 Powersports saw the chance to rebuild what they started in 2015. The next chapter of YETI has already begun and their mission is clearer than ever: to push the boundaries of snowbike performance and redefine what’s possible in the industry.

“YETI is no stranger to shaking up the snowbike indus-

try,” reported C3 Powersports in a statement. “From the beginning, we’ve been about more than just kits—we’ve been about setting the standard on performance and innovation. With C3 back at the helm, riders can expect the same dedication to lightweight designs, unmatched performance, and a legendary riding experience.”

For Snowcheck, Spring 2026, C3 Powersports is upping the ante with innovations shaped by the insights of the best in the sport. They’ve put them to the test with some of the industry’s leading athletes to ensure that every YETI product delivers unbeatable performance—whether you’re carving through powder or tackling technical trails.

With the 2025 season underway and Snowcheck 2026 just around the corner, YETI is poised to deliver a new level of performance and innovation. (YETIsnowmx.ca)

REVOLUTIONARY TRAIL-MAPPING APP Connect with riders and access real-time trail updates with the app TrailIntel, the groundbreaking all-in-one platform for snowmobiling and ATV enthusiasts. Never ride alone as you join a network of riders, clubs, and businesses to help make the most of your sport. The app includes social networking tools such as rider profiles, friend invites, and photo sharing.

The app allows you to access real-time trail updates to discover trail detours, closures, and other hazards before and during your ride. Advanced trail maps provide comprehensive details, including destinations and services, club boundaries, individual and multi-state views, local trails, groomer tracking, and a Garmin integration for seamless navigation.

Available for download, the app is currently focused on 16 SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025

the Northeastern United States, with plans to expand nationwide by mid-2026 so you can find, plan, and navigate the very best routes in a given area.

Designed by veteran outdoor sporting platform and mapping software GPS Trailmasters, TrailIntel integrates real-time trail conditions, grooming schedules, group communication features, and a comprehensive club management toolset to capture the outdoor experience.

Debuting at the height of the winter season when outdoor sports enthusiasts are just getting started, TrailIntel has a strong community focus with a key initiative to give a portion of rider subscription costs directly back to the clubs and entities that support outdoor sports. (trailintel.com)

FREE POLARIS RIDES Polaris is offering FREE SNOWMOBILE RIDES this season at more than 50 of its participating Polaris Adventures Outfitter locations nationwide. The program is designed to allow riders of all types to experience the sport of snowmobiling. This program builds on Polaris’ long history of helping people experience the joy and adventure of winter.

“As a company that got its start by a desire to fully embrace the winter season, we are passionate about helping people adventure outdoors and have a special place in our hearts for snow,” said Jenny Nack, vice president and general manager, Polaris Snow. “Polaris is bringing those two things together to help more people experience the sport of snowmobiling – for free. We don’t think that winter needs to be a time to just hunker down and hibernate, especially when there are incredible memories to be made outside.”

Now through snow season 2025, riders can claim a free, one-hour ride at a participating Polaris Adventures location of their choice by visiting polaris.com/snowdemos to request a code. From there, riders can select their desired riding location and book their free ride. If an hour is simply not enough there may be opportunity to book and pay for extended time.

Since its launch in 2017, Polaris Adventures has become a leading powersports vehicles’ rental program, creating opportunities for customers to get outside, try new activities, or new models for those who may already own a powersports vehicle. Polaris Adventures has grown to offer adventure experiences at over 250 plus outfitter locations across the U.S. and Canada, as well as experiences in Mexico and New Zealand. (polaris.com/snowmobiles) (adventures.polaris.com) d

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ARCTIC CAT M 858 ALPHA ONE 146 LIGHTWEIGHT MEETS AGILE

BY STEVE JANES

RILEY KINCAID With all the potential options of engine sizes, track sizes and shock packages, there’s perhaps just too much information for a human brain to process in picking out the perfect snowmobile. Fortunately, Arctic Cat has introduced AI on its website with Find Your Ride—Arctic Cat’s guide to picking the perfect sled, to help you sort out the options and match those things most important to you with the right model.

First, where you ride: Well, let’s check the Mountain/ Backcountry box. After all, even though we do spend time on the trails, we’re looking for the best performance in technical terrain.

Next, snow conditions: This is a little more challenging.

After all, snow has a tendency to change according to the temperatures and other weather factors. It may come down light and fluffy, but when the sun comes out the 18 SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025

snow starts to settle. The wind can make it a tad crusty.

