The Snowdog is a less expensive, more portable and arguably safer alternative to the snowmobile. It's essentially a mechanical sled dog with 13.5 hp, allowing it to tow 440 lbs (200kg). It fits in the back of a pickup truck or SUV, and they run just $5,000, versus the $7,000 to $10,000 you'd shell out for an entry-level snowmobile.

The rider hooks a sled up to the back of the thing and stands behind it, controlling it (via heated handles) like a self-powered lawnmower. The Snowdog was designed for utility, not thrills; the speed tops out at 20 mph (30 km/h), which means it sips fuel and is safe enough for younger family members to operate.

Here's a customer testimonial showing you how he and his family use one:

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The company is also developing an electric version, the Snowdog X, with comparable performance stats to the ICE model. It will reportedly retail for $7,500.