Winter is the perfect time to try some new adventure sports, from snowboarding and snowshoeing to ice climbing. But one of the most adrenaline-pumping things you can do once the snow starts falling is snowmobiling. This is an exciting way to explore rugged terrain while zipping through the woods and feeling the brisk winter air on your face.
You can make snowmobiling as intense or relaxed as you like by choosing mountainous treks or scenic backcountry trails that suit your style and skill level. Just don’t forget to bundle up and wear a helmet! Some of the very best snowmobiling routes are in the U.S. and Canada, but the sport is gaining popularity in other parts of the world too. Here are some of our favorite places to go snowmobiling this winter.
The Swiss Alps
The Alps are world-famous for skiing, but there are also some great trails for snowmobiling here. This is a place to come for high altitude, enormous peaks, and spectacular views. Some popular tours in the area include Lago Nero from Madesimo to Cava and Splugen Pass. For example, on a Splugen Pass ride, you’ll reach heights of 7,500 feet above sea level for unforgettable panoramic views.
West Yellowstone, Montana
Yellowstone is an outdoor lover’s paradise at all times of the year, and winter is certainly no exception. There are some excellent trails in this corner of Montana and diverse terrain to explore here. If you’re new to snowmobiling or want to really learn about the area, there are some guided tours that you can join to see the Old Faithful Geyser Basin and other beautiful natural features.
Pittsburg, New Hampshire
Pittsburg, New Hampshire is often referred to as the snowmobiling capital of New England. It’s close to the Canadian border near Quebec and is a small town with a big passion for the sport of snowmobiling. The Pittsburg Ridge Runners snowmobile club operates a large and well-maintained trail system – one of the absolute finest in the Northeast. From Pittsburg, you can ride on trails that take you to Vermont, Maine, and Canada, and trails often stay in good condition until April.
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
The American Midwest is blanketed in snow during the winter months, and the best place in the region to experience this snow is Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. You can find snowmobiling opportunities all across the Upper Peninsula, but Chippewa County is a great place to start.
Black Hills, South Dakota
The Black Hills in South Dakota is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, perfect for motorcyclists in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter. The terrain here is unique and quite diverse, as you can ride through mountains, forests, and plains that make you feel like you’re in many different parts of the country all at once. Of course, Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park are here to stop by and learn about American history and dwindling wildlife species like the buffalo and bighorn sheep.
Priest Lake, Idaho
One of the best places for snowmobile enthusiasts to flock to in the winter is the Elkins Resort on Priest Lake. It’s in Idaho near the Canadian border and trails run through the Selkirk Mountain Range. The best part is that you can access a couple of trailheads right from your cabin. The mountain peaks here are nothing short of impressive, and there are some great local restaurants in town that you can ride to.
Chugach Mountains, Alaska
Many of the popular snowmobiling routes in Alaska stretch along the coast, but there are plenty of great opportunities inland as well. The Chugach Mountains, for example, are a great place to experience deep snow and rugged wilderness. Consider taking a guided tour if you really want to get off the beaten path. This is a great area to see wildlife, such as moose and eagles.
Quebec, Canada
There are over 200 snowmobile clubs that maintain trails and ride together in Quebec, so this is the place to come for excellent conditions and plenty of comradery. Some of the best places to visit in Quebec for snowmobiling include the foothills of the Laurentians, the Appalachians east of Quebec City, and the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. Chaudière-Appalaches has 1,700 miles of maintained and marked trails and there are over 700 miles of trails in Centre-du Québec. Quebec also has a winter carnival that’s worth checking out and some famous nightlife spots that shouldn’t be missed. You can even stay in Hotel de Glace, an ice hotel that is the only of its kind in North America!
Highlands of Northern Iceland
Iceland is situated in such a northern climate that you can snowmobile year-round in some places! However, you’ll find the most snow on the ground in the winter when conditions are at their peak. Several guide companies offer tours of the area for full-day or partial-day excursions. Seeing the Langjökull glacier up close and personal is definitely one of the highlights of snowmobiling in Iceland.
Finnish Lapland
Many of the snowmobiling trails in Finland run through hilly forests and are well-groomed. There’s a wonderful snow culture here, with local bars and restaurants promoting a laid-back, boot-friendly vibe. Guided snowmobile safaris often run between two and six hours and include stops at husky and reindeer farms and the Santa Claus Village.
Patagonia, Argentina
If you live in the northern hemisphere, Patagonia is a great place to go snowmobiling in the summer since the seasons are reversed. Las Leñas, located in the province of Mendoza, is a great place to go for a ride to check out the snow-capped peaks. Visitors can join a tour group and travel across Mount Huyliche valleys and enjoy a lunch stop along the way. Bariloche is a top destination for snowmobilers, and excursions leave from Cerro Catedral’s base where you can also enjoy other winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Some trails here require no experience at all, so it’s easy to join a group for a family-friendly half-day excursion.
Hokkaido, Japan
Most people don’t think of Japan as a place for winter sports…maybe skiing, but probably not snowmobiling. Well, Hokkaido is a surprisingly great snowmobiling destination because of the top-notch snowfall the region typically sees each year. Japan’s longest snowmobiling course is in Hokkaido, which is in the western part of Sapporo. There are four courses here that are lined with pine and white birch trees for beginners, as well as sloping mountain courses for experienced snowmobilers. While you’re in the area, you can try some other exciting winter activities too like the four-wheel buggy rides and ice fishing.
