MONTANA SNOWMOBILE GUIDE
SLED THE BEST OF THE WEST IN MONTANA’S POWDER PARADISE
GLACIERSTOGEYSERS.COM/SNOWMOBILING
SLED THE BEST OF THE WEST IN MONTANA’S POWDER PARADISE Montana is a mecca for sled heads, where big skies and big powder give way to some of the country’s longest and most scenic rides. 4,000 miles of groomed trails crisscross sweeping mountain-meadow playgrounds, deep untouched backcountry, rugged ridgelines, frozen alpine lakes, old mining country and ghost towns, plus logging and Forest Service roads. The best riding under the big blue sky is found in Western Montana’s Glacier Country and Yellowstone Country Montana, where epic terrain and stunning scenery overflow from the breathtaking national park landscapes that anchor each region. Both areas deliver world-class snowmobiling among premier mountain towns, thriving with a palpable exuberance for hardcore snow play. Locals wave and say hello, lodging and amenities are warm and friendly, and the food and drinks are top-notch. After a day on the sled, pull up a barstool for a finely crafted beer or a whiskey made from glacial waters—countless breweries and distilleries dot the region.
The beauty of snowmobile season in Montana is that it’s long. It can begin in early November and last until April. Plow through fresh fluffy powder at the start, hit the hardpack when the season is well underway, and sled the soft stuff in your T-shirt come spring. Crush the adrenaline rush of a ride through crisp alpine air, watch wildlife, power past Montana’s famous “snow ghosts” and explore each region’s captivating basecamp towns. Sled Glaciers to Geysers in Western Montana’s Glacier Country and Yellowstone Country Montana.
Snowmobiling in Western Montana. © NOAH COUSER COVER PHOTO: Snowmobiling near Cooke City. © DAN ARMSTRONG © 2019 Glacier Country Regional Tourism Commission and Yellowstone Country Montana. Distributed with Accommodation Tax Funds. Any reproduction or reprint of this guide or any portion thereof, without the written permission of Glacier Country Tourism and Yellowstone Country Montana is strictly prohibited. Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. However, due to the passage of time and the anomalies inherent in the publishing process we cannot be responsible for errors or incorrect information. Please contact the individual establishments to confirm information. Printed in the USA on recycled paper for free distribution.
WESTERN MONTANA’S GLACIER COUNTRY A powder paradise for sled heads.
Western Montana offers unrivaled and authentic outdoor recreation experiences among some of Montana’s most charming small towns. Power through winter in Western Montana, with miles of steep climbs and flat trails, and acres of breathtaking backcountry. Glacier Country’s gorgeous and expansive winter terrain offers an unforgettable sledding experience for both beginners and experts, and while snowmobiling is prohibited inside Glacier National Park boundaries, the beauty and wonder of the park can be viewed for miles beyond.
1 CUT BANK/BROWNING Test your mettle in Montana’s rugged and remote Marias Pass Trail Complex, straddling the Continental Divide in the Lewis & Clark and Flathead national forests south of Glacier National Park. Riding ranges from intermediate to expert on 45 miles of groomed trails and 35 miles of ungroomed trails. Favorite trails include Two Medicine, Skyland and Pike Creek.
2 FLATHEAD VALLEY – WHITEFISH, KALISPELL,
COLUMBIA FALLS, BIGFORK, SWAN VALLEY
Western Montana’s recreation wonderland is a premier winter destination bordering Glacier National Park. Flathead Valley boasts 200+ miles of groomed trails and nearly 2,000 miles of Forest Service roads with phenomenal hill climbing and powder play areas, wildlife viewing and ridge-top views of the park and the Canadian Rockies. Don’t miss Stillwater, Canyon Creek and Desert Mountain Areas, and Swan Lake and Skyland trails.
3 HAUGAN Haugan combines extensive riding options with a family atmosphere, catering to all ability levels. Easy-to-intermediate trails and loop tours begin right off the interstate. Find friendly hospitality in Haugan, De Borgia and Saltese, with designated trails, wide-open meadows and scenic views. Explore Ford Hill/Old Mullan Pass, Packer Creek/Randolph Creek, Milwaukee/Dominion, Big Creek, Deer Creek/Up Up and Taft Summit.
YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY MONTANA Home to some of the world’s best sledding.
Power through pure powder in some of the most prized winter terrain on the globe. West Yellowstone has been called the snowmobiling capital of the world. Cooke City boasts an epically long season and transforms into “snowmobile central” each winter, and a ride through Yellowstone National Park offers a rare and privileged glimpse into one of the most otherworldly winter landscapes imaginable.
