• Best Base Town: Island Park or Ashton — but all corners of the Yellowstone Teton Territory offer access to top-tier snowmobile trails and deep powder.
• Trail Types: Groomed trails, backcountry powder, forest routes, and mountain passes
• Cell Signal: Spotty to none in remote areas — download offline maps
• Trail Access: Mostly free, some groomed trails may require permits
• Safety Must-Haves: Avalanche beacon, shovel, and GPS tracker

• DOT-approved helmet – Critical for safety and required on most trails.

• Insulated snowmobile gear – Waterproof bibs, jacket, gloves, and boots to stay warm and dry.

• Avalanche safety gear – Beacon, shovel, and probe if riding in mountainous or ungroomed areas.

• Navigation tools – GPS device or offline maps; don’t rely on cell signal.

• Spare fuel and tools – Many areas are remote; carry essentials for minor repairs and extra fuel.

• Snacks and water – Cold weather and long rides can drain energy fast.

• Emergency kit – Include a fire starter, flare gun, space blanket, and first aid supplies.

• Island Park snowmobile lodges

• Driggs & Victor winter hotels

• Cabins near West Yellowstone & Teton Valley

• Know the Terrain – Expect deep powder, open meadows, steep climbs, and forested routes. Always ride within your skill level.

• Watch for Wildlife – Moose, elk, deer, and bison may be present on or near trails. Never approach wildlife, keep a safe distance, and slow down in wooded or low-visibility areas.

• Avalanche Awareness – Many snowmobiling zones are in or near avalanche terrain. Carry a beacon, probe, and shovel—and check the local avalanche forecast before your ride.

• Stay on Designated Trails – Off-trail riding is restricted in many areas, especially near wildlife habitats or protected zones. Know where you’re allowed to ride and follow posted signage.

• Respect Private Property – Trails may pass near or across private land. Stay on marked routes to avoid trespassing and damaging fences or fields.

• Fuel Up & Plan Ahead – Gas stations are few and far between in remote areas. Fill up before heading out, and download offline maps—cell signal is limited in the backcountry.

• Dress for the Cold – Wear windproof, waterproof outer layers, insulated snow boots, a DOT-approved helmet, and warm gloves. Hypothermia and frostbite are real risks in sub-zero conditions, check the local weather report before you sled.

• Ride With a Buddy – Don’t sled alone. Snowmobile in groups or pairs and always let someone know your route and estimated return time.

• Know the Laws – Idaho requires snowmobile registration and has age-specific operating rules. Youth under 16 may need supervision or snowmobile safety training, depending on location.

• DOT-approved helmet (with face shield or goggles)

• Insulated, waterproof snowmobile suit or layers

• Warm gloves and extra backup pair

• Insulated, waterproof boots

• Balaclava or face mask for wind protection

• Trail map, GPS, or downloaded navigation app

• Water and high-energy snacks

• Small first aid kit

• Emergency blanket

• Tool kit and tow strap

• Avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel (required for backcountry)

Be prepared for:

• Variable snow conditions (groomed, icy, powder, or windblown)

• Steep climbs and descents

• High elevation riding (some areas above 8,000 feet)

• Limited or no cell service in remote zones

• Wildlife crossings (including moose and elk)

• Extreme cold and sudden whiteouts

• Early Winter (Dec–Jan): Trails open as snow accumulates; conditions can be variable with some thin spots early on.

• Mid-Winter (Feb): Peak season with deep snow and well-groomed trails—best time for most riders.

• Late Winter (Mar): Snowpack starts to soften; watch for melting and potentially slushy or icy conditions.

Always check local snow reports and trail conditions before heading out to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

• Trail groomers may be working at any time—stay alert.

• When meeting a groomer coming toward you, slow down and move your snowmobile to the far right side of the trail.

• On narrow or winding sections, you may need to stop completely at the trail’s outside edge to let the groomer pass safely.

• If you’re catching up to a groomer from behind, slow down and check ahead.

• Only pass the groomer if you have clear sight lines and the trail ahead is free of oncoming traffic. Pass cautiously.

• If you need to stop and talk to a groomer, do so only where it’s safe and visibility is good.

• Every snowmobile must be registered before riding on public or private land in Idaho.

• Registration (officially called a certificate of number) is due on or before November 1 each year. snowtracks.comIdaho Parks and Recreation

• Newly purchased sleds must be registered before leaving the dealer; used sleds must transfer registration within 15 days of sale. A transfer fee of $4.50 applies. snowtracks.comFremont County

Fee Breakdown:
Fees depend on residency and duration:

• Residents: $45.50 for 1 year; $89.50 for 2 years

• Non-residents: $59.50 for 1 year; $117.50 for 2 years

• Rentals (snowmobiles for rent): $75.50 per season Idaho Parks and Recreationsnowtracks.com

Sticker Placement:

• Stickers must be visibly mounted on the left and right sides of the cowling. Improper placement — such as on handlebars or tunnel — invalidates registration.

• AllTrails

• Avenza Maps

• Gaia GPS

• OnX

Local Ranger Stations:

• Caribou-Targhee National Forest

• Ashton-Island Park Ranger District

Trail Conditions

• Idaho Parks & Recreation Trail Reports

• U.S. Forest Service – Caribou-Targhee NF Trail Info