Insight

Top 15 Snowmobile Courses in the United States

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Snowmobiling is a great way to get outside and enjoy colder weather with a group of friends, your family, or on your own in a tour group. Here in the United States, we’re lucky to have such varied geography with vastly different seasons. In many states, winter brings on snow and temperatures cold enough to support snowmobiling. With that, there are a number of great places to hit the trails on your sled.

Here are the top 15 snowmobile courses in the United States. If you do hit the trails, make sure to always make safety your number one priority. Learn more about our wireless communication options for recreation here, and keep reading for more information on the importance of safety when snowmobiling.

A bridge covers a partially frozen river, surrounded by snow-covered trees in Upper Peninsula, Michigan.

1.  Upper Peninsula, Michigan

With average snowfall reaching up to as much as 200 inches, the Upper Peninsula in Michigan is a winter sports enthusiasts dream come true. So, what else makes this destination so great (aside from the boundless snow)? The sheer expansiveness of the region.

The area boasts over 2,500 miles of smooth, untouched trails that take snowmobilers through forests, fields, and over frozen lakes — talk about a playground. The Upper Peninsula is the closest you can come to snowmobiling powder in the midwest, and for that, it remains one of the top destinations of all.

Landscape of snow-covered mountains and forest in Togwotee, Wyoming.

2. Togwotee, Wyoming

About 50 miles northwest of famous Jackson Hole, Togwotee Pass offers some of the most breathtaking backcountry scenery in all of the United States. Amazing views coupled with a never-ending supply of snow — you’re set for an amazing winter of snowmobiling in the wild, wild west.

Snow-covered road winds through the forest in Maine.

3.   Maine

Maine’s trail system is truly one-of-a-kind. Their Interconnected Trail System (ITS) boasts 3,500 miles of snowmobile trails that can take you all over the state, provided there is enough snow, uninterrupted. Many of these trails connect with the additional 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails in Maine, as well.

And if that’s not enough to persuade you that Maine is a top snowmobiler destination, the beautiful terrain, frequent wildlife sightings, and friendly towns along the trail system will ensure you have a great ride.

Snowy forest near Vail, Colorado

4. Vail, Colorado

It’s hard to choose a best place to snowmobile in a place as gorgeous and wild as Colorado. But with stunning views of the state’s 14,000 ft. peaks, and trails that run alongside the Continental Divide, Vail might just take the crown.

Whether you’re looking for a full-day (or longer) guided tours, or have the urge to explore the backcountry on your own terms, there are hundreds of different options for you to snowmobile Vail and have a blast doing it.

Playful vehicle tracks in the snow near a forested area in Priest Lake, Idaho.

5.  Priest Lake, Idaho

You’ve likely heard of Sun Valley as a top Idaho destination for winter sports enthusiasts. However, the Priest Lake area of Idaho is a true hidden gem.

Situated at 2,400 feet, Priest Lake sits at the base of 7,000 ft. mountains with dozens of trail systems and over 520,000 acres of public land for twisting and turning on your sled. Camp out for a full weekend near the lake, or simply head to the trails for an epic day trip.

Snow-covered road through the wood near Old Forge, New York.

6.  Old Forge, New York

Smack dab in the middle of the Adirondacks, Old Forge has made a name for itself as a popular snowmobile destination since the inception of the sport. The main reason for that? Snow. The area boasts over 177 inches of snow per year. That translates to about 69 days of snowfall every single year.

Excellent conditions, a variety of trail riding options, and quality selections for lodging make Old Forge one of the top snowmobile towns in the U.S.

Rolling hills covered in snow near a small stand of trees in West Yellowstone, Montana.

7.  West Yellowstone, Montana

Have you heard of tree goblins? In West Yellowstone, Montana, they’re hard to miss. Tree goblins — trees that have been completely buried in snow — line the elevated trails in this snowmobile mecca of the U.S.

Take a guided tour on your sled to visit Old Faithful, or explore the mountains and endless trails on your own. Either way, you’ll encounter some of the most stunning natural beauty you’ve ever seen.

