10 of the Best Snowmobile Destinations in North America
Posted on: December 9th, 2020
It’s that time of year again! Snowmobilers everywhere are dusting off their sleds and getting ready for a winter full of fresh powder, twisting trails, and beautiful scenery. To help you plan your snowmobile trips for the upcoming season, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best areas to snowmobile in North America.
Interconnected Trail System, Maine
With thousands of miles of deliciously maintained trails, avid snowmobilers can enjoy a day trip, weekend jaunts, or a full week of natural outdoor beauty that includes woods, lake and mountain scenery. Maine has more snowmobile trails than any other state in the Northeast, and riders will find a variety of lodging from camps to resorts that are all snowmobile-friendly.
West Yellowstone, Montana
Just miles from Idaho and Wyoming, West Yellowstone, Montana features beautiful snow-covered trees, Old Faithful, Mesa Falls, views of the Grand Tetons, and the chance to encounter buffalo and other wildlife along the way. With over 300 miles of well-marked trails, you will have the opportunity to ride over the Continental Divide, and take in your surroundings from 2,000 ft. above sea level. With lodging, restaurants, and snowmobile services along the way, West Yellowstone, Montana is a snowmobiler’s dream!
Priest Lake, Idaho
Not far from the Canadian border, Priest Lake offers deep wooded trails through the beautiful Selkirk Mountain Range. With mountain peaks ranging from 2,500-7,000 ft. high, you’ll be able to take in stunning views while riding meticulously maintained trails. Access the trails almost immediately from your rented Elkins Resort cabin and follow the trails through the mountains, or drive into town for a hot meal at one of the many restaurants.
Vail Colorado
Set at the base of Vail Mountain within White River National Forest, Vail offers access to tree-lined snowmobile trails and amazing backcountry snowmobiling across the Continental Divide, with views of 14,000 ft. mountain peaks. With many companies offering guided tours, you can ride with others or go out and explore on your own. Enjoy ice skating, live music, and other fun activities at winter events like Snow Daze, Holidaze, and CarniVail.
Old Forge, New York
Located in the heart of the Adirondacks, Old Forge boasts an average of 177 inches of snowfall per year, and hundreds of miles of trails. With events like Snodeo, Christmas at the Old Forge Library, Winter Carnival, and Snofest, there’s plenty to do even when you aren’t out on the trails. Multiple food and lodging options are available, and Old Forge offers youth snowmobile safety courses, making this the perfect snowmobile destination for the whole family.
Pittsburg, New Hampshire
Nestled in the woods at the northern tip of New Hampshire, Pittsburg has gained the title of the Snowmobiling Capital of New England. With more than 170 inches of annual snowfall and 200 miles of trails that connect Vermont, Maine, and Quebec, Pittsburg is a snowmobiler’s paradise. Convenient lodges, restaurants, and stores are easily accessible from the trails, and there are many opportunities to encounter deer and moose along the way.
Eagle River, Wisconsin
Officially recognized as the Snowmobile Capital of the World, Eagle River, Wisconsin is home to the AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derby and the World Snowmobile Headquarters. With over 500 miles of groomed trails, Eagle River has been ranked as Best Overall Snowmobiling Vacation Destination by SnowGoer Magazine, and has many highly ranked restaurants and lodging options available. After spending the day riding trails through Wisconsin’s Northwoods, snowmobilers and their families can enjoy relaxing sleigh rides through the woods, complete with hot chocolate and bonfires.
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
With so many great areas to ride in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, it’s impossible to narrow it down to just one. Receiving an impressive 200+ inches of snow per year, the UP has 3,000 miles of groomed trails that wind through breathtaking natural forests. Whether you’re riding through the Lake Gogebic area, around Trout Lake, or hitting the trails in Alger County, you’re sure to have a great time. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum and their collection of antique and vintage snowmobiles.
Chugach State Park, Alaska
Alaska doesn’t have a shortage of great places to snowmobile, but one of the best is Chugach State Park. With six separate snowmobile areas, you won’t have to deal with crowds as you take in steep canyon walls, waterfalls, the Eklutna Lake Glacier, and views of the 7,000 ft. tall glaciated peaks of the Chugach Mountains, the largest tidal mountains in the world. You might even encounter some Dall sheep and mountain goats along the way.
Lanaudière and Mauricie Quebec, Canada
The Lanaudière and Mauricie regions of Quebec are known as Snowmobile Country, and the title is well-deserved. Snowmobilers from around the world come to the region to ride. Lanaudière and Mauricie are home to 25 different snowmobile clubs and nearly 3,000 miles of well kept trails, winding through forested hills and mountains, past lakes, and even over the Matawin Dam. After a day's riding, you'll enjoy luxurious accommodation at one of the region's unbeatable hotels, like the Hotel Sacacomie, a log-built lodge overlooking Lake Sacacomie.
Ready to put your sled in your truck and take it to one of these amazing destinations?
Get it loaded safely with a snowmobile ramp from Discount Ramps. No matter where you’re riding, make sure to follow local speed limits and safety regulations, and have fun!