Best places to snowmobile
The best places to snowmobile are close by and easy to get to. If you are looking for a new way to enjoy winter, snowmobiling may be just what you’re looking for. Whether you want to ride through some fresh powder or simply show off your skills on the slopes, there are many places in the US where you can do this.
In this article, we’ll tell you about Best places to snowmobile, best places to snowmobile in europe, where is the best mountain snowmobiling, best snowmobiling in the world, snowmobiling in vermont, and longest snowmobile trail.
Best snowmobiling in the world
Among the various sports that people can try in the winter, snowmobiling is one of the most popular. Many people who love snowmobiling also enjoy skiing or snowboarding. Some of the best places in the world to go snowmobiling include Aspen, Snowmass, Park City, The Canyons, Vail, and Jackson Hole—all of which are amazing ski resorts. Those who love to travel and want an epic snowmobiling adventure looking at destinations from a global perspective will open up some incredible opportunities. What are some of the top places to go snowmobiling in the world?
1. Icelandic Snowmobiling Trails
Iceland is a great place to go snowmobiling. It’s a unique landscape that offers something for everyone, from the family-friendly to the more adventurous. If you’re looking for something new and exciting, this is the place to go!
For those who just want to enjoy the experience with their family, there are plenty of places to visit where you can take your snowmobile and get close enough to see some of the most amazing sights in all of Iceland. You can also spend time exploring some of the different areas of Iceland without worrying about getting lost or needing an expensive guide because there are so many trails that lead right back into town or other popular tourist destinations.
For those who are looking for something more challenging or adventurous than what they’ve tried before, Iceland offers plenty of options as well! There are many mountains throughout Iceland where you can go snowmobiling with friends or family members and even some areas where you can rent equipment if necessary (for example: helmets).
2. Snowmobile in Hokkaido, Japan
Japan is a truly unique place for snowmobiling and is home to some of the world’s top skiing and snowboarding destinations. The entire island of Hokkaido, Japan, is an amazing place to go snowmobiling. Hokkaido features some of the most significant snowfall totals in the region, making it possible for people to hop on a snowmobile and rip through the backcountry of Japan, exploring everything this unique location has to offer. When you’ve had enough snowmobiling, you can hit the slopes and have a ski day!
3. Siberia, Russia Has Incredible Snowmobile Trails
When people think about Siberia, they often do not have pretty visions. Siberia is a land of snow, ice, and below-freezing temperatures. It is a region that is known for its harsh winters and dreary landscapes.
But when it comes to Siberian snowmobiling, those same people will have a completely different idea of what this area is all about. Siberian snowmobiling can be one of the best experiences you will ever have on two wheels—and we’re not just talking about going fast!
The Russian Siberian Tundra offers some incredible views of natural beauty, including Lak Baikal and Cape Katelnikovsky. There’s nothing quite like seeing these sites from the seat of your snowmobile.
Siberia is an incredibly unique place to explore with your friends or family members—especially if you’ve never been there before!
4. Snowmobile The Finnish Lapland
If you’re on the hunt for a place to snowmobile that’s unlike anywhere else in the world, look no further than The Finnish Lapland. This region is considered one of the best places for winter sports enthusiasts because it offers a wide variety of activities and experiences. Snowmobilers can enjoy racing through wide-open meadows, frozen rivers and forests that are beautiful when covered in snow, or they can take their snowmobile to a husky or Reindeer Farm. It’s also possible for people to take a snowmobile safari, which is perfect for anyone who wants to explore this part of Finland.
So if you want to take your snowmobiling to new heights and explore an area that is truly unique, think about exploring The Finnish Lapland!
5. The Swiss Alps Snowmobile Adventures
Finally, it is impossible to talk about snowmobiling without exploring the Swiss Alps as well. The Swiss Alps compare to some of the top skiing destinations in the world. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that they are also a great location to go snowmobiling. Year after year, the Swiss Alps continue to set record snow totals. People can explore Lago Nero, Black Lake, and Splugen Pass near the Swiss border. Finally, it’s even possible for people to explore abandoned ghost towns and meandering trails along the way. There is nothing that can compare to snowmobiling across the Swiss Alps.
6. Finnmark and Svalbard, Norway
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you might have heard of snowmobiling. It’s a way to travel on a machine that drives over snow and ice, and it’s available in many countries around the world. Norway is no exception. In fact, with its broad plateaus, tall peaks, the northern lights and mountains that plunge hard into the ocean, Norway would be an amazing place to go snowmobiling. Unfortunately, due to strict environmental regulations, the country prohibits snowmobiling for fun. But commercial tours are allowed. So are using a snowmobile for work or transportation. And by work I mean herding semi-domestic herds of reindeer!
This activity takes place in Finnmark—which appears to have more relaxed rules on snowmobile use than other regions in Norway. According to one article, travel with snowmobiles along marked slopes is allowed but no boondocking unless of course you are herding reindeer or transporting goods—in which case riders are permitted to go off-trail.
