Western Montana is known as the part of the state that is closest to the sky with its snow-covered peaks and deep meadows that are relics of the Ice Age. I also hear that there are parts of the state where snowmobiles actually outnumber cars! Ahh...paradise!

More than 500 miles of trails exist here, with most of the network being on lands belonging to national forests. In 1977, a bill was passed stating that a portion of the gas taxes would be set aside for the development of snowmobile facilties. What a good idea.

The snowmobile season here generally runs from mid-December to April but it can vary by area. You can expect powder snow early in the season and hard packed later on. It caters to all tastes. Snow cover at the lower elevations ranges from 1 to 3 feet and 20 or more in the mountains. Be warned, however, that the temperature can swing widely. In the day, it hovers usually in the range of 20 - 30 degrees Farenheit but it can drop fast and hard.

Located in the Northwest corner of Montana, near Glacier National Park, you will find the Flathead Valley. It boasts more than 200 miles of trails available from groomed to deep powder. It's your choice! The trails included the Canyon Creek, the Desert Mountain (with one of the fastest vertical climbs on a groomed trail), the Crane Mountain and Allard trails. These last two have ample room for playing!

The Montana Nightriders Snowmobiling Club have a terrific list of accomodations for visitors on their web site, along with current road and mountain pass reports. They also have a link with the weather page so you'll know what to expect. The club is located in Haugan, Montana (16 miles east of the Idaho/Montana state border on the Interstate 90).

The Loons Echo Resort, located, they say, in the middle of nowhere, is lucky. They are situated so well that you can snowmobile right to your door. No hauling trailers to the trail here! They have sledding packages with up to five days sledding and six nights lodging. The prices are reasonable too. They include lodging, meals (with a gourmet supper each night!), permits, machine rental and a guide, should you wish one.

And finally, the Snowmobiling in Montana web site is an invaluable guide. They list different towns and areas of interest to sledders, places to stay, different trails and tidbits of information. It will whet your travel and snowmobiling appetite. Check it out and I don't think you'll be disappointed!

I'll finish off by quoting the Montana Nightriders and say, "Don't come to Western Montana for snowmobiling fun...you may not want to go home!"

Do you accept the challenge?

*** Note, this article originally appeared in the subscription only SnowRider magazine in March of 2000. Information & links were accurate as of that date.