And other riders leave frozen tracks that get buried under new snow. But for the majority of the winter it has a firm base. So let’s check Dense/Wet Snow.

Experience Level: We all want to think of ourselves as pretty competent on the snow, especially those of us who have been at this for a few years. So we’re naturally going to check Experienced.

Riding Style: It’s all about big air, big bumps, steep hills, trees and terrain. After all, we’re just a bunch of Extreme Adrenaline Junkies.

Sled Size: It’s about Horsepower, Track Speed and Suspension.

Now we’ll click the button Best Match to see what AI says we’re going to be most happy riding this season.

And the sled is …

DAVID MCCLURE It didn’t take AI to realize the best match would be the Arctic Cat M 858 Mountain Cat Alpha One with a 146x2.5inch PowerClaw track, AWS suspension and the AC G8 Gauge. But it’s nice to have reinforcing proof to convince ourselves it’s worth shelling out $18,999 to get the sled that’s going to deliver the maximum enjoyment this winter. It may even be worth coming up with another $300 to upgrade the suspension to ATAC so you can make onthe-fly adjustments to the shocks to dial in the perfect ride as terrain conditions change.

Cat’s new 858 engine package matched with the Catalyst platform represents an 11 percent power output increase over last year’s M 800. A new air intake system and new exhaust valve design delivers constant power and cleaner emissions. It also features an all-new crankcase for a longer stroke and integrated engine mounts.

The Catalyst platform was designed for Cat’s exclusive laydown engine design and delivers a lower center of gravity for better stability and improved rider ergonomics. The Alpha One Single Beam rear suspension is light and allows the chassis to twist through turns for effortless handling and maneuverability.

The new ACG8 Gauge is an 8-inch touch screen that includes not only all the necessary engine performance data, but also offers pre-loaded trail maps, topography and private/public land data for the U.S. and Canada.

The 146x2.5-inch track on the 858 Mountain Cat delivers power, mobility and enough traction for those deeper snow days. It is designed to increase the fun factor on the majority of winter days when the snow conditions may not be optimal for deep powder but much more conducive to turning the terrain into a technical playground.

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ARCTIC CAT M 858 ALPHA ONE 146

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RIDER IMPRESSIONS

A LOOK AT WHAT THE SNOWEST TEST CREW HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE ARCTIC CAT M 858

Broc Genta— The Catalyst chassis just feels so light and just moves with your body. I feel at home when I get on the Cat. Today was the first day on the 858 … and I was very impressed.

Bruce Kerbs— I like the Alpha skid for walking through some pretty tight stuff. It keeps you up on the snow. The Catalyst chassis has a lower center of gravity that just works for technical riding. Although the Cat 858 with the 146-inch track doesn’t hook up as well as the longer tracks with deeper lugs, it’s just a fun ride. You can tell it’s a shorter track. It’s pretty nimble and feels lighter; it’s easier to throw it around.

I would almost prefer to see a narrower ski stance on the 146 to make it even more nimble. In the more technical ter22 SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025

rain the 146 will tend to dig a little more and it takes a little longer to get the sled up on top of the snow.

Justin Stevens— As far as the M 858 with the 146 track, it’s a great sled and runs phenomenally. Cat has always had its performance really linear. It hits hard on the bottom with low-end torque and then lots of linear power throughout the powerband.

I used to prefer the longer tracks. I feel like they have become so much more rideable. But with the harder, crustier snow conditions and tight trees, the shorter tracks are much easier to initiate a turn.

The Catalyst sled definitely feels more nimble. When you sit on the sled, and you stand, how the running boards feel,

how the handlebars feel, it actually feels quite familiar, it feels like you’re on an Arctic Cat. But the overall body of the sled feels smaller. There’s just a lot less mass. The Catalyst is definitely an improvement over the older chassis. When you pair it with the 858 and 146-inch track, it definitely feels more nimble.

The first time I was ripping through a little drainage in actually some decent soft snow, I put it on its edge. It came up quickly and set really well and held the edge. I think I was expecting it to pull back down the hill like the older Arctic Cats would sometimes do. But it just came up and fell in its line really well.

Rhett Clark— I like the new gauge placement of the

Catalyst. It’s easy to see. The numbers are clear; it’s easy to read. The big displays are easy to see when you’re going at speed.

