Things to Know About the Sled 

A reliable sled is a must while out in the backcountry during winter months. A situation can go bad fast with the varying weather conditions winter can throw at you. The sled will also dictate whether you’re hitting the steeps or rippin’ the trails. Some things to consider when choosing a sled are:

1. Mountain Sleds vs. Trail Sleds 

It all depends on what adventure you’re looking for and you can find sled best-suited for big mountain powder or groomed trails. When you hear the words “mountain snowmobile” don’t let that fool you, you can ride them just fine on trails—it just won’t be as comfortable as a true trail machine. On the flip side, if you know you’ll be riding trails and trails only, you’ll be more comfortable on a purpose-built machine.

Mountain sleds are more capable and can get you just about anywhere—they also can get you into more trouble. You can quickly find yourself miles away from the trail, handlebar-deep in powder. If you do decide to go this route as a beginner, make sure you have some friends with you and we recommend having at least some sort of experience with a throttle. 

Trail sleds are a great option if you’re looking to stick to the trails and take in the scenery. Trail sleds have larger intercoolers and shorter tracks, which allow them to stay cool even on hard groomed trails. They also tend to be more comfortable with big plush seats and sometimes a back support. If you are brand new to snowmobiling, we recommend going the trail sled route and sticking to the groomed trails to start. 

2. See What Tools are Needed

Most new sleds come with a factory tool kit of some sort, but they’re usually lacking a lot. For the basics, have a spare belt, a tool to get the belt off (some sleds require an open wrench and some require an allen), and spare plugs, especially in older carbureted two-stroke sleds because they tend to foul more often. 

Do your homework on what your sled has most of in terms of nuts and bolts. Most sleds will only differ between three to five sizes for tools. Usually, an 8mm-14mm wrench set can handle a lot of backcountry repairs since you can only do so much without spare parts. 

3. Repairing a Snowmobile 

If you snowmobile enough, you’ll be amazed how you quickly learn to “MacGyver” stuff. Sleds are getting lighter and lighter and that can come at the cost of weaker parts. We can’t count how many times A-arms have snapped way out in the backcountry and you have to get creative to get the sled out. We’ve tied logs, stolen parts from somewhere else on the sled, tied them up with rope—you name it, we’ve done it. 

Breaking an A-arm is probably the most common break and after some trial and error, having the thick ⅜ zip ties and NRS-type straps (where you can loop them back on themselves) are a game changer. They can also be used for other breaks and we recommend having some in your tunnel bag or backpack. 

How to Ride a Snowmobile

All sleds are equipped with a thumb throttle, left-hand brake, and an emergency brake. Working knowledge of these elements is the only way you’ll be able to ride. We’re not going to tell you how to ride a snowmobile here—there’s a lot to them and your experience can vary greatly. On the safety side of things, most sleds will be equipped with a tether that you’ll want to attach in case you fall off your sled. 

Other noteworthy mentions are knowing how to restart your sled. This may seem obvious, but if you find yourself struggling to get your snowmobile started, you’ll often find a switch or key turned off and nothing happens. If you’re renting, ask the guide before you leave the shop. The last thing to make sure you know how to do is properly work your heated grips—freezing hands can make or break your experience. 

What to Wear Snowmobiling 

There are many factors to consider when choosing your gear, and getting this wrong can turn a day upside down. Dry and cold climates are going to be different than wetter, warmer climates so educate yourself on the area you are going to be riding in. (You can also call local shops and ask). Just remember, it’s better to have and not need a piece of gear then to need some and not have it with you. 