1 WEST YELLOWSTONE Often hailed one of the top snowmobiling destinations in the world, West Yellowstone is the hot spot to hop on a sled—right on the streets of town— and discover more than 400 miles of groomed trails, some of which lead into Idaho. West Yellowstone itself is a pretty impressive winter destination to hang out in, too. Favorite sled trails in the area include Two Top, Horse Butte, Madison Arm, Big Sky, South Plateau and Lionhead. Or, hook up with professional snowmobile guides for a jaw-dropping tour of Yellowstone National Park’s tranquil winter wonderland.
2 COOKE CITY Find sought-after snowmobiling in Cooke City, with late-season backcountry riding extending into June and sometimes even July. Spring days make for longer daylight hours and more riding. Climb to Daisy Pass at 10,000 feet. Free ride Henderson Mountain. Explore old mining country, play in deep powder meadows and boondock through the trees. Then, tell your sled story at the local saloon.
3 YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Take a guided snowmobile tour with seasoned professionals through the serene landscape of America’s first national park, where steaming geysers and geothermal features are juxtaposed against a winter wonderland of pure white powder, big blue skies and majestic wildlife. This is truly a unique way and time of year to see the park.
to Cranbrook, BC to Cardston, AB Rexford
Yaak
1
Eureka
Martin City Hungry Horse Essex 2
Whitefish Kalispell Kila
Marion
Heron
to Coeur d’Alene, ID
6 Trout Creek
Lakeside Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm
ID
Thompson Falls Hot Springs Haugan De Borgia 7 St. Regis
3
AH
O
Bigfork
Somers
Noxon
Sun
St. Mary
McDonald 2 Columbia West Glacier 4 Falls Coram
Olney
Libby
Swee
Babb
Lake
Apgar
3 to Sandpoint, ID
PARK
Stryker
Troy
2
NATIONAL
Polebridge
Fortine Trego
4
GLACIER
2
CAN ADA to Lethbridge
Sh
East Glacier Park
1 Fla
the
ad
Swan Lake
Cut Bank 5
Browning
Valier
Heart Butte
Dupuyer Conrad
Riv
er
Choteau
Polson
Plains
Charlo
Paradise
Superior
Fairfield
Vaug Augusta
St. Ignatius
Missoula Lolo
Cascade
Ovando
Craig Lincoln
Greenough
Bonner 6 Clinton
9
Fort Sha
7
Seeley 8 Lake
Arlee
Alberton
5
Condon
Ronan
Moiese Dixon
Brady
Bynum
Wolf Creek
Helmville Canyon Creek Marysville
Florence
to Kooskia, ID
Stevensville
Victor
Corvallis
10
SNOWMOBILE CLUBS 1.
Ten Lakes Snowmobile Club, Eureka
2.
Troy Snowmobile Club, Troy
3.
Lincoln County SnoKats, Libby
4.
Hamilton
8
Darby
Sula
6.
Cabinet Ridge Riders, Trout Creek
7.
Montana Nightriders, Haugan
8.
Seeley Lake Driftriders, Seeley Lake
9.
Missoula Snowgoers, Missoula
Montana City
Clancy Deer Lodge
Philipsburg
Jefferson
Basin
City
Tow
Boulder
Georgetown Lake
Anaconda
Butte
Wise River
8
Dewey
Whitehall
Divide Wisdom
to Salmon, ID
Silver Star
Melrose
Jackson
Harrison Pony
Twin Bridges
PIONEER MTNS SCENIC BYWAY
278
Norris
Sheridan
Polaris Alder
278
Nevada City
En
Virginia City
Dillon
Bannack Grant
324 324
10. Bitterroot Ridge Runners, Hamilton 11.
East Helena
Elliston
Garrison
569
Association, Whitefish Summit Snowgoers, Cut Bank
PINTLER SCENIC ROUTE
Conner
Flathead Snowmobile
5.
Helena
Drummond
Dell Lima Monida
Gallatin Valley Snowmobile Association, Bozeman
12. Big Sky Snowriders, Livingston 13. Sweet Grass County Recreation Association, Big Timber
IDAH O
Lakeview
to Idaho Falls, ID
14. West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce, West Yellowstone 15. Upper Yellowstone Snowmobile Club, Cooke City Visit GlaciersToGeysers.com/Snowmobiling for each snowmobile club’s contact information.
