An Unforgettable Experience; Snowmobile Tours in Yellowstone Country
Taylor Fork, Big Sky, Photo by Colton Stiffler
We’re heading into the heart of winter here in Montana's Yellowstone Country, when the powder generally gets so deep, it’s a snowmobiler’s dream. There are four main areas of our region where snowmobiling is incredibly popular: Cooke City and Silver Gate, Big Sky, West Yellowstone and Yellowstone National Park. The first three areas are where people come for miles of groomed trails, deep powder meadows and steep hill climbs. And in Yellowstone, the experience offers an up-close and personal look at the thermals, hot pots and wildlife, not to mention seeing the park in its winter whites.
But you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the sport — guided snowmobile tours are available in each of these areas, and you’ll be in good hands to get out and cover some winter terrain that just wouldn’t be possible any other way. You don’t have to be a beginner — these trips can help experienced riders hone their skills and avoid dangerous avalanche terrain.
Cooke City, Photo by Dan Armstrong
In Cooke City, Beartooth Powder Guides offer skilled guide services in some of the region’s biggest backcountry areas. You can rent sleds from Cooke City Exxon or Beartooth Adventures, and then head out with the guides to start exploring!
Big Sky may be known for its ski terrain, but the snowmobile options are equally impressive. Canyon Adventures has a tour that starts out on 15 miles of groomed access trail, then climbs to 9,000 feet above sea level and explores Buck Ridge with open meadows and panoramic views of the Spanish Peaks.
For a longer trip, the Big Sky Trail takes you from Bozeman to West Yellowstone, and while some areas are groomed, the trail evolves into some of the best backcountry powder riding in the state. Check with Backcountry Adventures for options.
Two-Top Trail, West Yellowstone, Photo by Anna Smidt
In West Yellowstone, Yellowstone Vacations, and See Yellowstone offer guided tours both within and outside of the park. This area is known for over 400 miles of groomed trails and a plethora of backcountry options for adrenaline junkies. Plus, there’s the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center and the Yellowstone Giant Screen, which offer education and entertainment for those off-the-sled hours!
Keep in mind that temperatures can vary widely in Montana, so be sure to pack warm layers, good boots, hats and gloves. Check with your tour company for additional items you may need to bring! And as always, check the avalanche report before heading out.
Happy sledding!