And I liked the platform, the stance and the height level of the bars. I like the narrow seat; it reminds me of a dirt bike. It’s easy to move around on. The running boards are great traction and the snow evacuates through them well.

In deep snow and you’re trying to turn into the hill the Cat’s Alpha One rear is super easy. The 858 is a strong engine. I was never underpowered.

Shorter tracks are a little more challenging in deeper snow. It’s harder to stop on the hill and then take off again because the tracks will dig a little more.

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STEVE JANES

SKI-DOO BACKCOUNTRY X-RS PERFECT FOR TRAILS & TERRAIN

BY STEVE JANES

When your first love is blazing down winding trails but you still have a desire to explore terrain and indulge in cross-country riding, the Ski-Doo Backcountry X-RS may be the perfect snowmobile for you.

With the power option of either the Rotax 850 E-TEC or the 850 E-TEC Turbo R, the X-RS is quick, responsive and fast. The RAS X front suspension with a 39-inch ski stance is wide enough to provide stability on the trail, yet narrow enough to allow you to carve through terrain. The cMotion X rear suspension with 24 SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025

rail reinforcement can handle the abuse of a mogulriddled trail. KYB Pro 40 EA-3 shocks flatten out the bumps and have the adjustability to allow you to dial in the ride best suited to your riding style.

Like most great trail sleds, the X-RS comes with a lot of the same DNA that has been developed on the race track.

Its durable design can withstand both the constant pounding from aggressive trail riding as well as big hits from launching off jumps.

You take these ideal trail features and combine them with

the REV Gen5 platform and you have a snowmobile that can float through powder and navigate extreme terrain. It delivers the perfect balance that keeps it planted in the corners yet easy to put on its side when off trail. The Turbo 146 weighs in at 500 pounds—about right for the Crossover segment—while the 850 E-TEC is about 25 pounds lighter.

When it comes to traction, Ski-Doo has provided several options so you can get the perfect track for the snow conditions in your favorite go-to locations. If you spend most of your time in marginal snow conditions the 146 x

15 x 1.6 Cobra or Ice Cobra tracks work the best. If you ride where the snow is a little deeper then the 146 x 16 x 2 PowderMax delivers the versatility that comes with the terrain. And if you lean more to terrain riding than trails, you can always go to the 154 x 16 x 2 or 154 x 16 x 2.5 PowderMax tracks.

The X-RS is the top-of-the-line in the Backcountry series and retails for $17,199. If you’re on a limited budget, you can always scale down a bit with the Backcountry X ($15,800) or even the Backcountry Adrenaline ($13,700).

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POLARIS SWITCHBACK ASSAULT

POWER, PERFORMANCE, PERFECTION

BY STEVE JANES

The three most important factors in the design of a snowmobile are horsepower, handling and weight (or at least the lack of it). For lake racers, horsepower is king. For trail busters, suspension reigns. And for mountain riders, flotation keeps you on top.

However, that doesn’t mean lake racers don’t care about handling, or trail busters don’t care about the instant response that comes with light weight, or mountain riders don’t care about horsepower. Power, handling and weight are important to all…but each segment of the snowmobile industry may be willing to make compromises in one or two of the factors if it strengthens the third.

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But what about those snowmobilers who don’t fit into the niche of being a lake racer, trail buster or mountain rider?

What about the snowmobiler who tends to ride in marginal snow conditions but still wants the ability to take on challenging terrain when the opportunity arises?

That’s why snowmobile manufacturers have created the Crossover Segment of the market—sleds that have the topof-the-line suspension and white-knuckle power on a lightweight platform made for the mountains.

The Polaris Switchback Assault 146 does not lack power with the Patriot 9R and the Patriot Boost engine options.

(You can also get it in the 850 and 650 Patriot engine pack-

ages if you don’t feel you need excessive power.)

Built with the Matryx Platform with the Matryx front suspension and IGX 146 rear suspension, the Switchback Assault 146 has a solid foundation to deliver optimal handling when you’re pound bumps, hitting jumps or dodging stumps. Walker Evans Racing Shocks deliver predictable response in all types of terrain.

You can either go with the more trail-oriented 15 x 146 x 1.6 Cobra track or a more aggressive 15 x 146 x 2 Crossover track which provides a little more traction in loose snow or off-trail riding.

