Snowmobiling
Jackson Hole is a home base for some of the nation's top 10 snowmobiling destinations. The Gros Ventre Range; Togwotee Pass; Star Valley & Alpine, WY are just a few of the major destinations for trail and powder riding. Yellowstone National Park allows guided trail riding to view the geothermal features and rare wildlife in the park. In this section, we offer links to National Park snowmobile tour companies, as well as off trail tourguide and snowmobile rental outfitters.
Togwotee Snowmobile Adventures: Blaze out in the snow with the most fun & experienced guides.
Whisking away on your snowmobile, you float atop three feet of fresh powder through a never-ending valley consisting of fields upon fields of untracked powder. Looking up you inhale the beauty of the majestic Grand Tetons that demand your attention because you have never seen anything so beautiful in your life. Or, how about cruising down a freshly groomed trail guarded by tall aspens while you notice a small herd of buffalo crossing the trail just yards ahead of you. These experiences may sound like something out of a fairy tale, but the reality is that they occur daily in northwestern Wyoming. Whether your delight is riding hard through off-trail areas around Jackson Hole, or cruising the groomers through beautiful Yellowstone Park, snowmobiling can bring exhilaration and excitement that is sure to cure your cabin fever.
Off-trail snowmobiling is a wonderful way to get yourself outside and active during the winter months, and is a perfect complement to any ski vacation. The beneficial aspect about the sport is that you have freedom to go just about wherever you want providing you are in the National Forest limits or any area designated for snowmobiling. The season typically starts around the second week of December and lasts until the middle of April. For die-hards, the snowmobile season can last until the middle of May. As fun as snowmobiling is, off-trail riding is not recommended for novices due to the skilled maneuvering needed to drive the snowmobile. Riding groomed trails and getting the feel for the sport on packed areas is strongly recommended for people starting out and only when you feel comfortable riding trails should you then attempt to go "off-trail."
But once you are ready to head off trail, another benefit of northwest Wyoming, especially around Jackson Hole, is that hundreds and hundreds of miles of prime terrain are easily accessible just minutes from town. Some famous areas to ride around Jackson include Togwotee (45 min. N of Jackson) which has world-famous expert powder terrain, Gros Ventre (40 min. NE of Jackson) which is the place to be to photograph wildlife, and Granite Hot Springs (35 min. S of Jackson ) which is a great area for a day trip and fun trails. These areas can provide endless hours of fun exploration.
Certain questions arise regarding the aspects of off-trail riding. Question one: Should you get a guide or not? Depending on how many days you plan to ride and also if you have your own equipment should determine whether or not you need one. If you have your own equipment and have knowledge of the area you plan to ride, then you would most likely not have to invest the money in a guide. However, if you plan to ride only one day and are not familiar with the terrain, and you do not have snowmobiles, then the best thing to do would be to hire a guide. The benefit of a guide, especially for newer riders, is that he will help you if you get stuck, repair your machine if need be, and make it easier for you navigating because he directs you and shows you the sights. The only drawback is that it costs a little more money, and you might be put with people who are either more aggressive than you or to the contrary, very passive, meaning you could become locked in to a stop and go experience which may be not up to your expectations. Nonetheless, a guide always has the most important aspect of snowmobiling under his wing, safety. He will also cater to your every need and make sure you have an enjoyable experience.
Question two: Are there any regulations or laws for off-trail riding? Yes there are, and they consist of having a Wyoming registration ($10.00) , which can be purchased at the Teton National Forest offices on Cache St. in Jackson. You are also prohibited from riding in Wilderness areas which are marked in the forest and on the National Forest topography map which is strongly recommended that you purchase so you know the area where you plan to ride.
A local snowmobiling expert, Don Goetz, who has been riding in Jackson since 1967 and averages 3,000-4,000 miles each winter, suggested some of the do's and don'ts of off-trail riding. His first recommendation was that you do trail riding first. You should also let someone know where you are going and never ride alone. He mentioned the importance of safety by riding with someone who knows the area where you will be riding. Make sure that you bring some emergency items such as a first aid kit, a space blanket, some food, and tools. Don also stressed the importance of having your snowmobile properly tuned for the altitude and the snow conditions. You will also want to check the snow conditions in the area, the avalanche forecast and weather reports. He insisted that riders should ride near tracked areas as being proof a rider has safely crossed the area you may plan to snowmobile.
Aside from safety, your machine and gear should reflect how prepared you are to ride off-trail. It is always better to be over dressed, emphasizing layers which can be shed or added. For your machine, longer tracks are needed for better snow grip. They have a 1 1/2 inch to 2-inch paddles on the tracks with a more aggressive pattern to grip the light powder. Plastic ski skins are added to the bottom of the ski for gliding over the powder. The suspension in the front should be set up for less ski pressure because steering in the powder is accomplished by using your body weight and not the skis. These tips will make for a better experience.
But what if the worst should happen and you manage to get stuck? Don says most importantly, "If you get stuck, do not throttle your sled any more or you will dig the machine in deeper making it twice as difficult to get yourself out." He mentioned that when the machine is stuck, you should pack some snow with your feet to the right or left of the machine and then lift the rear onto to the packed surface. Next, you should have your partner pull the front two skis forward as you gently throttle out of the hole and get it going. If you feel yourself getting stuck going up a hill, immediately turn the machine downhill and return to your previous tracks. Also, if you plan to stop in deep snow, make a circle so you return to your already made tracks which have packed the snow. These are hints which can come in handy in a time when it may seem exhausting and impossible to get yourself out.
In all, off-trail riding can produce a very memorable experience which you may want to repeat over and over. It is a very rewarding sport, providing you follow the ethics and safety involved on or off trail. Plan some time this winter to give snowmobiling an honest try. Whether you go with friends or a guide, you are sure to have a safe and fun-filled time.
By Sean Stevens
Other pages you might find helpful:
Snowmobile Cooke City Montana
Located at the edge of Yellowstone National Park and the Beartooth Mountains, Cooke City is an ideal snowmobiling and backcountry skiing destination.
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