Much to my shame, despite living in Alaska for over 20 years, I've never owned a snowmachine, and only ridden one once many years ago with my reserve unit. I'm considering buying a snowmachine either this year or next. What snowmachines do you recommend? Looking for something I can use for trapping, hunting, or ice fishing. Don't want or need some crazy mountain sled like you see at Turnagain Pass. Not trying to break the bank, but I'm also not opposed to buying something new.

Additionally, what do you recommend for sleds to tow behind, and what all do you carry on yours?

Skidoo Expedition LE are hard to beat with a 900 ACE. Alaska Sled Works makes a good sled.

For a beginner, I will recommend the Expedition over the Skandic models because of their stability, with one of the ACE engines. I prefer the 900 but both it and the 600 are good engines. The wide track and super wide track models come with high and low range, no idea why the 16" version doesn't. I would recommend the wide track for pulling a sled, almost more for the low range than for extra track.

Appreciate the advice, fellas. Looks like I'll be on the hunt for an Expedition.

What price range are you looking for?

To be honest I’m not sure, because I don’t know what a good price is or isn’t for one. Of course it’ll be different if I’m paying cash for a used machine or financing a new one.

Well, since you are new to snogos, I'll say you should start with something smaller and less money. I'll suggest an older skidoo tundra or a yamaha bravo. You get a heavy 600 ace size snogo stuck and you better have a buddy with you. Smaller 2 strokes are light enough to move around and get unstuck.

Appreciate the advice, martentrapper

Go ride a few different makes and models, and if possible, tow a heavy load with them. It will open your eyes to the best one.

options are getting real limited these days on new machines

Although it appears cat is back with some work machines.