• Waterproof and insulated gear can make all the difference in the world. The old saying “the weather isn’t bad, it’s just bad gear” is very true while on a sled.
• Full face helmet and good goggles (with some sort of darker tint for the bright snow). Also have a way to clean or wipe lenses off.  
• Good gloves (and spare) with dexterity. 90% of sleds on the trails today have hand warmers, so a good pair of gloves that are on the thinner side where you can work the throttle and brake is key. Most people who are new to sledding think of putting on the warmest gloves they can find and will struggle to work the throttle and will find their hands cramp way faster.
• Extra outer waterproof shell. If your gear is soaking wet, you can at least pull a quick rain jacket over to help keep you dry and double as a windbreaker.
• Some sort of wool as your first layer.
• Boots are also a crucial part of the gear list. You want something waterproof, warm, and supportive. Snowmobiles have sharp edges where your feet go (the tunnel) and boots will take a beating. If you don’t have specific snowmobiling boots, a pair of Sorels (or something similar) will work. 
• Safety gear.We’re not going to tell you that you have to wear knee pads or a chest protector, but just consider the dangers of going fast across the hard pack snow. You never know, a simple piece of plastic could save your life. If a rental shop already provides them, why not wear it? 

Avalanche Safety Gear

Especially out West in the high mountains, avalanches are part of backcountry snowmobiling. Make sure you’re monitoring snow conditions, reading avy reports, and most importantly, using your best judgment. The best way to avoid slides is to notice the signs before they happen. On days where snow is unstable, there’s nothing wrong with staying lower and having fun in the trees and being on less aggressive terrain. Keep in mind onX Offroad has all of the necessary tools and features right in the App with Avalanche Forecast, Slope Angle, SNOTEL sites, and more. 

If you find yourself getting into the steep country quite a bit, then we recommend an avalanche backpack with float technology. Inside that bag, have a shovel and probe and know how to use them. Most people just buy the stuff and never take it out of the bag—make sure to practice getting your equipment out in an efficient manner in case of a burial. 

Get yourself an avalanche beacon and know how to properly use it. There are plenty of ways nowadays to get trained on how to use your beacon. From YouTube to classes to taking a formal multi-day course, there’s no excuse for not knowing how to use your beacon. Also, use fresh batteries every year and practice in safe areas to keep your skills up. For those sticking to the lowlands and rippin’ trails, you won’t have to worry about slides as much but we still recommend having a beacon just in case.

Other Essential Gear for Snowmobilers

This section is going to cover the basics for what we have found to be “a must” while out on our snowmobiles. This is by no means the “best” kit, but it covers some basics. Note that there are some key items that will be wrapped into this list that we covered above. 

• Foldable saw to cut your way out if you find yourself pinned against a tree (especially facing downhill).
• Siphon for bumming fuel. 
• Make sure you can build a fire. We’re not going to cover the many different ways to achieve that, but just remember you can use your siphon to trickle out a bit of fuel onto something to light if you’re really in a pinch. 
• Glow sticks, strobes, or any other light. If something goes really wrong and SAR is out to get you, having something to mark your location either from the sky or the ground is a must. 
• Good radios. Radios are arguably the most important tools out there. Not only for constant communication for navigational purposes, but for safety. We’ve had sleds pin buddies down, roll over on top of them, or break down, and the radio is what saved the day.
• Water, water, water. 
• Medical supplies. This list can go on and on and we’re not medical professionals telling you what your med bag needs to have in it but some of the most common medical supplies are arm splints, tape, and slings. 
• The most important safety of all is to never go out alone and have at least one buddy with you with another sled.

Best Places for Beginner Snowmobiling 

If you’re looking for riding fresh groomed trails, states like Wisconsin and Michigan are great options. If you’re looking for more mountainous places, Colorado has some world-class snowmobiling. You can also find some amazing spots for snowmobiling in national parks. Luckily for those new to the sport, there are thousands of places to learn how to ride a snowmobile and it really depends on where you live and how far you are willing to travel to ride. 

In general, “Out West” you can find snowmobile terrain just about anywhere. But you also need to stay legal. The onX Offroad App tells you where you can and cannot ride by knowing what type of land you’re riding on, which is incredibly helpful for planning a trip or seeing where to go next.

There is no single best place to ride, we just recommend following the weather windows and let that be the main driver to different locations. Another factor to make your decision is snowmobile rental availability. With the growing popularity of the sport, most rental places are almost always completely booked. So, do you research and call ahead to line up a snowmobile or two. 

