My First Sled: 1972 Ski-Doo Olympique 335

In our latest installment of “My First Sled”, we hear from Bertrand. His first snowmobile was a 1972 Ski-Doo Olympique 335. Bertrand recalls, “It’s a good thing I didn’t have fillings!” We think Bertrand is referring to the choppy ride delivered by the bogie-wheel rear suspension and leaf-spring front skis. Many of us are an inch shorter today thanks to the archaic suspension systems found on the sleds of yesteryear.

The Olympique line was Ski-Doo’s most popular family snowmobile series in the late ’60s and early ’70s. It helped solidify Bombardier’s position as an industry leader at a time when there were over two hundred snowmobile brands on the market. The Olympique machines were more peppy and stable than the pedestrian Elan and cheaper and mellower than the T’NT series. The Olympique series was introduced in 1965 and phased out in 1979. During that period, over a quarter of a million Olympiques were sold.

In 1972, the 335 Olympique retailed for $850 at Ski-Doo dealerships. The 335 model was equipped with a single-cylinder Rotax engine that generated about 20 horsepower. The top speed was right around 40 miles per hour.

Here are some pertinent specifications for the 1972 Ski-Doo Olympique 335.

• Engine: Rotax single cylinder, two-stroke
• Displacement: 335cc
• Bore: 78mm
• Stroke: 70mm
• Compression Ratio: 9:1
• Carburetor: Tillotson HR-75A
• Horsepower: 20
• Top Speed: 40 mph
• Overall Length: 100”
• Overall Width: 30 5/8”
• Height: 34 3/4” (without windshield)
• Weight: 333lbs.
• Track Width: 15”
• Fuel Capacity: 5 Imperial Gallons
• Gasoline/Oil Mix Ratio: 20:1
• Brake Type: Drum

Here is a video “walk-around” of a 1972 Ski-Doo Olympique 335e. The “e” signified that this model was equipped with electric start.

This video has been removed by the user and is no longer available. 

We would love to hear about your first snowmobile. Tell us the year, make and model and feel free to offer stories or special memories about the experience. Contact us at info “at” oildepot.ca and tell us about your first sled.