Start With the Right Question: “What and Where Will They Ride?”

Before you look at brands or price, define the use case:

Backyard / field / cottage property (short, supervised rides; low speed)
Packed trails on private land (more consistency; longer run time)
Family trail riding (where legal requirements and training matter)
Crossover/off-trail exploration (older teens, more power, more responsibility)

Then match the sled to the rider’s:

Age and maturity
Height / reach (handlebar and brake lever reach matters)
Weight and strength (to maneuver if stuck)
Experience level (first season vs. multiple seasons)

The Most Complete Youth Lineup: Ski-Doo

Ski-Doo is widely considered to have one of the most complete pathways for youth and smaller riders, from true kid-sized machines up through mid-size and entry-level full-size sleds.

Here’s how I size them in the real world.

1) Kids: Ski-Doo MXZ 120

A true “learn the basics” sled—simple, predictable, and confidence-building.

Key specs (MXZ 120):

Engine: air-cooled 4-stroke, 123 cc
Horsepower: 6.5 hp
Track: Cobra, 67 x 10 x 0.75 in
Dry weight: 170 lb

Best for: early skill-building—smooth starts/stops, turning, and “eyes up” riding under close supervision.

2) Bigger Kids / Younger Teens: Ski-Doo MXZ 200

The MXZ 200 is the next step when the rider has the basics and needs more capability.

Key specs (MXZ 200):

Engine: air-cooled 4-stroke, 192 cc
Horsepower: 9 hp
Track: Cobra, 93 x 10 x 1.0 in
Dry weight: 217 lb
Safety feature: tether switch is standard on the MXZ 120/200 line

Best for: riders who have outgrown the 120 (size or confidence), but are not ready for a bigger chassis or higher speeds.

3) Young Teenagers / Smaller New Riders: Ski-Doo MXZ Neo and Neo+

This is the “bridge” category: mid-size sleds that feel like real snowmobiles, but are built around compact ergonomics.

MXZ Neo (mid-size)

Key specs (Neo):

Track: Cobra, 120 x 14 x 1.0 in
Dry weight: 404 lb
Engine family: Rotax 600 EFI packages (EFI two-stroke platform); market specs vary by model year/region, so confirm the exact output and package with your dealer

MXZ Neo+ (mid-size, step up)

Key specs (Neo+):

Track: RipSaw, 120 x 15 x 1.25 in
Dry weight: 412 lb

Best for: newer riders who need full-feature control but still benefit from a smaller, more manageable chassis.

4) Older Teenagers: Entry-Level Full-Size Sport Models (600 EFI / 600 ACE)

When teens are physically large enough and have the maturity for longer rides and higher capability, Ski-Doo’s Sport category is often the value sweet spot.

MXZ Sport (600 EFI – 85)

Key specs:

Engine: Rotax 600 EFI – 85 (liquid-cooled two-stroke)
Horsepower: 85 hp
Track options: RipSaw 129 x 15 x 1.25 or 137 x 15 x 1.25

Backcountry Sport (600 EFI – 85)

A crossover choice for riders who want trail comfort with some off-trail flexibility.

Key specs:

Engine: Rotax 600 EFI – 85
Horsepower: 85 hp
Dry weight: 447 lb

Renegade Sport (commonly 600 ACE – 62 hp)

The Renegade Sport is widely listed with the Rotax 600 ACE four-stroke (EFI), emphasizing economy and easy ownership.

Key specs (Renegade Sport 600 ACE):

Horsepower: 62 hp
Engine type: liquid-cooled, four-stroke DOHC, EFI

Important note: You may see some dealer listings label “Renegade Sport 600 EFI,” but BRP’s model info commonly presents this trim as 600 ACE (which is EFI). Confirm the exact engine/package on the specific unit you’re considering.

New vs. Pre-Owned: What Actually Matters for Youth Sleds

Buying New (pros)

Full warranty coverage and known history
Latest safety features and updated components
Easier financing and predictable maintenance planning

Buying Pre-Owned (pros)

Lower entry cost (useful if you expect rapid “outgrowing”)
More inventory flexibility in peak season
Often easier to resell if you buy smart

Pre-Owned watchlist (non-negotiables)

Compression / engine health (especially on larger two-strokes)
Clutch condition and belt wear
Track condition (missing lugs, torn edges)
Skis, carbides, and steering play
Maintenance records (or at least a believable story plus inspection)

For youth sleds specifically, the biggest pre-owned risk is not “hours”—it’s how it was ridden and whether maintenance was skipped.

Safety First: Training, Supervision, and Legal Reality

If you’re in Ontario, treat training as part of the purchase—not an optional add-on. Ontario emphasizes proper training and safe practices for snowmobiling.
The OFSC offers online driver training to obtain a Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s License.

Even when a sled is marketed for younger riders, trail riding and public trail systems can have age/licensing requirements—so align your purchase with where your teen will actually ride.

Proper Winter Wear and Riding Gear: What I Consider Mandatory

A youth rider’s comfort is a safety issue. Cold riders make poor decisions.

Core gear checklist:

DOT/ECE-approved helmet with proper fit (no wobble)
Goggles (or a heated shield if appropriate)
Insulated snowmobile suit or jacket/bib combo
Snowmobile gloves (warm, not bulky)
Warm socks + insulated boots (no cotton)
Neck warmer / balaclava
Layering: moisture-wicking base + insulating mid layer

Also consider:

Hand warmers / heated grips (many youth models emphasize warm hands for longer safe rides)
A small pack with emergency basics for older teens (spare gloves, snack, basic tool kit where appropriate)

Why You Should Consult a Dealer Who Actually Knows Youth Fitment

Sizing a youth snowmobile is as much about ergonomics and confidence as it is about engine specs. A knowledgeable team can walk you through:

Rider reach and control setup
Package differences (track, suspension, starting, reverse)
Best-value new vs. pre-owned options
The “next step” plan so you don’t buy twice

If you want the complete details on the right Ski-Doo youth snowmobile—MXZ 120/200, Neo/Neo+, or Sport models—consult the experts at Energy Powersports (Oakville) at 905-901-5500.

Quick Model Match Summary

Kids learning basics: MXZ 120
Bigger kids / younger teens: MXZ 200
Young teens / smaller new riders: MXZ Neo / Neo+
Older teens stepping into full-size: MXZ Sport 600 EFI – 85; Backcountry Sport 600 EFI – 85; Renegade Sport (commonly 600 ACE)

If you want, I can also provide a “shopping checklist” you can bring to the dealership, plus a set of questions to ask when evaluating a pre-owned youth sled.

Youth Snowmobiles: How to Choose the Right Sled (and Size It to the Rider)