Go Snowmobiling with Me in Whitefish, Montana

Yes, Glacier National Park is spectacular in the wintertime. But what if you could experience Montana’s backcountry from the heart of its wilderness? Snowmobiling gives you access to rural trails, winter wildlife, and stories you’ll tell for a lifetime.

A year after the pandemic, my friends and I were feeling a bit stir-crazy. So naturally, we chose to cure our cabin fever by plopping ourselves into one of the snowiest places in the country: Whitefish, Montana.

In the winter, Glacier National Park turns from tourist madhouse to deserted snowy cliffs. Most of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed, but there’s still plenty to do in the area. For those willing to face the snow, I’d argue that winter activities are Glacier’s best-kept secret. We took ski lessons, stayed in a cozy lodge, shopped in downtown Whitefish, and snowshoed through Glacier National Park. But the highlight of our trip was something none of us had ever done before: snowmobiling in Whitefish, Montana.

Chapters

• What’s It Like Snowmobiling in Whitefish, Montana? Give Me the Overview
• Here’s What to Wear When You’re Snowmobiling in Whitefish, Montana
• What to Expect from Your Snowmobiling Adventure
• What Tour Company Should You Use for Snowmobiling in Whitefish, Montana?
• Snowmobiling Was the Highlight of My Winter Montana Adventure

What’s It Like Snowmobiling in Whitefish, Montana? Give Me the Overview

Imagine driving through the rural Montana wilderness in the height of winter. The trees are glittering with sub-zero snow piles, and the high banks spray snow when you breeze past on your snowmobile. You’ll stop to take photos at overlooks of Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies. And you’ll get to experience the same Montana wilderness that tourists flock to in the summer, but without the crowds. It’s pure magic.

Our guide took us on a private tour of Flathead National Forest, winding all the way up the mountain to the Summit House (around 7,000 feet). We stopped to take pictures of the summit and towed local snowboarders up to the summit on the backs of our snowmobiles. On the way back, we stopped at a Forest Service cabin to see grizzly bear paw prints, and our guide shared local lore about Bigfoot.

Since snowmobiling in Whitefish, I’ve lived in both Utah and Colorado. And to be honest, I’ve yet to experience any activity as magical as the one we had in the Montana wilderness.

Here’s What to Wear When You’re Snowmobiling in Whitefish, Montana

Coming prepared is the best way to truly enjoy your snowmobile experience. Even with the best guide and the snowiest trails, you won’t have a good time if you’re freezing. Your snowmobiling company should provide helmets, goggles, and avalanche beacons, but otherwise it’s your job to layer up.

Your Snowmobile Packing Checklist:

✔️ Top and bottom baselayer thermals

✔️ Midlayer lightweight jacket or sweater

✔️ Water and wind-proof ski pants

✔️ Waterproof and windproof ski coat

✔️ Wool socks (multiple layers)

✔️ Gloves (two layers)

✔️ Hand warmers to stick in boots or pockets

✔️ Waterproof boots

✔️ Neck gaiter or buff

✔️ Plenty of water, since you’ll reach up to 7,000 feet

What to Expect from Your Snowmobiling Adventure

While every tour company is different, here’s a general overview of what you can expect from snowmobiling in Whitefish, Montana.

• Crazy impressive views. You’ll climb mountains and pass snowy cliffsides in the Montana wilderness, feeling more awestruck at every bend in the road.

• Backcountry offroading. Snowmobile trails are usually located on backcountry roads or wilderness areas. You’ll see the countryside in a new light and experience stunning backdrops that you won’t get from paved roads.

• Subzero temperatures. It was 18 degrees Fahrenheit when we started our snowmobiling adventure. But don’t let this intimidate you. Both of my friends were from the American South and were surprised at how well they tolerated the temperatures with the right gear.

• A quick snack break. Our tour guide took us up to the Summit House, a quick spot to warm up with drinks, snacks, and take photos.

• Heated seats and handles. This depends on your sled, but many snowmobiles have heated seats and handlebars. This helps reduce the chill.

• Snowy roads. We followed our snowmobile guide to the trailhead and traversed some snowy roads. If you’re traveling to Montana in the winter, you should have four-wheel drive.

• Gear rental options. If you don’t have a snow jacket or snow pants suited to the adventure, many tour companies will rent them to you. Just keep in mind, they’ll be a little pricey, and you should always call ahead of time to check their options and sizes.

• Safety precautions. The Montana wilderness is no joke, and it’s your tour guide’s job to keep you safe. You should be prepped on avalanche risks and wear the right gear to keep warm.

• Amazing stories. With the right tour company, this experience will turn into an event you tell stories about for years afterward.

• Pricey rentals. Renting a snowmobile anywhere is pricey. You can save money by pairing two people to a snowmobile. And just make sure that the tour company is invested in your experience.

What Tour Company Should You Use for Snowmobiling in Whitefish, Montana?

Dozens of companies pop up these days when you Google “snowmobiling in Whitefish, Montana.” But just a few years back, we only had a handful of options. We landed on J & L Snowmobile Rentals, and they will always be the tour company I use and recommend.

The whole experience was super casual, in the best way. Their pricing is reasonable, and their guides are true local experts. Our tour guide, Joe, didn’t hold back on speed or adventure. He let us pummel into snow banks and tow local snowboarders on the backs of our sleds. When our trip was supposed to end, he told us he didn’t have any other bookings for the day, so he took us on an extra hour-long side quest.

Even if you have no snowmobiling experience (we didn’t), this company will make you feel like a pro. They also have the longest-running snowmobiling permit in Flathead National Forest, which means they’re one of the only companies that can give you access to the best of Montana backcountry.

How to book your snowmobiling adventure:

In true local fashion, you’ll need to call J & L Snowmobile Rentals to reserve your spot (there’s no online booking option). They’re located in a little backcountry gas station, too, so don’t miss them when you drive by. You can choose from half-day or full-day adventures and decide how many snowmobiles you want to take with you.

Snowmobiling Was the Highlight of My Winter Montana Adventure

I know, most people are packing their swimsuits for a sunny Gulf Coast adventure in the middle of February. But, trust me, there’s just as much magic to be found in the snowy mountains of Montana.

We awed over the views at Glacier National Park, snowshoed through Narnia-like trails, learned how to ski, skated along frozen lakes, and warmed up with cozy meals downtown. But the highlight? It was the stillness of Montana treeline met with the heart-pumping thrill of driving our snowmobiles through snow drifts.

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