Research Local Laws and Rules of the Trail

As mentioned above, there are too many places to ride to narrow them all down but, the main thing is knowing where you can and can’t ride. It’s very important to know where the boundary lines are because a trail can act as an easement and the trail actually allows you to cross legally but you have to remain on the trail until you’re back on public land. As far as rules of the trail go, there are a mix of common-sense informal rules and state-mandated formal ones. Here’s a combo:

1. Stay to the right of the trail (just like driving a car), especially around blind corners. You don’t have to worry about signals, and snowmobiles are equipped with headlights and brake/tail lights. 
2. When passing other riders, know how many riders are behind you and let them know. Example: You are leading the ride and have three riders behind you. A group that’s oncoming passes you and you’ll usually see the other riders hold up fingers. What does that mean? That’s letting you know they have (X amount of fingers they held up) riders still behind them so use extreme caution. Your job is to hold up three fingers to let the other riders know you have three more behind you. 
3. This one is not really written anywhere, it’s just something you should be aware of: stay somewhat steady on the throttle.
   Nothing will make you want to get off a snowmobile faster than riding super chopped out trails that are almost like ski moguls. You’ll be riding on a nice and smooth trail and all the sudden, it gets rough. The reason for this is people “blipping the throttle” and slowly creating “whoops.” This often happens entering and exiting corners because instead of staying steady around the whole corner, people will go super fast, slam on the brakes, and then accelerate out of the corner. This will create rough riding conditions and we promise, you will not enjoy riding those mogul-style ruts. Of course you alone can’t prevent these speed bumps from happening—just be aware of what causes them. 
4. All states require riding with registration. If you’re going the rental route, the shops (usually) will have all the necessary information on the snowmobile. If you borrow a snowmobile from a buddy and take it across state lines, make sure you have a Trail Pass (some states call it something else) and registration on you. Some states like Washington, Oregon, and California will also require an additional step by purchasing tags every year (just like a car) so keep that in mind.   

The post Snowmobiling For Beginners appeared first on onX Offroad.

Nearly 100 years ago, Carl Eliason built the first snowmobile just a few miles down the road from where we call home. Today, Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and Minnesota are home to over 50,000 miles of groomed trails and tens of thousands of acres of public lands that can be explored on a snowmobile. We’re going to share our experience and break down how to make the most out of your winter snowmobiling in the Midwest!

Get The Gear

Snowmobiling is all about the experience, and your experience will differ depending on the sled you’re riding. With the technology in today’s manufacturing, every brand is making a great snowmobile these days, but there are different types of snowmobiles built for different purposes. 

Picking a Sled Track Length

For those who pack on the trail miles, enjoy cutting up twisty corners through the woods, and hauling the mail across the lake: the shorter the track, the better. Today’s full-size sleds offer track lengths from 129 inches to 175 inches, but trail sleds will typically have a 129-inch or 136-inch track length. If you plan on exploring a bit of off-trail terrain but still primarily trail ride, a crossover model in a 136-154-inch track length is the sled to have, providing extra floatation while still being capable of hitting the trail.

What to Wear 

Once you’ve found your trusty steed, you need to protect your body with the proper gear. Winter weather conditions can change rapidly throughout the day in the Midwest, so it’s important to be prepared for all situations. It’s always a good idea to have waterproof boots. Going up from there, layering properly with base and mid layers underneath waterproof outerwear will provide many options to keep you comfortable without overheating. For those venturing off trail, you’ll tend to run a little warmer from throwing the sleds around, getting stuck, and digging out, but it’s a great idea to pack an extra layer in your tunnel bag or backpack in case of a breakdown or survival situation. 

Finally, a DOT-approved helmet is mandatory, and we don’t recommend cutting any corners on brain protection. We trust Fly Racing outerwear from head to toe every day we hit the snow, as their waterproof gear has insulated and uninsulated options to fit every rider and their helmets are as safe as it gets in the snowmobile world.