The best way then for visitors to experience this exciting activity is with a commercial tour operator who can guide them through all aspects of their trip.
7. Sweden
Sweden is known for its love of the great outdoors, and nowhere is this more evident than in their snowmobile culture.
Unlike their neighbour, Norway, Sweden embraces recreational snowmobiling and is home to a thriving winter scene. It is also home to some of the planet’s most notorious riders—including XGames gold medallist Daniel Bodin and pro backcountry rider Kalle “KJ” Johansson.
Like the CCSO in Canada, the Swedish Snowmobile Owners Federation (SNOFED) is the umbrella organization for snowmobile clubs throughout Sweden. Formed in the 1970s, SNOFED has about 126 members clubs under its belt. SNOFED also works with the Swedish Motorcycle and Snowmobile Council and the National Snowmobile Council to promote the safe and responsible use of snowmobiles throughout the country.
8. Andes Mountains, Chile
Riding fresh pow in August is pretty much impossible—unless you’re snowmobiling in Chile. Because it lies south of the equator, Chile’s seasons are opposite to us here in Canada. From early June to late September, the Andes Mountains are caked in snow. Vast and varied, the Andes offer everything from tree riding to powdery bowls and volcanic drainages. Chris Burandt has been offering all-inclusive snowmobile trips to Chile for some time now. And according to him, snowmobiling in Chile is pretty much non-existent, which means that visitors will have the entire zone to themselves.
Best places to snowmobile
There are few things better than a day on the slopes—and even fewer things better than a day on the slopes while snowmobiling!
If you’re considering getting into snowmobiling, but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Here are our favorite spots in the country for riding:
1. Lake Baikal Coast, Siberia
Snowmobiling is part of the culture in Siberia and an enlightening way to cross the tundra of Russia. Siberia is often considered to be one of the last wild frontiers on earth, so it’s an ideal spot for true hardcore adventure-seekers. One of the best places here to snowmobile is along the coast of Lake Baikal.
2. Pittsburg, New Hampshire
Pittsburg 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 Canada 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.
7. 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.
8. Gaspe Peninsula, 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!
9. Patagonia, Argentina
If you live in the northern hemisphere, Patagonia is a great place to go snowmobiling the summer off-season since the seasons are reversed. Las Leñas 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 the Mount Huyliche valleys and enjoy a lunch stop along the way. Bariloche is a top destination for snowmobilers, and excursion leave from Mountain Cathedral’s base and other spots. Some trails here require no experience at all, so it’s easy to join a group for a family-friendly half-day excursion.
10. 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.
11. Highlands of Northern Iceland
Iceland is situated in such a northern climate that you can snowmobile year-around in some places! However, you’ll find the most snow on the ground in the winter, and conditions are at their peak now. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
Best places to snowmobile in Europe
Europe is a haven for snowmobile enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to ride through the forest, or you want to see as much of the continent as possible in a short amount of time, Europe has plenty of options for you.
Here are some of the best places to snowmobile in Europe:
1. Sweden: With over 7,000 kilometers (4,356 miles) of marked trails and an average snow depth of about 50 centimeters (19 inches), it’s no wonder that Sweden tops the list as one of Europe’s best places to ride your snowmobile. The country has over 700 lodges and restaurants along its trails, and they’re open year-round, so you can enjoy your trip all season long!
2. Norway: Norway is known as one of the best places in Europe for winter sports—and it’s no secret that they offer some excellent opportunities for riding on your snowmobile! You can choose from several different routes with varying levels of difficulty and terrain types (from mountains to forests). You’ll have no trouble getting lost here: there are hundreds upon hundreds of kilometers (miles) available to explore!
3. Poland – Poland has many great spots for snowmobiling, including Zakopane and Białka Tatrzanska. Whether you’re looking for a quiet ride through the mountains or something more adventurous, Poland will have something for everyone!
4. Czech Republic – The Czech Republic is known for its beer and architecture—but did you know that it’s also known for its great places to snowmobile? From the Šumava National Park to the Bohemian Paradise National Park, there’s something here for everyone!
Snowmobile resorts
The best place to ride snowmobiles is at a snowmobile resort. The resorts provide you with the equipment, tracks and trails and guides to help you navigate them. They have many different types of runs so that you can have your choice of difficulty level, depending on how much experience you have. Some resorts even offer lessons for those who are just learning to ride or want to brush up on their skills. Here is a list of Snowmobile resorts;
1. Northwest Wisconsin
a. Lakewoods Resort – Cable
Voted #1 snowmobile resort in the nation by SnowGoer Magazine, Lakewoods Resort has a host of wintertime activities for the entire family. Grab a toboggan or sled and go tearing down a nearby hill, or strap on the snowshoes and hike along the shores of Lake Namakagon. The well marked trails of Rock Lake Trail System cross semi-primitive glacial hills and frozen wetlands. If sticking close by the resort sounds like your cup of tea, take the kids to the lighted skating area for a game of hockey or skate around the ice.
b. Four Seasons Resort – Cable
Set in the heart of the Chequamegon National Forest, Staudmeyer’s Four Seasons Resort offers cozy vacation homes, cabins or lodge homes. Pull your sled right up to your front door after exploring the 500 miles of groomed trails. Cross-country is at its best with the nearby, world-famous Birkebeiner Ski Trail, as well as numerous other ski trails located at and close by the resort. The Lodge located on the grounds has a full-service bar, serving your favorite cocktail including their famous Bloody Mary.
