In the winter of 1955, several men at a farm equipment shop in Roseau, Minnesota, took a grain elevator belt and some pieces of an old Chevy and built their first snowmobile. After selling the first model to make payroll, they continued to build what they called Sno-Travelers, which were larger than modern snowmobiles and could carry several people. They envisioned selling the machines to trappers, utility companies, and others who needed access to remote areas during winter.

In 1963, Polaris built their first front-engined snowmobile, designed more for recreation, called the Comet. After a successful test in Alaska (that nearly cost two employees their lives), they started selling the sled--and nearly bankrupt the company when components of the sleds failed and they failed to maintain traction on the snow in the lower 48 states. With some credit extensions, Polaris was able to get back on track with their Mustang and Colt models.

Snowmobiling reached a peak in popularity in the late 1960's and early 1970's, and Polaris led the way. As other manufacturers fell out of the game, Polaris continued to innovate, designing or improving upon such features as liquid cooled engines and independent fron suspension.

In 1980, a group of Polaris managers and investors bought Polaris from Textron, who had bought the company in the late 1960's. In 1985 they produced their first All-Terrain Vehicle, and in 1989 they introduced the Indy 500, which quickly became a legendary model. It was name Snowmobile of the Decade, and is still produced today.

Throughout the 1990's and the new millenium, Polaris continued to broaden it's product line, introducing Victory Motorcycles, Personal Watercraft (since discontinued), and broadening their ATV line. But snowmobiles remain at the heart of the Polaris Industries company.

The Legend of Polaris tells the story of the first 50 years of Polaris, their struggle to survive, their ascent to the top of the snowmobile market, and their forays into other markets.

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