St. Germain Wisconsin

8.  St. Germain, Wisconsin

Ice fisherman, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers alike flock to St. Germain every winter for prime conditions for their sport of choice. This remote area is famous for the Bo-Boen trail system. Maintained by volunteers, the Bo-Boen Club provides on-trail assistance throughout the vast network of beautiful, rugged terrain.

Narrow, snow-covered lane through a dense wood in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

9.  Steamboat Springs, Colorado

There’s a reason the locals refer to the snow in Steamboat Springs as “Champagne Powder”. Some of the best snow and the best trails can be found in this popular tourist destination.

If hitting the trails by day and enjoying ski-resort luxuries by night is your cup of tea, Steamboat Springs might be your new favorite vacation spot. Take advantage of swanky Dinner-package excursions through Steamboat Resort and end your day of adventure-seeking with a five-star meal.

Blue sky, clouds and snow in The Black Hills, South Dakota.

10.  The Black Hills, South Dakota

Well groomed and well marked trails make the Black Hills region in South Dakota a popular choice among snowmobilers. Varying terrain and a wild-west feel to the area will inspire the explorer within you. Ride through crystal, clear valleys, and then climb your way up to the 6,000 ft. peaks, feeling like a true cowboy (or cowgirl) the whole way.

Snowmobile tracks through the snow near Bartlett, New Hampshire

11.  Bartlett, New Hampshire

From December to April, New Hampshire is a prime snowmobiling destination. The White Mountain Trail Club in Bartlett dutifully keeps the trail system in northern New Hampshire safe, enjoyable, and most importantly, scenic.

Take a guided tour along Swift River (and keep your eyes out for a moose or two), or explore the Mt. Washington and Mt. Chocora on your own agenda.

Fishing pole and floating bob in an icehole near Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.

12.  Gunflint Trail, Minnesota

Not only a place to visit in the winter, Gunflint Trail is a great vacation spot for outdoorsmen all year long. The scenic trail loops prove to be an adventure for both novice and experienced snowmobilers.

If you do happen to visit Gunflint Trail in the wintertime, try out another sport like ice fishing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding when you’re not cutting through the trails on your snowmobile.

Snowmobile rider flows a trail along a ridgline in snowy Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

13.  Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Guided tours through national treasures like Yellowstone National Park make Jackson Hole one of the most iconic destinations for snowmobile enthusiasts. If you also love skiing and/or snowboarding, Jackson Hole is the perfect place to take the family (or friends) for an all-out winter vacation.

Snowmobile carving through fresh snow near Park City, Utah.

14.  Park City, Utah

Another popular ski-resort destination, Park City is a no-brainer when it comes to balancing wild adventure with lux accommodations.

Spend a day in Park City snowmobiling at Thousand Peaks ranch. With over 60,000 acres of open terrain, you won’t find this much free snow anywhere else in Utah.

Snowmobile parked near a wall of plowed snow in Denali National Park, Alaska.

15.  Denali National Park, Alaska

Home to a handful of national geographic wonders, Denali National Park in Alaska is a place that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Take in the sights of humbling Mount McKinley, explore boundless snow, and be swept away by the colors of the Northern Lights at the end of your day on the slopes.

After spending a few days in the midst of the highest peak of North America, it’s hard to leave Denali without feeling as if your life has been changed. Consider snowmobiling here an unforgettable experience.

When you’re out in the backcountry, anything can happen. Mother nature, as we know, operates on her own agenda, meaning weather can change on a dime, wildlife can surprise you, and terrain isn’t always able to be anticipated by a map.

Because of that, safety should be your number one priority when snowmobiling. Consider the solution of a two-way communication headset, that not only keeps you warm, but allows you to communicate clearly with the other people in your crew — whether that crew is your family, a tour group, or your trail partner for the day.

With options for children, women, and different team structures, Sonetics is committed to providing you with a safe, snowmobiling experience no matter where in the U.S. you decide to seek adventure.

Learn more about all of our communication solutions.