Hus-Ski Snowmobile

The Hus-Ski snowmobile was produced by a Montreal manufacturer who later sold out to Bolens of Wisconsin, a division of Food Machinery Corporation. Production of the sleds was moved from Montreal to Port Washington, Wisconsin, to complement their winter manufacturing schedule of lawn tractors for summer sales.

Hus-Ski snowmobile - photo taken by Linda Aksomitis in 2009 at the 6th Annual Vintage Snowmobile Round-Up in West Yellowstone
Hus-Ski snowmobile - photo taken by Linda Aksomitis in 2009 at the 6th Annual Vintage Snowmobile Round-Up in West Yellowstone

The Hus-Ski was produced in the early sixties in Montreal, with consolidation at the Bolens Wisconsin factory in the late sixties. The model pictured was called the Diablo Rouge.

With this unique sled, the driver rode behind on a sleigh-type second half, which was pulled ahead by two tracks on the front portion. Models used various JLO engines and reached speeds of around 20 miles per hour or more. The original cost of the sled was under $1000.

Hus-Ski snowmobile - photo taken by Linda Aksomitis in 2009 at the 6th Annual Vintage Snowmobile Round-Up in West Yellowstone
Hus-Ski snowmobile - photo taken by Linda Aksomitis in 2009 at the 6th Annual Vintage Snowmobile Round-Up in West Yellowstone

Drivers steered the Hus-Ski snowmobile with handlebars that turned the direction of its double track on front. Early riders say those handlebars could put a great deal of pressure on the driver’s legs when the machine crossed a ditch or dip formation. They experienced the same problem going over rough trails or ice. The trailer often came unhooked from the engine, stranding the driver as the motor continued along on its own!

Hus-Ski
Hus-Ski Snowmobile

1969 was the last year of production for the Diablo Rouge model. Articles at the time claimed that despite its strange appearance the Hus-Ski offered a very smooth ride.


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