to Rex
e, AB
to Kildee
to Swift Current, SK
CANADA
etgrass
nburst
Opheim
Turner Loring
Whitewater
Chinook
helby Galata
IN D
Rudyard
Chester
Havre
Fort
ENLARGED AREA
Box Elder
Belknap
Dodson
Agency
Hinsdale
Saco
Saint Marie
Vandalia
Malta
Nashu
Glasgow
Big Sandy
Fort Peck
Virgelle Loma Zortman
Landusky Fort Benton
Great Falls
ghn
Winifred
aw
Brusett Belt
Ulm Stockett
Raynesford
Roy
Denton Geyser Stanford
Lewistown
Monarch
Sand Springs
Winnett
YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY Grass Mosby Range SNOWMOBILE AREA
Hobson Neihart
Jordan
GLACIER COUNTRY SNOWMOBILE AREA
Utica
Cohagen
SNOWMOBILE CLUB Judith Gap
a White Sulphur Springs
a Winston
Two Dot
Harlowton
Martinsdale
wnsend
Ingomar
Melstone
Roundup Forsyth
Hysham
Ringling
Ros
Bighorn Custer
Logan
Three Forks
Manhattan Belgrade
Gallatin Gateway
11
6
Cameron
Clyde Park
Big Sky
12
Pray Emigrant
7
Silver Gate
Columbus
Nye Roscoe
Park City
2
BEARTOOTH
YELLOWSTONE
to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, WY
Roberts
Red Lodge
Cooke City 15 Tower Junction
Canyon Norris NATIONAL Madison 14 Junction West PARK Lake Yellowstone 3 West Thumb xburg, ID Old Faithful Grant Village
1
Greycliff Reed Point
Fishtail
8
Colstrip
Pompeys Pillar
Absarokee
Gardiner Mammoth Hot Springs
Worden
McLeod
5
Quake Lake
13
4 Livingston
Bozeman
nnis
Big Timber
Wilsall
Joliet
Laurel Rockvale
Bridger
Pryor
Billings
Hardin
Deer
Crow Agency
WA RRI Busby
Saint Xavier
Garryowen Lodge Grass
Fort Smith
B
Wyola
Belfry
Decker
WYOMING to Cody, WY to Lovell, WY
to Sheridan, WY
Closed in Winter
HIGHWAYS Interstate Route *This map shows general snowmobiling recreation and trail Principal Highways areas. For detailed trail use and restrictions—including wintertime motorized access areas—visitOther the Montana Highways Snowmobile Association map page at snowmobilemt.org.
ROUTE MARKERS Interstate
MAP SY
GEAR UP + GO WITH A GUIDE You’ll find snowmobile rentals and gear at friendly outfitters all over Western Montana and Yellowstone Country Montana, and some of the most experienced and knowledgeable snowmobile guides call this powder paradise home. Guided tours are available throughout the region, and offer a seamless riding experience for both beginners and experts. For information on gear, guides and outfitters, visit glaciermt.com/ snowmobiling and visityellowstonecountry.com/snowmobiling.
SLED SAFELY BE AVALANCHE AWARE. Always check the Montana avalanche report before you head out. You can rent a transceiver with your sled, or take a guided tour from one of many outfitters in the area. Visit avalanche.org.
West Yellowstone, Montana. Š KEN TAKATA
PLAN YOUR TRIP Visit GlaciersToGeysers.com/Snowmobiling for sample snowmobile trip itineraries.
FOLLOW THE RULES There are two permit requirements for residents of Montana: Snowmobiles must be registered with the state of Montana, and a $20 Snowmobile Trail Pass—valid for two seasons (July 1 through June 30)—must be displayed on all machines. Out-of-state visitors who plan to ride their snowmobiles in Montana are required to purchase a Nonresident Temporary Use Permit for $35 by calling Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks department headquarters at 406.444.2535 or visiting their website stateparks.mt.gov/recreation/snowmobileProgram.html Snowmobilers riding on plowed streets that are open to snowmobile traffic must have a driver’s license or—if under age—must possess a snowmobile safety certificate and travel with an adult.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Groomed trails are maintained by local snowmobile clubs and chambers of commerce. Check trail specifics before you ride, as some trails are not groomed as frequently as others. snowmobilemt.org/resources/#grooming
BE CONSIDERATE AND SMART Ride on the right and use hand signals. Match your speed with your experience. Take a friend or tell someone where you’ll be. Stay sober and use common sense. Ice safety: know the rules. Respect the wildlife.
FIND INFORMATION + RESOURCES Montana Snowmobile Association is your go-to for snowmobiling in Western Montana and Yellowstone Country Montana. Find trail maps, plus links to local snowmobile clubs, outfitter and guide information, as well as news and events, safety and avalanche resources, and more. snowmobilemt.org
MONTANA SNOWMOBILE GUIDE
Go full throttle in Montana. Sled world-class terrain from Glaciers to Geysers.
GlacierMT.com 800.338.5072
VisitYellowstoneCountry.com 800.736.5276
GLACIERSTOGEYSERS.COM/SNOWMOBILING