the status quo.
So it was no surprise that heads were shaking when Wes Melcher, a design engineer from Arizona,
showcased his leaning snowmobiles at the snowmobile USA show in Michigan.
Melcher said that he could forever change the way snowmobiles handle powder.
On the trail, the Wesll leaning system relies on a high-tech electronic and hydraulic system
that takes feedback from a control box located on top of the steering post.
The system causes the sled to lean and dive into corners by up to a 35-degree angle.
What's more, the Wesll system uses five-foot-long carbon fiber skis that have titanium edges
running down both sides.
I'll be the first to say, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
Enter a kick-ass track chair named the RipChair.
The RipChair 3.0 is a high-powered treaded wheelchair that provides off-road access to
anyone.
Developed by Howe and Howe Technologies, RipChair is the ultimate off-road chair.
Each one is entirely customizable from hand controls to extras such as cup holders, gun
racks, fishing rod holders, and storage compartments.
The RipChair has a 27 horsepower engine and features a ramp design that allows users to
attach most powered or manual wheelchair designs.
For chairs that don't fit, the RipChair can be modified to accommodate any
special needs or custom requests.
This customization level makes for a six to eight week build time as each one is one hundred
percent handcrafted.
A click through the videos on the company's website shows that when it comes to adaptive
off-road ability, the RipChair is in a league all its own.
Yvonne Martell's multi-purpose all-terrain electric locomotive looks like a mix between
a snowmobile, a dog sled, and a miniature World War I tank.
This electric creation is nothing if not versatile, known as the MTT-136.
This French-Canadian, all-terrain, pulling device is one of those enigmatic all-purpose
machines whose appeal extends well beyond a particular demographic.
Depending on the battery system selected, Martel's electric sled is reported to deliver
a range between 45 and 137 miles.
The MTT-136 short for my track technology weighs in at around 280 pounds and can reach
speeds of 24 miles per hour on open ground.
According to the designer, the electrified sled has a recharge time between 15 minutes
and eight hours, depending on the battery.
The mtt-136 is a low center of gravity, copious amounts of immediately accessible electric
torque, and the caterpillar tread system gives the sled swiss army knife-like capabilities
but in a more substantial casing.
Capable of pulling several different hauling and passenger units, the sled steering and
power is managed by the rider through a modified handlebar system.
Commissioned by Expedition founders Andrew Moon and Andrew Regan, the concept ice vehicle
or CIV was a bio-fueled propeller-powered vehicle.
Andrew moon bid to cross the Antarctic in 2009, but the expedition was rescheduled until
November 2010.
The ice vehicle was re-engineered and renamed the Winston Wong bio-inspired ice vehicle.
Professor Winston Wong sponsored the Moon-Reagan Trans-Antarctic expedition, and the journey
had several key objectives.
First, to show that the right motorized vehicles can operate successfully and efficiently in
the Antarctic.
Second, to successfully complete a Trans-Antarctic crossing, and lastly, to help researchers
at imperial college London gather useful data on vehicle emissions.
The expedition's lead vehicle ran entirely on e85 ethanol fuel.
The land-based trip provided scientists with a rare opportunity to take continuous measurements
using sensitive equipment.
As the bio-inspired vehicle progressed deep into Antarctica, the expedition's successful
completion confirmed that biofuels can perform well under the most extreme temperature conditions
expanding its potential for renewable energy.
Snowcoach designed the 685 to give kids and small adults a comfortable vantage point to
enjoy a snow ride.
The Equinox 685 is an enclosed trailer that rides on shock absorbed skis and can be towed
by a snowmobile or ATV.
The crafts streamline hull, constructed of molded polyethylene, has eight windows, four
in the front, two on the side, and two up top.
Two side doors swing open for easy entry and exit.
Its smooth ride and plentiful windows allow those within to snap pictures of winter's
beauty while comfortably nestled, and safely restrained, inside on two cushioned belted
seats.
Brake and running lights and reflectors maintain the craft's high visibility on tree-lined
trails and open snowfields.
Madeline island is one of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior.
There's regular ferry service from Bayfield, Wisconsin.
Still, when the lake freezes, residents use an enclosed iceboat to travel to and from
the island.
They call it an ice angel or windsled.
Toward the beginning and end of winter, ice is either forming or thinning on Lake Superior's
stretch between the island and Bayfield, which causes conditions too hazardous for boats
or driving.
The fan-powered 22-passenger vehicle glides across the ice but won't sink or capsize in
water and makes the trip in about four minutes.
Although there's an ice road that Madeline island's residents can drive cars over, many
still use the ice angel as they find it safer.
Ghe-O Rescue is a cross between a hummer and an ambulance.
Built by Ghe-O Motors, a Romanian company, the rescue can be customized depending on
your needs for firefighting medical support or transportation across any terrain.
The 11 passenger utility truck with remarkable off-road capabilities is powered by either
a 500 horsepower gas engine or a 300 horsepower diesel motor.
This 4x4 can take you across rivers, through snow, climb steep embankments, and even navigate
deep water with inflatable tire attachments.
It can be outfitted as an ambulance or carry water and serve as a fire truck when set up
to fight fires.
The 3.2-ton rescue can transport nearly 200 gallons of water along with all the pumps
and hoses that a firefighter would need to combat a forest fire.
I'd feel safe knowing that an ambulance is the kind of thing coming to save me in an
emergency.
Joseph Armand bombardier started building his first creation when he was a teenager
in 1922.
It was an open concept sled with a Ford Model T
engine pushing a propeller in the back.
Legend has it that his father was concerned with his safety and ordered
its destruction.
Bombardier did not quit his dream of building passenger snowmobiles, though.
In 1937 he started producing the b7 fully enclosed snowmobile, which eventually transformed
into the commercially successful b12.
Later, Bombardier finally went on to be a household name for his inventions.
You might have heard of them by their more modern name, the Skidoo.
To build his high riding snowplow, Colorado welder Rex Bailey mounted tires from an agricultural
sprayer onto an old dodge 3500 Cummins diesel pickup truck.
He used a commercial plasma cutter to create spokes axle mounts and the truck's rear end.
The Yeti's high tractor tires are mounted on Unimog portal axles and drive through snow
up to three-foot deep.
I think it's safe to say that there's not much getting in the way of this snowplow.
Bailey estimated its total build time at 2,600 hours.
I'm starting to think this guy really hated shoveling snow off of his sidewalk.
Whether they're on wheels or snow treads, the french gear heads at Lazarus have a thing
for infusing their creations with a bit of Italian flair.
This extreme snowmobile has 250 horsepower and is an evolution of the Wizuma r1.
It is a snowmobile quadricycle hybrid that features a snow kit that fits into the original
wheels' place.
Once you ride this, you will be ready to face the cold and the snow in areas where the landscape
is not the only thing to take your breath away.