Snowmobiling??

[Anne_Aus]

I am wondering if anyone has been braved and snowmobiled in any areas of the US.
I am looking at going to Yellowstone in winter and there are a few snowmobiling tours that look like a lot of fun. I am just a little worried about how easy/difficult these might be to operate and still enjoy myself

 

[cola]

No experience so can't offer any info on that side, but I will say check your travel insurance VERY carefully - it might come under the 'things we don't cover' section.

 

[cartoon lover]

I have snowmobiled many times in Utah before and loved every moment. I grew up ridding four wheelers and dirt bikes... snowmobiling is basicly the same thing. They are easy to drive if there is a trail to follow or if you have "packed snow" to drive on. I have tipped over on one before but it wasnt bad at all... i mean, you land in snow... doesnt hurt that much lol. You'll like it if you enjoy four wheeling and snow

 

[Marlea98]

We travelled in winter through Yellowstone but not in a snowmobile. We were a group/family of 8 and hired our own driver and snow vehicle (like a van) as it was cheaper than going in a group with others for some reason. We were there on the 3rd or 4th January '12 and the park had only been closed to regular vehicular (ie: non approved vehicles) traffic the day before because of snow fall so you need to be careful of booking something for a set date because it isn't always snowing enough for

Do you mean the open jet-ski type snowmobiles? We saw quite a few of them in the park and they must travel in groups so you won't be able to 'get off the beaten track' on your own. Nor will you be allowed to get within a certain distance of wildlife. They are also very loud so we noticed that if we were pulled over watching bison or deer or coyotes or whatever, the moment the snowmobile groups came roaring through, many animals disappeared. But, in saying that, the animals are generally used to the traffic and noises. Because they are so exposed to the weather the riders really need a good set of thermals and proper cold weather clothing. We chatted to some at the centre at Old Faithful and many complained how bitterly cold it was on the snowmobiles and they didn't expect it to be that cold.

Yellowstone in winter is gorgeous although there isn't much to see. You will not see bears and if you see a snow shoed rabbit I will be eternally jealous!

 

[Baliezer]

They are very easy to operate. I grew up in Alaska and we owned one. We had a large yard and miles of trails behind our house. My dad would usually drive, but every once in a while he would let me take the wheel. Loads of fun!

 

[Anne_Aus]

Thank you for all the replies. I am finding this part of my trip the hardest to plan/research so I do appreciate all the feedback.

Marlea98 do you have a trip report or a planning thread I could have a look through? I am looking at late December for my time there, and am really struggling with where to fly into/stay/ do.

I am have heard it is beautiful in winter and sadly my job doesn't allow for a summer visit anytime soon, so I have to work with what I have.

I was considering maybe just a day of snowmobiling rather than a 4 day tour, and mixing it up a little. I have been reading about how cold they have been and thats a little disturbing since we aren't use to that extreme cold here.

 

[Marlea98]

Thank you for all the replies. I am finding this part of my trip the hardest to plan/research so I do appreciate all the feedback.

Marlea98 do you have a trip report or a planning thread I could have a look through? I am looking at late December for my time there, and am really struggling with where to fly into/stay/ do.

I am have heard it is beautiful in winter and sadly my job doesn't allow for a summer visit anytime soon, so I have to work with what I have.

I was considering maybe just a day of snowmobiling rather than a 4 day tour, and mixing it up a little. I have been reading about how cold they have been and thats a little disturbing since we aren't use to that extreme cold here.

My TR is on my blog on the link in my signature. If you would like more photos I'm happy to email them to you if you message me. I took thousands of pics on our trip so only put a few on.

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