The Switchback Assault 9R is quick, responsive and doesn’t lack for power. The Patriot Boost isn’t quite as flickable … but delivers unmatched power. The 9R weighs in at just over 500 pounds while the Boost adds another 30 pounds. Both feature outstanding rider ergonomics, including the Matryx Performance seat and 7S Display gauge.

Although the Switchback Assault can’t compete with the mountain sleds in the steep and deep, it can still get you to where you want to go, particularly if you’re an aggressive rider who isn’t shy on the throttle. It’s the perfect snowmobile for boondocking in marginal snow conditions.

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ARCTIC CAT RIOT 858

SNO PRO 146 MATCHING RIDING STYLE TO TECHNICAL TERRAIN

BY STEVE JANES

Some snowmobiles are made for the mountains. Others are made for the trails. But what happens when one is made for the trails but identifies as a mountain sled? The Arctic Cat Riot 858 Sno Pro with the 15x146 x 1.75-inch Hurricane track can blast down the roughest trail with the best of them, but is very capable of wandering off-trail and being a natural fit in technical terrain.

With the new 858 C-Tec2 powerplant and the Catalyst platform, the Riot Sno Pro has the power, track speed and agility to take on the steep and deep. It comes with electric start to make it more rider-friendly.

Although the 146x1.75 Hurricane track is better suited on hardpack terrain, it delivers enough bite and forward thrust to allow the sled to be quite adventurous in deeper and 28 SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025

steeper snow terrain.

The Catalyst platform features a centralized mass and lower center of gravity which allows the Riot to instantly respond to the rider input. Because it’s so responsive, you’re able to take it into more technical terrain since you can quickly spin it around if you’re getting into more snow than you wanted.

Although the AWS 39 front suspension with progressive ratio steering is designed to hold tight corners in a twisty trail, it still works well in terrain. The front-end width may not be optimal for sidehilling, but it delivers stability by placing more weight on the skis to reduce side role.

The AC5S shocks deliver five different dampening settings and adjustable spring preload so you can dial in your

ride. These shocks are uniquely calibrated for crossover riding conditions.

The Riot Sno Pro distinguishes itself from the M 858 Alpha One with its uncoupled Cross-Action rear suspension that provides agility from powder to hardpack. This trail-oriented design enables the front and rear halves of the suspension to move independently to provide better cornering and bump absorption on the trail and better weight transfer off the trail.

The Sno Pro’s Catalyst platform utilizes the Arctic Cat belt drive system rather than a chain drive. It is a durable, quick-responding system that is lighter with fewer moving parts. The adjustable center distance allows for multiple ratio options and easier servicing.

An ADAPT CVT System features a lightweight, narrow

design with improved sled performance. It’s the industry’s only self-adjusting clutch by maintaining constant belt tension. This helps to reduce belt heat and improves belt life.

The Riot Sno Pro comes with the ATACH Latching System that allows you to add tunnel bags and other accessories in a simple 4-point latching system so you can put on or remove them in seconds.

The Riot 858 Sno Pro 146 is priced at $16,899. However, it is a spring-order model so it might be tough to find during the winter season. It can also be found in the 600 C-Tec2 engine package, and also has the 146x1.35 Cobra track option.

So if you’re looking for a good trail sled that likes to wander off into the more technical terrain, you may want to consider the Riot 858 Sno Pro 146.

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FIGHTING FOG THE HEATED GOGGLE EVOLUTION

BY RYAN THOMPSON

Snow sports goggles have been a staple for years, yet they’ve consistently battled one stubborn enemy: fog.

That misty haze has long obscured the wearer’s vision appearing at times as a minor annoyance and at other times a legitimate safety concern. The logistics of fogging are well known. Warm moist air inside the goggle condenses on the cold inner surface of the lens obstructing visibility and diminishing the scenic mountain or trail view. Perhaps lesser known is the history on how the industry has battled to overcome this seemingly simple vapor.

The first major advancement in goggle anti-fog prevention came in 1965 when Bob Smith, an orthodontist and the eventual founder of Smith Optics, 30 SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025

invented the first dual lens ski goggle.

Smith found that the addition of a second lens sandwiched with the outer lens with an air gap in between helped to prevent the inner lens surface from getting cold, reducing the likelihood of moisture condensation (i.e. fog).

He also learned that by adding foam vents around the goggle chassis, the moist air inside the goggle would have a chance to escape instead of condensing on the inner lens surface. As a final step, he added a chemical treatment to the inner lens surface that allowed the lens to absorb small amounts of condensation. These three steps taken together, provided significant relief and are now a cornerstone in all modern goggle designs.

