The air is crisp. The ground is soft with a fresh coat of lake-effect snow. You set off with your snowmobile and grip the heated handles. You’re ready to ride.
Snowmobiling is the ultimate way to explore the outdoors during winter months. It’s no secret that the world looks different in winter (for starters, you’ll see different wildlife).
But where can you find the best places to go snowmobiling in the US? It depends on what type of trails you’re looking for.
If you’re a beginner looking to try some trail snowmobiling, then the Midwest holds the history and the trails you seek. But if you’re looking to do some mountain snowmobiling, then we’ve got trails from Mt. Katahdin to Steamboat Springs for you to enjoy.
Here are the top 7 spots for the best snowmobiling in the US – for both trail and mountain snowmobiling. (For added convenience, we’ve also included tour companies in the area and where you can stay while in town).
Experience the Thrill: The Top 7 Snowmobiling Trails in the U.S.
From the big sky country of Montana to the tranquil forests of Michigan, these destinations are the cream of the crop for snowmobiling enthusiasts. Each location offers unique adventures, magnificent landscapes, and miles of groomed trails that cater to all skill levels.
Ready to rev your engines? Let’s hit the powder for some trail riding with our trail maps!
Eagle River, Wisconsin
The official snowmobiling capital of the world, Eagle River plays host to the longest-running snowmobile race every year in January. This area offers serene rides through tranquil forests and around several lakes. With more than 300 miles of trails to explore, you’ll have no problem finding a route.
And when you’re done with the trail, you can explore the rich history of snowmobiling–right where the snowmobile was invented.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate trail rides
Type: Trail
Season: December 1 – Mid-April
Where to stay:
- Chanticleer Inn Chanticleer Inn
- Ojibwa Waters Hiller Vacation Homes Ojibwa Waters – Hiller Vacation Homes
- Deerwood Resort Vacation Rentals Wisconsin – Home | Deerwood Resort
What to do:
- Explore the historical sites
- Try ice fishing
- Backcountry skiing
Guided Tour Options: TrackSide Home Track Side Eagle River, WI 715-479-2200 (tracksideinc.com)
Sault Ste, Marie, Michigan
Sault Ste is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and it’s home to snowmobile races and over 3,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a haven for snowmobiling enthusiasts because of the abundant snowfall that often measures several hundred inches annually. The fresh snow makes each ride an exhilarating experience.
The extensive snowmobile trails and northern climate offer a long snowmobiling season for riders. Many of the trails offer stunning views of Lake Superior in Winter.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate trail rides
Type: Trail
Season: December – March
Where to stay:
- Brimley State Park Brimley State Park Detail (michigandnr.com)
- Historic Adoba Lockview Motel Sault Saint Marie | MI 49837 | Adoba Lockview
What to do:
- Explore the historical commercial district and locks
- Backcountry skiing
- Winter Hiking
Bearskin State Trail, Minocqua, Wisconsin
The Bearskin State Trail is a 27-mile loop that follows an old railroad route from the 1880s. You’ll cross several train trellises over Bearskin Creek before finally sledding into Minocqua’s “Island City.”
Bearskin is a part of the state park system, and it provides access to 1,600 miles of snowmobile trails. This makes it a wonderful place to take your time and explore all the different trails.
While most of these trails aren’t considered mountain trails, you’ll still enjoy impressive views of lakes and snow-covered forests. You can also hunt in the Northwoods or ice skate on one of the thousands of lakes in the area.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate trail rides
Type: Trail
Season: December 1 – April 1
Where to stay:
- Birch Trail Resort Class A Musky Lake Resort WI Birch Trail Resort Minocqua Wisconsin
- Booth Lake Landing Resort Family-Friendly Minocqua Resort | Booth Lake Landing Resort | Minocqua, Wisconsin
What to do:
- Explore the historical commercial district and locks
- Backcountry skiing
- Winter Hiking
Guided Tour Options: Adventure North Snowmobile Tours and Rentals Adventure North Snowmobile Tours & Rentals (adventuresnowmobiletours.com)
Old Forge, New York
Find the Adirondack feeling in Old Forge, New York. The snowmobiling here ranges from easy trail rides to moderate mountain trails, with the trails being groomed twice a day.
But before you plan your trip here, make sure you snag your permit. Old Forge is intentional about how many people they allow to roam their trails each season, all for the purpose of preserving their treasured Adirondacks.
It’s also home to awesome ski slopes and ice fishing.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate trail rides
Type: Trail and Mountain
Season: December 1 – April 1
Where to stay:
- Adirondack Lodge Home – Adirondack Lodge Old Forge(adirondacklodgeoldforge.com)
- Black Bear Lodge (Offers onsite rentals) Black Bear Lodge(blackbearlodgeoldforge.com)
What to do:
- Ice Fishing
- McCauley Mountain snow skiing
- Backcountry skiing
- Winter Hiking through the Adirondacks
Tour or Rental Option: Adirondack Snowmobile Outfitters ADK Snowmobile Outfitters
White Mountains, New Hampshire
While the neighboring Mount Snow in Vermont is also a picturesque view of the Green Mountains, New Hampshire is home to the most miles of snowmobiling trails, and they’re all maintained by local snowmobile clubs. Many of these trails are a part of the interconnected trail system that links much of the Northeast from Maine to Vermont.
