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2005 Bombardier Plus ME "Track" Test

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

In my never-ending quest for timely relevance, I was hoping to test drive Santas sleigh this week but the old man said it was in the repair shop getting a tune up - something about preparing for a big trip.

So instead, for Christmas day, well take a spin in a vehicle most big boys would love to find nestled under their tree -- a snowcat groomer.

The good people at a local ski resort were kind enough to let me check out

Tis the season to test drive the awesome Bombardier BR275 Plus ME snowcat groomer. (Photo: Bombardier)

their Bombardier BR275 Plus ME, an awesome mountain crawler that makes light work of all that heavy white stuff.

With a top speed of 12 mph and a weight of 17,652 pounds, the Plus ME isnt going to set any land speed records,

Powered by an 8.3-litre Cummins diesel, this snowcat is built for pushing power. (Photo: Bombardier)

but if the job calls for flattening tonnes of new fallen snow into terrain skiers and boarders are looking for, this is the required rig. Steep and deep is a far and wide rallying cry for intrepid skiers, but is just as apt describing the conditions this snowcat excels in.

Powered by an 8.3-litre Cummins diesel, this snowcat is built for pushing

While the engine only produces 275-hp, it puts out a crushing 825 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Bombardier)

power, a fact reflected in its seemingly disproportionate horsepower and torque specs.

Producing just 275 horses at 1,900 rpm, at first blush it would appear the big-bore six-cylinder engine isnt quite up to snuff. But with a stump-pulling 825 lb-ft of torque on demand, its apparent this engine is just right for turning massive mounds of snow into velvety corded ski runs.

No special license is required to drive the cat, however

The interior of the Plus ME is not unlike many passenger vehicles on the road today. (Photo: Andrew McCredie, Canadian Auto Press)

Cypress Resort equipment manager John Imlah reports a familiarity with heavy machine operation is an asset when first jumping into the warm, comfortable insulated cab.

Speaking of the cabin, the Plus ME features two big bucket seats, heated windshield and side glass, a lighter, ashtray and an AM/FM/CD player with digital display. All in all, its not unlike the interior of many passenger vehicles on the road today.

Those similarities end, however, as we delve further into the standard equipment list: four front lights (halogen), two rear lights (halogen),

Due to better visibility, the 10 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. groomer shift takes advantage of darkness. (Photo: Bombardier)

10-section hydraulic system, 110-volt hydrostatic oil tank heater, 110-volt engine block heater, directional halogen spotlight, fire extinguisher and an articulated lift frame with quick hitch. Options include an adventure grinder 8-foot radius half pipe cutter, a snow blower, gel-filled wheels and carbide ice spikes.

Suffice to say, all these features and more are what is required in a vehicle that typically works for 10 hours straight in the dead of night.

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