Communication and Navigation

When riding off-trail, we always use radios to communicate between riders as it’s easy to get turned around out in the woods, but some trail riders find radios or in-helmet communicators enhance their ride as a group too. Either way, each trip you take requires a route plan and the means to execute that plan. For these purposes, we use the onX Offroad App. 

onX Offroad’s Snow Mode is the perfect tool for planning your trip in the Midwest. It includes up-to-date maps of all the snowmobile trails in each state, along with information about each trail, parking lots and trailheads, gas stations, recreational sites, and more. Plus, onX Offroad shows you all the public lands that are open to snowmobiles, so you can explore with confidence knowing you aren’t crossing any boundaries into wilderness or private lands. Additionally, onX Offroad provides detailed local weather information so you can track storms and chase snow just like the pros.

The Places You’ll Go

The Midwest is truly a winter wonderland for a good chunk of the year, but there are hidden gems within these states that take the cake for us. Here’s our favorites in each:

Sault. Ste. Marie, Michigan

One of the most iconic sled towns in Michigan is Sault Ste. Marie. Home to the International 500 snowmobile race, sled roots run deep in this Michigan area. Sault Ste. Marie receives hundreds of inches of lake effect snow per year, and its unique location provides different scenic trail options along the Lake Superior shoreline to check out nearby areas like St. Ignace, Newberry, Paradise, and Cedarville. This part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is renowned for its trail riding not only in our book but in the eyes of many.

Pro tip:Take Trail C west out of town to catch some stellar Lake Superior views.

Calumet, Michigan

Known as the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Calumet was once a booming mining town home to thousands of immigrant miners and hundreds of copper mines. Today, Calumet is Michigan’s northernmost hub for four-season recreation with its central location, great access to trails, rich history, and myriad local attractions. 

Pro tip: Take Trail B to Trail UP3 to the top of Brockway Mountain for an epic Lake Superior overlook.

Minocqua, Wisconsin

While the Bearskin State Trail itself is only about 26 miles long, it provides access to nearly 1,600 miles of other trails. Located near Minocqua, Wisconsin, this trail is part of the Wisconsin State Parks trail system that’s open year round. Originally built in the late 1880s, this old railroad grade was purchased by the state in the 1970’s to be converted into a trail. The route includes 16 trestle crossings, eight of which span Bearskin Creek. The longest trestle brings you 375 feet across Minocqua Lake to the “Island City” itself.

Presque Isle, Wisconsin

Spanning between Land O’ Lakes and Presque Isle, Wisconsin, Trail 5 & 6 wind 30 miles along lakes and through the trees. Offering a surprising amount of elevation change as you travel East-West along the Wisconsin-Michigan border, this trail is both exhilarating and scenic. You won’t see much development here, as Trail 6 winds mostly through the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. This tract of public lands offers over 400 acres of snowmobile trails in Wisconsin’s beautiful Northwoods.

Kabetogama, Minnesota

Located at the top of Minnesota, Kabetogama sits near Rainy Lake and offers hundreds of miles of trails both on the lake surface and overland portages in the area. The International Voyageurs Snowmobile Club maintains 158 miles of groomed trails in the International Falls-Rainy Lake area of Northern Minnesota, and this area has plenty of lodging accommodations for groups of all sizes. Voyageurs National Park is a short ride away and offers its own extensive trail system within. Crane Lake, Ash River, Grand River, Hibbing, Ely, Virginia, Bemidji, and many other popular destinations are all accessible from this area.

Midwest Snowmobile Vacation, Rental, and Resort Ideas

The Midwest is known for its hospitality, and no snowmobile trip would be complete without a stop at some of the well-known spots or events that make these communities so special. Here are some of our favorites:

Bent’s Camp Resort

Located eight miles West of Land O’ Lakes, Bent’s Camp Resort sits on the south shore of Mamie Lake of the Cisco Chain, a 14-lake body of water that offers endless opportunities for summer and winter recreationalists. Land O’ Lakes is known as the “Gateway to the UP” and the Cisco Chain provides a straight shot north across the ice to get closer to Lake Superior and that lake-effect snowfall. Bent’s Camp features a historic restaurant and lodge built in the late 1890’s along with year round rental cabins. For some lightning-quick action, we attend Bent’s Camp’s Radar Run on President’s Day weekend each year, an event that gathers thousands of sledders on the ice and raises money for the Frosty Snowmobile Club. At this event, you’ll often see Outlaw sleds putting down 500+ horsepower and running nearly 150 mph in just 500 feet!

