Western Montana’s Rocky Mountains receive over 300 inches of snow every year, making it a little slice of heaven on earth for those who love motorized winter recreation. Growing up in Montana means learning to love all four seasons. And while I love all four, winter is my favorite because during this time of year, Big Sky Country is a winter wonderland. Plus, winter means it’s snowmobiling season.
Snowmobilers in Western Montana’s Glacier Country have thousands of miles of terrain to explore, including powder-covered fields, freshly groomed trails and wide-open frozen lakes. Montana is truly a snowmobile haven, and it’s one we like to share with other snowmobiling enthusiasts, especially when we have the chance to show off our great hill climbing, powder hideaways and mountainous views.
Our neighbors to the south (West Yellowstone, Cooke City and Big Sky) also have incredible snowmobiling opportunities, but up in Western Montana’s Glacier Country, the sledding is combined with jaw-dropping beautiful views and abundant trail complexes that have little or no crowds competing for the snowmobile high marks on the hills. An added bonus: There are trails and play areas for novice and expert snowmobilers alike. In fact, dotted across Western Montana, there are numerous connecting trail systems that provide countless opportunities to experience new off-the-beaten path areas for winter recreation in and around charming small towns that are just as infatuated with sledding as you are.
Insider Tips
I’ll let you in on a few secrets to make your trip even better. Just a short one-hour drive east of Missoula (or one hour south of the Flathead Valley) are the communities of Seeley Lake, Ovando and Lincoln . These towns all have lodging that allows visitors to park and ride from the front door of your hotel or cabin, making your sled your primary mode of transportation. These cool mountain towns are tucked between the Mission Mountains and the Swan Mountain Range, and their combined trail systems offer more than 500 miles of epic terrain.
Snowmobile rentals are available in both Seeley Lake and the Flathead Valley communities of Columbia Falls, Hungry Horse and Olney. For guided adventures, the Rich Ranch in Seeley Lake and Swan Mountain Snowmobiling in the Flathead Valley will ensure you hit all the great bowl areas and trails. Also, their guides have insider tips on where to find the perfect Montana steak and best local craft brews.
While the Flathead Valley is known for being a summer vacation destination, its best-kept secret is its notable winter snowmobiling scene. There are 200 miles of groomed trails, surrounded by thousands of miles of snow-covered public land roads, provide for snowmobiling fun day and night.
Western Montana Towns to Check Out
We recommend you check out the following Western Montana towns for your next winter adventure:
- Columbia Falls
- Condon
- Coram
- Darby
- Essex
- Eureka
- Hamilton
- Hungry Horse
- Kalispell
- Libby
- Lolo
- Martin City
- Missoula
- Noxon
- Ovando
- Philipsburg
- Seeley Lake
- Stevensville
- Thompson Falls
- Trout Creek
- Troy
- Whitefish
Resources
You can learn more about Western Montana and snowmobiling opportunities at the websites for Montana State Parks and the Montana Snowmobile Association. Additionally, snowmobile trail maps are available at local businesses and U. S. Forest Service ranger district offices.
Get ready for your Montana adventure with gear bags and backpacks from top brands like FXR and KLIM.
Shop Snowmobile Accessories
Racene Friede is the Executive Director of the Glacier County Regional Tourism Commission. Her perspective on snowmobiling in Glacier County comes from her own experience and passion, having grown up on sleds. You can follow Glacier County Tourism on Twitter @GlacierMT and with the hashtag #GlacierMT.
Main photo courtesy of Curtis Friede