With custom-guided tours that meet your skill level, the White Mountains provide a breathtaking journey through the snowy landscapes and exhilarating rides through mountain terrain.
And if the snowmobiling trails aren’t just right, then you can opt for a SnowCoach Tour instead. Or hitch a ride on one of New Hampshire’s many scenic railways.
(If this is a winter vacation with the kids, they will love the train!)
Difficulty: Easy to hard trail rides
Type: Trail and Mountain
Season: December – March
Where to stay:
- Riverbank Motel and Cabins Specials and Packages – New Hampshire – Riverbank Motel & Cabins
- Inn Season Resorts Pollard Brook Resort – InnSeason Resorts
What to do:
- SnowCoach Tour
- Ride the Cog Railway
- Backcountry skiing
- Mt. Washington
Tour or Rental Option: SledVentures SledVentures | Snowmobile Rentals | Guided Tours | Lincoln, NH USA (nhsledventures.com)
Snowmobiling Trails through our National Treasures
If you’ve been through any of the National Parks in summer and thought, “Wow! I’d love to come back with a snowmobile and cruise through this winter wonderland!”, then I’m sorry to disappoint you.
Some parks, like Yellowstone, severely limit the number of snowmobilers through a lottery system, and others, like Rocky Mountain and Glacier National Park, don’t allow it at all.
But hope is not lost! There are nearby trails next to these parks where you can enjoy the backcountry trails of mountain snowmobiling.
Grand Lake, Colorado
Just outside Rocky Mountain National Park is Grand Lake, Colorado. With 300 miles of snowmobile trails for all levels, you’re sure to find one to satisfy your need to see those heights from the saddle of a snowmobile.
You can ride the continental divide on a guided tour or rent your own snowmobile and find your own snowmobiling adventure.
Being in the heart of the Rockies, you also have the option to hike through Rocky Mountain Park or do some snowshoeing. The dining in Grand Lake is also up and coming, with historical restaurants on the river and new cuisine being introduced.
Cap it off with a cozy log cabin or lodge to rest in, and your winter vacation is all set.
Difficulty: Easy to hard mountain rides
Type: Mountain
Season: December 1 – March
Where to stay:
- The Gateway Inn Grand Lake Co Lodging, Grand Lake Lodging | Gateway Inn
- Historic Rapid Lodge Guest Rooms | Grand Lake, CO | Rapids Lodge
- Not Forgotten Cabins Not Forgotten Cabin | Grand Lake Cabin Rental | Grand Lake, Colorado (not-forgotten-cabin.com)
What to do:
- Free snow tubing at the Grand Lake Nordic Center
- Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Backcountry skiing
- Fine Dining on scenic vistas
Tour or Rental Option: Grand Adventures Colorado Snowmobiling | Off Road Adventure at Grandadventures
Flathead Valley, Montana
Choosing between the Chugach National Forest in Alaska or Flathead Valley in Montana’s pristine wilderness can be difficult. But since Flathead is just outside of Glacier National Park and shares much of the same rugged terrain along with its own national forest (Flathead National Forest), our vote is Flathead Valley. Move over, Chugach.
With 2,000+ miles of trails, you can rent snowmobiles and explore at your leisure. Expect rocky terrain, high-altitude climbs, and breathtaking views at the top. You might also get lucky and spot the elusive mountain goats and bald eagles while you’re out.
Difficulty: Moderate to hard mountain rides
Type: Mountain
Season: December – April
Where to stay:
- Flathead Vacation Rentals Flathead Valley Vacation Rentals By Area – Stay Montana
What to do:
- Family Fishing Tour
- (You guessed it) Backcountry skiing
- Ranger leads snowshoeing tour through Glacier National Park
Tour or Rental Option: Swan Mountain Snowmobiling Snowmobile Tours in Montana | Swan Mountain Snowmobiling (glaciersnowmobile.com)
Summary
This list of the best places to snowmobile in the US is by no means exhaustive. Some other beautiful places to snowmobile are…
- Seeley Lake
- The Katahdin region
- The Black Hills
- Brainerd lakes area
- Chugach Mountains
- Salt Lake City
Whether you’re a seasoned snowmobiler or a beginner eager to hit the trails, these destinations offer a blend of beautiful scenery and thrilling trails.
But when the fun is done, it’s time to put the toys away. Make sure you store them properly to prevent rust and oxidation, so they’ll be ready for your next great adventure.
If you need a place to store your snowmobile in the off-season, that’s where Neighbor can help.
Neighbor is a peer-to-peer vehicle storage marketplace providing the perfect solution for snowmobile owners. With Neighbor, you can easily find safe, nearby, and budget-friendly storage options for your snowmobile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Snowmobile Capital of North America?
The snowmobile capital of North America is Eagle River, officially registered as “The Snowmobile Capital of the World” and boasting hundreds of miles of trails. It is located in Vilas County, Wisconsin’s Northwoods.
Can You Go Snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park?
It’s actually difficult to snowmobile in West Yellowstone because they only allow a certain number of guided tours and only one private non-guided group per day. To be one of those lucky private groups, you have to put your name into a lottery during the summer and wait until September to see if your name gets drawn.
The post The Best Snowmobiling in the U.S.: Top Trails for Winter Adventure Seekers appeared first on Neighbor Blog.