While these improvements helped, the goggle greenhouse continued to be an issue, especially in the sledding community where fogging goggles are experienced regularly by riders. The ski/snowboard crowd is also not immune from the dreaded fog-up. And as any snow goer knows, once a goggle is fogged up, it won’t un-fog until it’s completely dried out. A feat not easily achieved with your digits cloaked in gloves and waist deep in powder. Consequently, the anti-fog quest continued.

The advent of the heated lens goggle came in 1989 as described in a US patent in which a heated goggle lens is used to prevent condensation. At its core, the invention was very simple: raise the temperature of the inner lens surface above the dew point to prevent condensation. However, implementing this concept has some real challenges, keeping the industry busy and the heated goggle evolutionary story racing forward the last 30 years.

At the heart of this challenge is

the lens itself and the power it takes to heat it to a temperature necessary to prevent fogging. The original patent called for small metal wires to be added to the lens surface like the rear window of a car. Ultimately this approach was replaced with a special fully transparent electrically conductive film that was capable of heating up when electricity is passed through it.

As far as the power problem is concerned, two primary approaches were the first to become commercially available and are still represented today, the first involves an electrical cable that runs from the goggle to the snowmobile power port, and the second involves a battery pack that’s worn by the goggle wearer.

Major manufacturers such as SkiDoo, 509, and FXR have all embraced one or both of these techniques and continue to use them today.

In 2015 another approach was introduced by newcomer goggle manufacturer, Abom Inc. Unimpressed by heavy and cumbersome external cables and battery boxes, Abom was determined to produce a heated lens goggle that fully integrated the power source within the chassis. Their innovative design rid the user of the battery box and cables, and it also helped keep the battery efficient by storing it out of the elements.

Additionally, the design of the lens provided an optimal fog free experience, but the advanced technology in the lenses and electronics was expensive, making the price point out of range for average riders.

The latest advancement in the heated goggle space started in 2022 when two former members of the Abom team, founded Tempest Optics. While

the Abom goggle incorporated all the heating elements into the changeable lenses, the Tempest goggle heats the inner lens, keeping that more expensive element as a permanent fixture in the chassis. In addition, they perfected the magnetic lens which not only seals the heated element, but allows for a quick lens change for varied light conditions that is so simple you can keep your gloves on. The under discussed improvement of the heated google, however, is Tempest’s sensors and coding. With its intuitive heating system, this goggle knows exactly when to warm up or cool down. This effortless usability is a game-changer.

With the industry pushing the envelope in technology and design, it will be interesting to see what is offered next, perhaps a heated goggle that will make you lunch?

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SNOWEST’S PHOTO ANNUAL

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RIDER: JOSH GERBS PHOTO: TODD WILLIAMS @TODDWILLIAMSUSA SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025 33

RIDER: JOSH GERBS PHOTO: TODD WILLIAMS @TODDWILLIAMSUSA 34 SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025

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RIDER: KYLE SAXTON PHOTO: TODD WILLIAMS @TODDWILLIAMSUSA SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025 37

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RIDER: LOGAN PEHOTA PHOTO: TODD WILLIAMS @TODDWILLIAMSUSA SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025 41

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RIDER: BRAYDEN ADAMS PHOTO: TODD WILLIAMS @TODDWILLIAMSUSA SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025 47

RIDER: KYLE HUESTIS PHOTO: TRISTIN IRONI FOR SNOWEST 48 SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025

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RIDER: BROC GENTA PHOTO: TRISTIN IRONI FOR SNOWEST SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025 51

SNOWDUST

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RIDER: KYLE HUESTIS PHOTO: TRISTIN IRONI FOR SNOWEST SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025 53

ADVERTISER INDEX

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320 Guest Ranch................................... 6 www.320ranch.com

AMSOIL Inc..............................................2 www.amsoil.com

Castle Sales.......................................... 56 www.castlesales.com

Kolby Offroad/Triumph Idaho Falls.....7 www.kolbyoffroad.com

Powertech Diesel LLC......................... 55 www.powerlabsdiesel.com

Starting Line Products......................... 17 www.startinglineproducts.com

Tracks USA............................................ 54 www.tracksusa.com

54 SNOWEST FEBRUARY 2025