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The 6 Best Snowmobiling Destinations in the U.S.

Originally posted on Powder | By Izzy Lidsky | Last updated Dec 14, 2025 9:12 AM ET

Snowmobiling is like the motorized, rural cousin of skiing. It's still a winter sport, and you can still make pow turns, but that's about where the similarities end. However, there's a significant crossover population between the two sports, and lots of places you can do both.

Whether you're one of those snowmobilers who can't remember the last time they clicked into a pair of skis, a skier who uses a sled for deep backcountry access, or a complete novice, there's a handful of fantastic sled destinations in the US that have ski access somewhat nearby, too. Many of these destinations are known for their sledding, at least in part, and have lots of options for snowmobile rentals and tours. Here are some of the best snowmobile destinations in the US.

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Snowmobiling near Steamboat, ColoradoTHEPALMER/Getty Images

1. Steamboat Springs, CO

Steamboat's ultralight and often deep snow make for some of the best sledding in Colorado. There are a variety of spots that provide good snowmobile access in different types of terrain as well, for folks of different levels. East of town, Rabbit Ears Pass has several sled access points and miles of terrain to play in. Northwest of town, Buffalo Pass is a snowmobiler and sled-skier's paradise. If you're hoping to do a combo ski/sled trip, Steamboat makes for a super convenient location that has both nearby.

Sledding on Togwotee Pass, WyomingBen Girardi/ Getty Images

2. Jackson, WY

We say 'Jackson, Wyoming' as a general statement, but between Alpine, Jackson, and Togwotee Pass, you really can't go wrong for snowmobiling. From Alpine, there are tons of sledding opportunities in the Grey's River Range and Snake River Basin. You can also sled to Granite Hot Springs in the winter for an incredible and secluded hot spring experience. Out of Jackson proper is the Mosquito Creek drainage, which has technical and advanced sledding and ski zones. Then, further north is Togwotee Pass, which has an abundance of sled tours and terrain of all types for all levels of snowmobilers.

In short, there are three significant sled zones within a two-hour drive of Jackson and incredible skiing both at Jackson Hole or in the nearby backcountry if you're hoping to do both. For a bonus, there's even more just over Teton Pass in the Big Hole range if what's on the Wyoming side doesn't keep you busy!

Snowmobiling near Stanley, IdahoPer Breiehagen/Getty Images

3. Sun Valley, ID

The Sun Valley and Ketchum areas have excellent snowmobiling just north of town in the Baker Creek zone or three miles west of Hailey, in the Wood River Recreation area. Further away, the Stanley and Smiley Creek area has more than 170 miles of groomed sled trails and even more terrain for those looking to go off-trail. Smiley Creek Lodge is a particularly famous spot for sledders and is known to be the stomping grounds of sled-savvy skiers like Karl Fostvedt and Amy Jane David.

An average day in Cooke City, MontanaEducation Images/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

4. Cooke City, MT

Cooke City and the greater West Yellowstone area likely have some of the best sledding in the country. There are some areas with groomed sled trails on Daisy Pass and Lulu Pass, but the backcountry riding in Cooke can be pretty spicy and recommended for experts only. If you're an experienced sledder and backcountry skier, Cooke City is a playground full of iconic and steep ski lines, untouched zones, and plenty of adventure. If you need inspiration, TGR filmed a pretty extensive segment in Cooke City for their flick, Stoke the Fire.

5. Grand Lake, CO

Grand Lake sits right at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park and, with its wealth of epic snowmobile access, has been nicknamed "The Snowmobile Capital of Colorado." Grand Lake, there are five trailhead lots and access to 86 miles of groomed trails and 63,000 acres of sled-able terrain in the Arapahoe National Forest. You're also not far from ski towns like Fraser and Winter Park, which are home to Winter Park and Mary Jane Resorts. Just up Highway 40 from Winter Park is Hot Sulphur Springs, and a ways past, and you'll hit the aforementioned Rabbit Ears Pass and Steamboat Springs.

Snowmobiling outside Logan, UtahPer Breiehagen/ Getty Images

6. Garden City, UT

Garden City, Utah, is right at the border of Utah and Idaho on the shores of Bear Lake and offers access to some of the state's best sledding. The Bear Lake area alone has more than 350 miles of groomed sled trails and off-trail wilderness access between Utah and Idaho, through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Different areas provide access to different difficulties of trail, a variety of terrain features and zones to explore. If you're also hoping to ski, Garden City is about two and a half hours north of Powder Mountain and Snowbasin ski resorts.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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