I'm sure it was called that, because at one time the Bombardier, was the only machine around. Now, with all the different types, it's called "Snowmobiling".
I call them "Snow-Devils" and, once again, it's turned out to be "self-abuse"!
Over the Christmas holidays we went down to Barrie, Ontario(1/2 hr away) to visit the daughter, son-in-law, grandson and the in-laws. The son-in-law has this freakin sceamin Formula 800 triple something or other, and says's "want to take it for a ride?" I own a Ski-Doo 440 TNT, so I say sure. All went well until I went to pass a big tree that had a cement crib laid at the base that I couldn't see because of the snow drifts. I kissed it with the front left ski. The rest, as they say, is history! I thought I broke both shoulders and I tore up my right knee again. I'm still waiting for the bill and I'll be lucky if it's under a Grand!
"Snow-Devils" I say! Freakin possessed!