World Championship Snowmobile Derby

Eagle River, Wisconsin, is known as the “Snowmobile Capital of the World” and is home to the World Championship Snowmobile Derby and International Snowmobile Hall of Fame. The World Championship Derby draws tens of thousands of people to the area to watch the best in the sport compete in Ice Oval and Snocross racing. In January 2023, Eagle River will host the 60th Annual World Championship Derby, marking the longest-running snowmobile race in the world. Eagle River has plenty to offer outside of the derby as well, with several trails heading in different directions out of town to access nearby areas and attractions. If you need to rent a sled or gear up, check out TrackSide directly across from the derby track for a wide variety of rental machines, gear, and service.

Lake Gogebic

Lake Gogebic is the Upper Peninsula of Michigan’s largest inland lake, and is home to several iconic restaurants around its shore, including Hoop N Holler, the Root Cellar, Gogebic Lodge, and Fishtales Resort. On the north side of the lake, you’ll find the Timbers Resort, Timberline Sports, and one of our favorite breakfast spots, Antonio’s, in the town of Bergland. If you’re looking for guided tours or sled rentals in the area, check out Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures.

Midwest Sled Fest

Formerly known as The Jack Helgren Memorial Race, this annual event takes place on the ice of Clear Lake in Clear Lake, Iowa. The event features a race with classes for all including vintage and youth divisions. The event is organized by the North Iowa Snow Seekers as the Hancock County Snowmobile Association and features radar runs along with a head-to-head Lemans race on a course on the lake.

Midwest Extreme Snowmobile Challenge Races

The Midwest Extreme Snowmobile Challenge circuit brings the excitement of hillclimb, hillcross, and hilldrag racing to the Midwest with a series of races slated for 2023. The Midwest Extreme Snowmobile Challenge aims to offer fun, competitive races for snowmobilers of all ages and abilities. With events scheduled in Pequod Lakes, Misswa, and Biwabik, Minnesota, Midwestern snowmobilers and spectators have new venues to experience the thrill of snowmobile racing.

Share the Stoke! Once your trip is complete, share the stoke online with us using #NationOfRiders and #onxoffroad.

The post 2023 Midwest Snowmobiling Guide appeared first on onX Offroad.

The vistas are familiar to every American: the Upper Falls of Yellowstone, the glittering blue of Crater Lake, and towering Mount Rainier. But cloaked in snow and viewed from the seat of a snowmobile? That’s a special treat for those willing to navigate park service regulations and brave the cold. From Acadia to Yellowstone, snowmobiling in national parks takes a little more prep work in the planning phase but pays off with unique experiences in our most iconic landscapes. 

Can You Snowmobile in National Parks?

Often, but not always. Rules and regulations are on a park-by-park basis with some allowing widespread riding while others strictly regulate non-commercial access and open trails. Luckily, the riding opportunities (and scenery) near national parks can be exceptional, so even parks with little or no snowmobile access can still make for stunning destinations. 

Snowmobiling in Yellowstone Park

Snowmobiling in Yellowstone is one of the best and only ways to enjoy the park during the winter months, as most of the roads are closed to vehicles. More than 200 miles of groomed trails are available to snowmobilers from Mid-December to Mid-March. There are several authorized tour companies, but Yellowstone also has a snowmobile access program that allows groups to visit without a commercial guide. Each park entrance allows one non-commercial group of up to five snowmobilers daily. Permits are awarded through a lottery system. Lottery application dates are August 1-31, and awarded in mid-September. You can fill out the application online. 