2. Northeast Wisconsin
a. Black Bear Lodge – St. Germain
Situated on 2,100 feet of shoreline on Little St. Germain Lake, Black Bear Lodge offers a variety of winter activities to suit your needs. Snowmobilers can begin the ride of a lifetime right outside their front door. The Bo Boen Snowmobile Trail weaves right through the resort. For those not going for a ride, head out for some ice fishing, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. From your classic “up north” cabins with wood-burning fireplaces to modern condos with gas fireplaces, you’re in for some “wow” views of the pristine lake.
b. Hiller’s Pine Haven – St. Germain
Surround yourself in the serenity of the Northwoods at Hiller’s Pine Haven. With direct access to some of Wisconsin’s most exciting snowmobile trails, the beauty surrounding you will provide hours of entertainment. If you like to spend some of your time ice fishing, musky, walleye, northern bass and pan fish are aplenty. Guided ice fishing is available. Grab your family and head up north for your family vacation at this serene Wisconsin resort.
c. Holiday Acres Resort on Lake Thompson – Rhinelander
Nestled on the shores of Lake Thompson, the vast acres of winter playgrounds are a welcoming destination for generations of vacationers. More than 120 miles of adventurous snowmobile trails will keep any ‘sledder’ entertained. Or, glide silently through the snow on a dozen miles of on-site and adjoining cross-country ski trails. Lake Thompson offers the ice fishing enthusiast more than 386 acres of prime fishing. Their indoor pool and sauna is the perfect place to spend a cool winter day, or thaw out after a day soaking up the outdoors.
d. Zaugg’s Resort – Eagle River
A private vacation home with the opportunities of resort amenities is a great option for a retreat and can be found at Zaugg’s Resort! Offering four-bedroom homes or an eight-bedroom one, start making memories with your family and friends. Situated on endless trails for day-long snowmobiling trips, the winter adventures available to guests goes on and on. Zaugg’s offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and pond hockey, and the horses stand ready to take a ride over layers of snow.
3. Black Bear Lodge
Black Bear Lodge is located on Little St. Germain Lake, along the Bo-Boen Snowmobile Trail. Accommodations include lodge homes with stone fireplaces and lake views, cottages near the lake and suites with a kitchen and central heat. The resort offers high-speed Internet service and digital camera rental. Housekeeping services can be added to your stay. The grounds feature a lighted rink for ice skating. Guests can race snowmobiles on the lake or try ice golf or hockey. Several snowmobile trail systems are maintained in the area, including those at Eagle River.
Black Bear Lodge
1330 Halberstadt Road
St. Germain, WI 54558
715-479-5778
800-563-4340
4. Lakewoods Resort
Lakewoods Resort has been called the number-one snowmobile resort in the nation by SnowGoer Magazine. Guests can select among accommodations including lodge rooms with a fireplace or whirlpool, condominiums with a striking view and a fireplace and lake homes near the woods. Bayfield County offers 750 miles of groomed trails, and the resort rents snowmobiles. A full-service shop for snowmobile repairs and supplies is available for guests. Return from your trip to warm up in the hot tub. Located within the Chequamegon National Forest, Lakewoods gives guests access to ski trails and on-site ice skating. Snowshoe rentals are also available.
Lakewoods Resort
21540 County Road M
Cable, WI 54821
800-930-6657
5. Flater’s Resort
Flater’s Resort includes five modern cabins with gas heat, hot water and satellite television. An on-site bar and lounge gives guests a place to eat and a fireplace to warm from the winter chill. The resort is open year round and offers both snowmobile and cross-country ski trail access. According to the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Chippewa County has over 300 miles of snowmobile trails.
Flater’s Resort
N270 County Road E
Holcombe, WI 54745
715-595-4771
flatersresort.net
6. Hiller’s Pine Haven
Hiller’s Pine Haven’s accommodations include lakeside cottages and vacation homes. Most of the lodgings have a fireplace. Wi-Fi access and nonsmoking units are available. Guests can request a unit with a hot tub. Pine Haven offers snowmobile trail access, and skiing areas are a short drive from the resort. On the grounds, guests can try ice skating and go sledding. St. Germain is on the Bo-Boen Snowmobile Trail.
Hiller’s Pine Haven
7992 Paton Road
St. Germain, WI 54558-9302
800-445-5370
When it comes to checking out the best places to snowmobile, the options are endless. We’ve been able to include just a few of our favorites in this list, but if you have any other suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments!