Great Escapes Winter 2025 | Page 13

Located high astride the Continental Divide just 36 miles from Jackson Hole , the charming town of Alpine has everything a snowmobiler could want for a truly remarkable winter getaway . It offers great riding and excellent services in an area that ’ s not overrun by other riders .

It all starts with copious amounts of wondrous snow ! This area can get more than 500 inches of snowfall in a good winter , with snow depths up to 12 feet . When combined with the surrounding scenic and rugged peaks , open bowls and tree-lined hills , that snow provides a lengthy season of high-altitude riding that is second to none .

Whether you want to venture into the deep backcountry for challenging rides or stick mostly to the trails , the Alpine area offers something for every rider . The Wyoming Range snowmobile trail system can entertain visitors

who want to pile on some miles and soak up the fabulous scenery without the rigors of off-trail excursions . This system encompasses approximately 350 miles of trails between Alpine and Kemmerer . One trailhead is located just one mile from town , plus many more miles of trails are available in immediately adjacent parts of Idaho .

One popular ride is from Alpine up through the Greys River area to the Box Y Lodge for lunch and then back to town .

That same trail system also provides groomed access to truly excellent backcountry riding . Most riding is done between 6,000 and 10,000 feet above sea level and can be about as adventurous as you want it to be . Climb , tree-ride and carve to your heart ’ s content !

You can certainly bring your own sleds and equipment – just make sure to get a modestly priced Wyoming trail permit from the Alpine Visitor Center or other local business when you arrive – or you can get anything and everything you need locally . Rental sled choices at Alpine Adventure Rental run from beginner-friendly trail machines to extreme backcountry mountain snowmobiles . Backcountry guide services are available from Lincoln County Customs , which offers rentals , parts , accessories and services for all makes and models of sleds . Next Level Riding Clinics with numerous rentals provides extreme adventures to allow you to reach your next level in riding .

Whichever direction you decide to ride in the vast backcountry that includes the Bridger-Teton National Forest , know that weather , snowpack and avalanche reports are available on ridealpine . com , where you can also access maps and other information .

Lodging choices in the Alpine area include conventional accommodations in town at the 3 Rivers Motel , Bull Moose Motel and Flying Saddle Resort , or at cabins at the Rockin ’ M Ranch or Box Y Lodge out in the backcountry , or other options as well . A variety of local restaurants offer everything from light fare to full meals . When here , don ’ t miss the Alpine Feed Ground , operated by Wyoming Fish and Game . It draws more than 1,000 elk from December to April and is accessible right at the edge of town .

For good times and adventure , come discover why snowmobilers in the know consider Alpine the best in the West . For more information , visit alpinewy . org and ridealpine . com .

An ideal blend of awe-inspiring riding and outstanding after-snowmobile activities makes the city of Logan and the surrounding Cache Valley of northern Utah stand out above the rest . They do winter right .

Situated just 83 miles north of Salt Lake City , with easy access by a short half-hour drive off Interstate 15 , Logan is the heart of this superb snowmobile vacation destination . The nearby Bear River Range offers 400 inches of snow each winter , producing a season that easily runs from December into late April . The Valley is framed by spectacular Wasatch Mountain scenery , where the riding can be as easy or as challenging as you want . That makes it ideal for veteran riders , first-time western visitors and everyone in-between .

It ’ s less than 10 minutes from Logan to the mouth of Logan Canyon and the start of more than 300 miles of snowmobile trails . They feature scenic variety and quality grooming , plus access to endless off-trail riding for frolicking in pristine deep powder . All snowmobiles must be registered in Utah , with a modestly priced permit for nonresidents available from local vendors . Elevations range from 6,500 to 10,000 feet , so high-altitude tuning is important . Or rent sleds after you arrive .

Beaver Creek Lodge is a great base for exploring the riding in the region . The Lodge can handle any snowmobile vacation needs with comfortable accommodations plus new rental sleds and apparel for guided or unguided riding .

The frequently groomed Beaver Creek Trail provides access to numerous play areas . Or ride south to Blacksmith Fork Canyon and to Hardware Ranch where you can view a 600- head herd of elk . The Ranch is an elk refuge so you can see the majestic animals up close . Snowmobilers are reminded to stick to designated trails in this critical wintering area .

Or ride the Sinks Trail north from Hardware Ranch to access great play areas and hill climbing . Temple Canyon and the Garden City trails have great wildlife viewing . The Tony Grove Trail offers excellent mountain riding opportunities as it climbs up to another play area at Tony Grove Lake , then on to an amazing three-state view from Mt . Naomi Peak . Many other spur trails provide access to additional riding opportunities .

After your sleds are parked , historic Logan and Cache Valley sparkles as a great winter destination . The restored 1883 Cache County Courthouse in downtown Logan houses the Cache Valley Visitors Bureau with souvenir shopping plus excellent maps . Visit one of the many local restaurants that feature an amazing variety of cuisine . For a nighttime diversion , check out live theater or music performances or college basketball or hockey .

See how Logan and Cache Valley do winter right . Visit ExploreLogan . com or call the Visitors Bureau at 800 / 882-4433 .