Regulations

If you are riding without a commercial guide, you will need to obtain a permit through the lottery, understand and adhere to park rules and regulations and be operating a Best Available Technology (BAT) snowmobile. Side-by-sides with tracks are not allowed. There are several companies that rent the appropriate equipment. Every rider in your group must also complete the Yellowstone Snowmobile Education Program online. Each rider must also present a valid driver’s license proving they are at least 16 years of age. The permit holder must be at least 18 and carry the N-CGSAP decal provided at check-in. For a complete list of rules and regulations, visit Snowmobile Access Program Logistics.

Favorite Trails

Snowmobiling inside Yellowstone is controlled, and you have less freedom than you would on terrain outside of the park, but the scenery is worth spending a day on a groomed trail. The most popular snowmobile destinations within Yellowstone are Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which features the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone. Depending on what entrance of the park you use, you may also have easy access to Yellowstone Lake or Mammoth Hot Springs.

Top Trips

If you use a guide service, they will be responsible for following the rules and regulations within the park. This definitely simplifies things and includes an experienced guide who knows the territory and can explain the park’s history and geology. But it also means less freedom to ride at your own pace, determine your destination and choose your own stops along the way. Of course, obtaining a permit through the lottery system isn’t guaranteed, so here are some authorized outfitters to consider.

Yellowstone East Entrance

Gary Fales Outfitting offers snowmobile rentals and one, two and three-day snowmobile tours leaving from Cody, Wyoming. Overnight tours include lodging in either the Stagecoach Inn, or Old Faithful Snow Lodge, and make stops at some of the most popular destinations in the park.

Yellowstone South Entrance

Scenic Safaris is an outfitter located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. They offer daily snowmobile tours to Old Faithful, as well as snowmobile and gear rentals.

Yellowstone North Entrance

Yellowstone Vacations offers daily tours to Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, as well as custom tours of other popular spots like Madison Junction and the Fountain Paint Pot.

Yellowstone West Entrance

Backcountry Adventures offers snowmobile rentals as well as guided tours within Yellowstone. They also rent all of the gear you need to stay warm. Think boots, full-face helmets, gloves and full suits. Daily tours to Old Faithful or the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone are popular and family friendly. 

Snowmobiling in Rocky Mountain National Park

Snowmobiling inside Rocky Mountain National Park is limited, just a two-mile stretch of the popular North Supply Access Trail cuts through the southwest corner of the park and is managed by the park. If you plan to use this trail, it’s a good idea to check the trail status first. It is often closed due to strict regulations regarding snow conditions.

Top Trips

If you are planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, and want to snowmobile, there are many options available in the area just outside of the park. Grand Lake, Colorado, is known as the western gateway to the park, and offers more than 300 miles of snowmobile trails, with about half of those being groomed. On the Trail Rentals offers snowmobile rentals with a trail system just outside of their gate. Grand Adventures offers guided snowmobile tours of Grand Lake trail system for all levels of riders.

Snowmobiling in Glacier National Park

Winter in the park can include activities like skiing and snowshoeing, but snowmobiling is not permitted inside of the park. If you’re planning a visit to the area and want to snowmobile, there are some excellent options just outside the park.

Top Trips

The Flathead Valley boasts more than two hundred miles of groomed trails, while the Flathead National Forest contains nearly 2,000 miles of snowmobiling access. Swan Mountain Snowmobiling offers rentals and a cool variety of tours in the area. If snowbiking happens to be on your bucket list, check out SnowBikeNation. They offer custom snowbike adventures just outside of the park.  

Other Parks that Allow Snowmobiling

The National Parks Service lists the parks that offer snowmobiling. Below are some of the ones we got excited about.  

