Area elevation: Up to 8,000 ft.
Annual Snowfall: Up to 180 inches
Snowmobile trail miles: 500
Snowmobile season: December to April
Average winter temp: 32°F
The trails in the Lolo/Missoula, Mont., area interconnect with 3,700 miles of state trails so you can ride and ride and... (you get it!) You will never cross a highway. You will find powder early in the season, and hard pack snow as the season progresses.
On the Montana-Idaho border you can find interconnecting trails straddling two national forests. East Fork, Lost Park, Elk Meadows, Moose Ridge, Cooper Creek and Wagon Mountain are just a few of the trails that guide you through meadows and play areas to the Bitterroot Range, south of Missoula. A great route to run is the Skalkaho Pass Trail that stretches 56 miles along one of the least traveled and most scenic areas in Montana. Along this trail you will see tall peaks, deep canyons and the frozen Skalkaho Falls.
Another place to log some primo riding time is Lolo Hot Springs, which is at 4,160 ft. but offers trails climbing to 8,000 ft. The Clark National Historic Trail and Lolo Hot Springs are in the Lolo National Forest. The Lolo and Clearwater National Forest contain 250 miles of trails that form interconnecting loops.
Non-resident snowmobilers are required to buy a trail permit. For more info visit
www.wintermt.com or call 406-444-4585.