35 |
❄ 2024 SNOWMOBILE VACATION GUIDE ADVERTISING SECTION |
2024 SNOWMOBILE VACATION GUIDE ADVERTISING SECTION ❄ 36 |
||||||||||||
MONTANA West Yellowstone
|
A stunning landscape , mountains of snow , a vast network of trails , many lodging and hospitality choices , and access to one of the country ’ s most scenic national park combine to make West Yellowstone a true snowmobile lover ’ s paradise .
With more than 140 inches of annual snowfall in town , and significantly more in the surrounding high country , West Yellowstone is the winter landscape of your dreams .
Winter in west yellowstone . |
SO WORTH IT . |
Experience a ride like nowhere else . Come to Yellowstone this winter .
destinationyellowstone . com
|
A 400-mile trail system begins in town and continues out into the Custer-Gallatin , Beaverhead and Targhee National Forests . These wellgroomed trails provide access to the off-trail powder , beautiful meadows and plenty of more advanced backcountry riding .
Feel free to haul your own machines and gear , or local businesses can help you rent everything you ’ ll need for your adventure . Rentals range from easy-riding two-up and trail models to high-powered mountain sleds for those seeking a true deep-snow experience . Additional equipment , including avalanche beacons and backcountry shovels , can also be rented .
Guide services are available for anyone who wants to discover more about the trails . Learn about the backcountry riding led by experienced guides who ’ ll find you the freshest powder to play in . Then , after a day of taking in some of the country ’ s most breathtaking scenery , wind down at one of the many local establishments for great food and local hospitality .
What truly separates West Yellowstone from other western destinations is the variety , including dozens of restaurant options offering everything from pizza , craft beers and pasta to fine dining , as well as plenty of Western fare mixed in .
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 . In addition , there are plenty of local win-
|
ter activities , such as ice fishing and snowshoeing . You can even plan your trip around one of the town ’ s exciting annual winter events — from sled dog races to Nordic ski events .
Plus , you can choose to take an easy-going tour of the famous Yellowstone National Park via snowmobile or a snowcoach . Of course , the side adventures are terrific , but the trails and backcountry will be calling your name because the riding here is truly world-class !
Check out the 20-mile Madison Arm Loop or Horse Butte Loop north and west of town for easy-going yet highly scenic trails , with long straights and sweeping turns . These trails are perfect for beginners or more laidback riders . Expect occasional wildlife sightings — bison and wolves frequent the terrain — and exceptional mountain scenery on wide , well-established trails .
Enjoy the famous 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 you twist and turn up to the dramatic twin peak , with “ snow ghost ” pine trees , often completely encased in snow . They ’ re beautiful , but just beyond the peaks , on clear days , the surrounding mountain ranges come into view , including the Tetons , Centennial Mountains and Lionshead .
If you ’ re seeking a longer ride , you can switch it up at the bottom of Two Top Loop on the Railroad or BPA Powerline Trails and work your way down to Big Spring — it ’ s a long haul , but worth it for the spectacular scenery .
The Lionshead Trail splits off the Two Top and follows the Continental Divide . This winding trail features many switchbacks as it climbs to over 10,000 feet . Experienced riders can access extra off-trail riding from the Lionshead or Two Top trails , with plenty of bowls to play in , exciting climbs and sidehilling opportunities .
Leaving town to the south , the aptly named South Plateau Trail runs along the boundary of Yellowstone National Park . It ’ s fun to ride this trail out and back , or you can link to one of the other trails to create an unforgettable loop ride with gorgeous views of
|
the area ’ s mountains .
There ’ s also the Big Sky Trail , a 110- mile challenging path to the north that provides access to some of the best backcountry snowmobiling in Montana . This outstanding area has open bowls , deep fields of sparkling snow and challenging hill-climbing opportunities .
Then , when you ’ re done for the day , you ’ ll have plenty of choices of spots to kick back and put your feet up in front of a warming fire . For more info about snowmobiling , trail reports , and other winter adventures , visit DestinationYellowstone . com .
|