Snowmobiling in Acadia National Park

Winter is the quiet season in Acadia National Park, and a beautiful time of year to explore. The winter season typically runs from December 1 through mid-April. When conditions are right, snowmobiling is allowed up Cadillac Summit Road, on most fire roads, and on a 27-mile loop within the park. There are no snowmobile rentals available in the area, so if you plan to ride, make sure you rent ahead of time or bring your own sleds. Currently, there are no guided tours within the park. The Hulls Cove Visitor Center parking lot is the best place to access the snowmobile routes in the park. Maps of snowmobile routes are available here: https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/winter.htm

Snowmobiling in Crater Lake National Park

At Crater Lake, snowmobilers have access to a beautiful nine-mile route to the rim of Crater Lake. Snowmobiles must stay on the unplowed section of the road. The park gets a ton of snow and the winter season can last as long as nine months, so planning a snowmobile adventure here is easy. There are options for both guided and unguided snowmobile rentals where you can get access to other trails in the area. Diamond Lake Lodge is just a few miles from the park entrance and offers multiple accommodations and fun winter activities if you decide to take a few days to explore the area.

Snowmobiling in Mount Rainier National Park

Snowmobiles are permitted on a six-and-a-half-mile stretch of road in the southwest corner of the park. It is also permitted in several areas along the boundaries of the park. Abundant annual snowfall makes the park and surrounding areas extremely popular with people looking for winter fun. A designated sno-park nearby offers additional room to ride. You can get more information on winter activities in the park on the NPS site. The Paradise Snowplay Area is also worth checking out if you are visiting the park.

The post Snowmobiling in National Parks 2023 Guide appeared first on onX Offroad.

People often hyper-focus on Avy Danger when it comes to staying safe in the snow, but backcountry safety has two parts: snow + terrain conditions and navigation. Riders really can’t risk getting lost in the wintery backcountry, and here’s why a trusted platform like onX Offroad can help you avoid those situations and make informed decisions while snowmobiling.

“It’s all about knowing what you can’t see—being able to see terrain from the palm of your hand is crucial”

– Rory, GM of onX Offroad

Can You Snowmobile in McCall, Idaho?

Snowmobile trails in McCall, Idaho cover hundreds of miles—earning its title for one of the best snowmobile hubs in the North West.

From easygoing routes to top-tier backcountry terrain, McCall offers much more than just snowmobile trails. Snowmobile travel combines the best of sightseeing and adventure, which makes for a thrilling way to explore the beautiful scenery of McCall. Here is our top 6 list of the most recommended trails in McCall, ID.

#1: Warren Wagon Rd

• Parking lot: Francis Wallace
• Groomed: Yes

This trail will get you into the heart of some incredible backcountry access. You’ll find the hard-core sledding crowd at this trailhead because you can get into the steep country fast. Park and unload at one of the two main parking areas at the North end of Payette Lake. From there, follow Warren Wagon Road until you pass a gate—then, you can ride as far as your sled can go. If you’re feeling up for a ride with a hot soak at the end, this is also the trail for riding into Burgdorf Hot Springs. Be sure to plan smart for that ride; it’s a long one.

#2: Goose Lake Trail

• Parking lot: Titus
• Groomed: Yes

The seemingly endless terrain opportunities of Goose Creek let you choose exactly the type of riding day you want. From here, you can access thousands of miles of trails and stitch together multiple loops or go for a simple out and back. The parking lot is just shy of Brundage Mountain Ski area, which starts you at a higher elevation access point—so Goose Creek is usually a safe bet on days when the parking lots are muddy down low. If you’re chasing those tasty lakebed powder turns, this is also the closest trail + parking lot for heading to Brundage Reservoir and Goose Lake.

#3: Thorn Creek

• Parking lot: Francis Wallace
• Groomed: Yes

Thorn Creek starts in the same parking lot as Goose Lake. Instead of heading North as most people do, take Thorn Creek South towards town to explore awesome open meadows such as Bear Basin. We recommend this trip be an out-and-back trail since making a loop here tends to be lengthy.

#4: Brush Creek Trail

• Parking lot: Brush Creek
• Groomed: Yes

Brush Creek Loop is a groomed loop where conditions tend to stay nicer than the three trails mentioned above. This trail is one of the shorter loops—so if time is not on your side, Brush Creek is a great option for a quick half-day ride. The parking lot is on your right-hand side after you pass East Side Road. To access the trail, ride back down Warren Wagon, turn onto East Side Rd, and follow that back until you hit Brush Creek.

