- Snowmobiling is not permitted in Glacier National Park but is available near area ski resorts like Whitefish and Fernie, both supplying rental equipment and tours.
- The Flathead Valley boasts more than 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails maintained by the Flathead Snowmobile Association.
- Snowmobilers can enjoy various US Forest Service roads and about 1,700 miles of snowmobiling access in Flathead National Forest.
Overview
Though not permitted within Glacier National Park boundaries, snowmobiling is a popular Winter sport near Glacier National Park.
The north shore of Flathead Lake area offers more than 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and forest service roads about an hour from Glacier Park Airport.
Where to go Snowmobiling
Check out Whitefish Ski Resort, offering snowmobile tours that offer great views of Glacier National Park, the Flathead Valley, the Swan Mountain Range, and Canadian Rockies, as well as Fernie Ski Resort.
While much of Flathead National Forest’s 2.3 million acres is designated as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System and prohibits snowmobiling, there are 1.3 million non-wilderness acres with about 1, 700 miles of access and forest service roads allowing motorized sledding. Maps are available at Ranger District offices.
Trail systems maintained by the Flathead Snowmobile Association include:
- Canyon Creek to Big Mountain Resort – this 110-mile system begins north of Columbia Falls, traverses Werner Peak, and connects to Olney and Taylor Creek trails.
- Stryker Peak/Mount Marston’s 70-mile trail system leads over Whitefish Mountain Range to upper Whitefish and Red Meadow Lakes.
- Between Hungry Horse and the Great Bear Wilderness, snowmobilers can sled 25 trail miles to Desert Mountain area.
- Crane Mountain trail system – this 38-mile trail system is located South of Bigfork, between Flathead Lake and Swan Lake.
Limited snowmobiling access is permitted on specific trails in the Coram Experimental Forest near Hungry Horse. Great Bear, Bob Marshall and Mission Mountain Wilderness areas, as well as the Jewel Basin Hiking area do not permit snowmobiling.
Rentals & Fees
Area retailers like those listed on this page can provide for all of your snowmobiling and winter survival equipment needs. Area ski resort tours and rentals are approximately $250/day for a snowmobile with two riders.
Hire a Guide
Check out the expert, local suppliers/outfitters listed on the page who can make sure you stay outside of Glacier National Park boundaries on your snowmobile as well as add to your safety.
