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2021 SNOWMOBILE VACATION GUIDE ADVERTISING SECTION

West Yellowstone

Abundant snow , a dynamic landscape , a vast trail network , excellent lodging and hospitality choices and access to the country ’ s oldest and most scenic national park combine to make West Yellowstone a true snowmobiler ’ s paradise .

It starts with the snow : More than 140 inches of snow falls in town annually , and significantly more than that decorates the surrounding high country . The 400-mile trail system begins right in town , where snowmobilers share city streets with motorists , and continue out into the Custer-Gallatin , Beaverhead and Targhee national forests . These well-maintained groomed trails provide access to off-trail powder meadows and more advanced backcountry riding .

You can haul out your own machines , or local businesses can provide snowmobile and clothing rentals on a daily or multi-day basis . Snowmobile rentals range from easy-riding 2-up and trail models to high-powered mountain sleds for those seeking deepsnow adventures . Additional equipment , including avalanche beacons and shovels for backcountry riding , can be rented , too . Guide service is also available for snowmobilers who are new to the area and want to learn more about the trail system , or for safer and more fascinating backcountry riding led by somebody who can always find you fresh powder to play in .

After a day of riding through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country – creating memories while taking in the many natural , scenic wonders – wind down with friends and family at one of the many local establishments for great food and local hospitality . The variety in West Yellowstone is one thing that truly separates it from other western riding destinations – there are dozens of dining options , offering everything from pizza and pasta to fine dining , with a lot of western fare mixed in to give you a taste of local culture .

West Yellowstone is also a great place to create a multi-faceted family vacation by taking in a movie at the Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre , or visiting the River Otter Exhibit at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center , or plan your trip around one of the exciting annual winter events or other outdoor activities – from sled dog races to Nordic ski events to ice fishing . Or , take an easy-going tour of the famous park , via snowmobiles or snow coach .

Those side adventures are nice , but the trails and backcountry will soon be calling your name because the riding here is beyond outstanding !

Try out the 20-mile Madison Arm Loop or Horse Butte Loop north and west of town – they are easy-going yet highly scenic trails with long straights and sweeping turn that are great for relative beginners or more passive riders . There will be occasional wildlife sightings and excellent mountain scenery on wide , well-established trails that are fun and easy to ride for anybody and everybody .

More famous is the Two Top Loop , which offers a variety of terrain , taking riders past a beautiful open river and then gaining 2,000-feet of elevation as riders twist and turn up to the dramatic twin peak , with its “ snow ghost ” pine trees that are most often totally encased in snow . They ’ re a beautiful sight , but beyond them on clear days , the surrounding mountain ranges come into view , including the Tetons , Centennial Mountains , Lionhead and Yellowstone National Park . The scenery is breathtaking at the top , and at various other locations along the trail . Those seeking a longer ride can drop off the bottom of the Two Top Loop on the Railraod or BPA Powerline trails and work their way down to Big Spring – it ’ s a long haul , but the scenery is spectacular .

The Lionshead trail splits off of the Two Top and follows the Continental Divide . The twisting trail features many switchbacks as it climbs over 10,000 feet on a remote path . More experienced riders can access extra off-trail riding from either the Lionshead or Two Top trails , with numerous bowls to play in and exciting climbs and sidehilling opportunities .

Leaving town to the south , the aptly named South Plateau Trail runs along the boundary of Yellowstone National Park . You can ride this trail out and back , or link it up with one of the other trails to make a great loop ride . It provides great views of the area ’ s mountains , and away from the crowds .

The Big Sky Trail is a 110-mile challenging path to the north that provides access to some of the best backcountry snowmobiling in all of Montana . This area has open bowls , deep fields of snow and outstanding hill climbing opportunities .

For more info about snowmobiling , trail reports and other winter adventures , visit DestinationYellowstone . com .