Ski-Doo Blizzard snowmobiles were first produced in limited numbers by Bombardier in 1970. Designed specifically for racing, the Blizzard series featured six different models, ranging from the 400s to the 775s.

The 1972 Ski-Doo Blizzard snowmobiles were the first sleds to use Bombardier’s revolutionary rotary valve. Rotary valve engines can be used to deliver power over a wider speed range or higher power over a narrower speed range than either piston port or reed valve engines. The technology also made sled starting easier, along with improving both idling and fuel economy.

For the only time in the history of the prestigious Winnipeg, Manitoba, to St. Paul, Minnesota, cross country race, Ski-Doo took the checkered flag — oval racer, Yvon DuHamel, won his first cross-country title on board the 1972 Ski-Doo Blizzard.

Using both double and triple carburetors, the Blizzard line-up served as “big brother” to the T’NT line of Ski-Doo snowmobiles, also designed for the sport riders. The sled pictured below is a 340 triple.

Photo credit: Linda Aksomitis. Photo take at the 6th Annual Vintage Round-Up in West Yellowstone in March, 2009.

References:

Bombardier Inc, & Fondation J. Armand Bombardier. (1999). Ski-Doo, as long as there’s winter–. [Valcourt, Quebec]: Fondation J. Armand Bombardier.

Aksomitis, L., & Aksomitis, D. (2006). Illustrated guide to snowmobile racing. Hudson, Wis: Iconografix.