More cities, resorts and parks are going the extra mile to accommodate the booming activity of snowmobiling in the U.S. The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) estimates 124,769 snowmobiles were sold worldwide in 2023; 53,553 were sold in the U.S. If you’re considering a snowmobile winter vacation, here are some awesome destinations for novices and pros alike.
West Yellowstone, Montana
West Yellowstone is a snowmobilers paradise, which boasts hundreds of miles of groomed trails and a vast network that extends into neighboring Idaho and Wyoming. There are many available package tours, including the Madison Arm Loop Snowmobile Trail, which takes visitors on a 20-mile ride into the Madison Arm of Hebgen Lake. It’s a relaxing trip and great for beginner snowmobilers. View all of the available snowmobiling trails in Montana.
Priest Lake, Idaho
Located just south of the Canadian border, Priest Lake is a long body of water framed by the Selkirk Mountains. Over 400 miles of snowmobile trails encircle Priest Lake and the more remote Upper Priest Lake, where whitetail deer, black bears, moose and bald eagles provide endless photo ops. With elevations ranging from 2,500 to over 7,000 feet, the views offered are among the most staggering in the country. Camping is a big selling point for this destination, making it a budget-friendly alternative to pricey ski lodges.
Heber City, Utah
For a long, multifaceted snow adventure, Heber City near the Uintas Mountains is perfectly positioned as the official gateway city to 3 areas with great snowmobiling trails: Mirror Lake, Mill Hollow and Strawberry. These 3 areas combined provide over 250 miles of groomed trails. They offer stunning scenery with peaks of 13,000 feet. For snowmobilers looking for excitement, the Mirror Lake circuit takes riders off-trail to advanced terrain and frozen lakes, leading to the Bald Mountain Overlook, one of the most popular areas in the region.
St. Germain, Wisconsin
You know your destination is snowmobile-friendly if it hosts the Snowmobile Hall of Fame and Museum. Not only is St. Germain the official home of snowmobiling history, but it’s also a town almost singularly focused on curating the best trails and amenities in the country – and helping newcomers cultivate a love of the sport. A local snowmobile club takes the lead in the effort for groomed trails, providing guided tours and offering safety assistance. They also offer snowmobile safety classes and can help those new to snowmobiling with rentals and novice trail recommendations.
Old Forge, New York
If you’re looking for a great snowmobiling getaway, the city of Old Forge, New York, is an excellent choice. Located in the Adirondacks, it features over 500 miles of groomed trails that connect with other trails in New York and along the border of Canada. A large number of these trails begin and end in town. This convenient loop makes it easy for riders to plan a daytime snowmobiling trip that includes in-town restaurants and activities. [1]
Brainerd Lakes area, Minnesota
The Brainerd Lakes area is home to some excellent snowmobiling options. One of the cool parts of this region is the over 500 lakes that freeze during the winter months. This gives snowmobiling enthusiasts a unique chance to ride over a smooth, flat surface without trees. Of course, more traditional snowmobiling is available on Brainerd Lakes 1,200 miles of interconnected trail systems. Don’t miss the Paul Bunyan Trail. At 115 miles long, it’s perfect for an extended ride through a winter wonderland. A wide variety of rental companies can provide snowmobiling options. [2]
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
It’s no surprise that Colorado is one of the best places for incredible vistas and a variety of winter activities such as snow skiing, snowshoeing and, of course, snowmobiling. Steamboat Springs gets over 300 inches per year of light and fluffy snow called “Champagne Powder.®” There are plenty of snowmobiling guided tours to choose from. If you’re looking for a great adventure, riding through Routt National Forest can be challenging with its rough terrain, but riders will be rewarded with stunning views. [2]
Anchorage, Alaska
Alaska has some of the most picture-perfect winter weather, and that makes it ideal for amazing snowmobile opportunities. Around Anchorage, snowmobiling trips can include exciting sights such as icebergs, ice caves, glaciers and more. People looking for more adventure can ride through the backcountry, which features rugged terrain. [2]
Katahdin Region, Maine
Another great snowmobiling area that may come as a surprise is Katahdin, Maine. This region, named after Mount Katahdin mountain, is home to more than 350 miles of snowmobiling trails. These trails are part of the Interconnected Trail System (ITS) that extends through Maine, New Hampshire and Canada. The scenery is so beautiful that it inspired Henry David Thoreau, an American poet whose writings on natural history are well-known and renowned. It’s worth a visit to Maine to enjoy breathtaking winter views and excellent snowmobiling options. [1]
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
The Upper Peninsula in Michigan, also known as the U.P., has some amazing trails for snowmobiling enthusiasts. There are more than 6,500 miles of groomed trails in the state itself, but over 3,000 miles of those trails can be found in the U.P. Due to lake effects from Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, the U.P. gets over 200 inches of snow annually. All of the snow means it’s perfect for winter activities like snowmobiling. [1]
Learn more about snowmobile insurance
If you’re planning a snowmobile vacation this winter, make sure you’re prepared to ride safely – Check out these ATV/UTV rider safety rules. And be sure to consider snowmobile insurance. Hitting the trail without it could leave you unprotected in the event of an accident. Learn more about specific snowmobile coverages.
Sources:
[1] “10 Best Places to Snowmobile in the U.S.,” Clay Abney, outdoors.com/best-places-to-snowmobile-in-the-u-s/ (Accessed November 2024).
[2] “11 Best Snowmobiling Places in U.S. for your Next Winter Adventure,” Rosie Bell, fodors.com/news/photos/10-best-places-for-snowmobiling-in-the-us (Accessed November 2024).
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