#5: Green Gate Trail

• Parking lot: Green Gate
• Groomed: Yes

Green Gate Trail is another great option if you are limited on time, and the trailhead is the closest to town. You’ll be presented with two simple options: turn right or turn left—the rest is up to you. Green Gate let’s you tailor your timing, and it’s easy to navigate your way back. This trip is best suited for out-and-backs, as loops here are likely out of the cards for most.

#6: Ecks Flat Trail

• Parking lot: West Face
• Groomed: Yes

From the parking lot at West Face, you can access a lower-elevation trail on Ecks Flat Trail. Ecks Flats can be a good option when the high country is socked in but you’re still looking to get out on the trail. Keep in mind, this trail mainly goes through private property and offers another short to medium loop. Ecks Flat is a less popular spot than those mentioned above, which means it’s usually a good option for escaping the crowds.

Tips for Planning a Trip

There are many factors when it comes to planning a trip. For this blog, we’re looking through the lens of a group of riders who plan to travel West to ride “big mountains” with their own machines—since that’s becoming increasingly popular these days. Timing is a major factor in planning snowmobile trips. The secret is to have enough base to not be snapping a-arms while still getting a taste of the deep snow without being socked in all day. That recipe can be hard to time, especially when you need reservations ahead of time—but for places like McCall, ID, I’ve had epic powder days as early as late December to mid-March. As most of us know, predicting conditions is near impossible—so just do your best to time your trip, and you’ll have fun with your friends and family regardless.

• Choose the location or chase the storms. Whether returning to a yearly favorite or exploring a new one, navigation should be top-of-mind when venturing into uncharted territory. Be sure you have your onX Offline Maps downloaded before you head outside of cell coverage to ensure you have your maps for the whole ride. We also have Snotel sites in the app—arguably the most accurate way to read snow conditions.
• Gear list mentioned above. Be sure to have spare parts if you’re traveling across the country to hit one of the hot spots out West. Many of the towns out this way have odd shop hours, and parts can be hard to find due to low inventory. I smoked two belts on a big trip one year and had to drive two hours one way to be able to ride the next day. Some may have the luxury of bringing an entire backup sled which is great if you can swing that.
• Pick a Snow Lot. Do your research ahead of time on where major access points are in the area you choose. Most sled hotpots have multiple access points, but as snowmobiling grows in popularity, it can lead to thousands of people stacked in one lot. Be sure to have a plan B lot in mind.
• Book hotels way in advance. With growing popularity comes more and more sleds in every hot spot. Small mountain towns vary on hotel, motel, and house rental offerings, so you’ll want to book as far in advance as you can.
• Text friends or family Waypoints for the zone you’re riding that day. I know this one can be tough because sleds travel so far and fast, but even a general area Waypoint for the zone you plan on being in is a great safety measure to at least have a direction where you were headed that day.
• Make sure you know where your non-ethanol fuel stops are (Yes, that’s in the App too). Most days, we’re getting out of the mountains late, and the last thing we want to do is gas up the sleds for the next day. McCall, for example, has two major gas stations with non-ethanol fuel that tend to get super crowded. Some small towns out here will have one and one only, and the line in the morning can be brutal. Another option, of course, is to bring your own fuel, but that depends on whether you have a fuel cell in a trailer. It’s easy to burn 10 gallons of fuel, especially on deep powder days, so I want to avoid bringing a bunch of jugs for multiple sleds.
• Boot dryers or ways to dry your gear. On multi-day trips, stepping into wet boots and gear the next day isn’t much fun. 
• Enough oil. As mentioned, small mountain town shops and gas stations usually have their inventory picked over. Bring enough oil to last the whole trip. Also, if your group has a mixed lineup of sleds, always have a spare oil jug (or five), something like Amsoil that can be used across the board if you need it.

Final thought: Have a blast, chase powder, stay safe—and remember, these are the good ol’ days

The post Snowmobiling in McCall, Idaho 2023 Guide appeared first on onX Offroad.