Western Montana is a sledder’s paradise. Wide-open mountain meadows, rugged ridgelines, frozen alpine lakes, deep backcountry terrain, Forest Service roads and historic ghost towns create endless opportunities once the snow flies. With more than 1,000 miles of groomed trails, Glacier Country delivers serious variety. Below are eight standout snowmobiling trail systems to help you find your next winter ride.
HAMILTON/SKALKAHO PASS
Skalkaho Pass between Georgetown Lake and Hamilton is a popular summer route—and an entirely different experience in winter. When the road closes to vehicle traffic, it becomes a quiet network of scenic trails framed by steep canyons and dramatic peaks. Less crowded than many nearby systems, it’s well suited for families, beginner riders and relaxed group rides.
The Skalkaho Pass area offers 30 miles of groomed trails connecting open terrain and ungroomed options, while the Skalkaho–Sleeping Child–Rye Creek area adds another 38 miles of groomed loops through higher elevations. Trail updates are available from Bitterroot Ridge Runners.
SEELEY LAKE/OVANDO
Consistently deep snow and expansive terrain make the Seeley Lake area a longtime favorite. Located between the Mission Mountains and the Swan Range, this region often sees some of the earliest and heaviest snowfall in Western Montana. With more than 350 miles of groomed trails, it offers everything from scenic cruising to advanced terrain.
Popular trails include Double Arrow Lookout for sweeping valley views and the Lake Elsina loop, a scenic 15-mile ride. Marshall Lake is another popular destination within the system. Get trail updates from Scenic Montana Trails.
GREENOUGH
For a truly memorable ride, head to the Garnet Ghost Town trail system near Greenough. Here, 116 miles of trails—ranging from steep climbs to wide, rolling sections—lead to one of Montana’s best-preserved ghost towns, accessible only by ski, snowshoe or snowmobile in winter.
Along the way, riders are treated to views of the Blackfoot Valley, Mission Mountains, Bob Marshall Wilderness and Pintler Range. Cabins at Garnet Ghost Town are available to rent during the winter season. Trail updates are available from Missoula Snowgoers.
LOLO PASS
At the Montana–Idaho border, Lolo Pass serves as a gateway to more than 250 miles of groomed interconnecting trails spanning the Lolo and Clearwater national forests. East Fork, Lost Park, Elk Meadows and Moose Ridge routes wind through the Bitterroot Range, offering broad meadows, frozen lakes and access to challenging backcountry terrain.
A parking pass is required and available for purchase at Lolo Pass. After a full day on the trails, many riders head to nearby Lolo Hot Springs to soak tired muscles. Trail updates are available from Missoula Snowgoers.
KOOTENAI COUNTRY
Snowmobilers will find hundreds of miles of groomed trails throughout Kootenai Country in the northwest corner of the region. Highlights include looped riding in the Purcell Mountains, the rugged Keeler–Rattle system with views of the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, Pete Creek’s alpine bowls and lakes, and the Grave Creek/Ten Lakes trail, which runs from Birch Creek Recreation Site all the way to the Canadian border.
Riders starting in Troy can sled directly into Libby for food, drinks and a warm welcome. Trail updates are available from the Lincoln County Snowkats and Troy Snowmobile Club.
HAUGAN
Haugan is a reliable favorite offering snowmobiling for all ability levels. With easy-to-intermediate trails and loop tours located right off the interstate in the Lolo National Forest, access is convenient, and the atmosphere is welcoming.
Groomed routes include Ford Hill/Old Mullan Pass, Packer Creek/Randolph Creek, Milwaukee/Dominion, Big Creek, Deer Creek/Up Up and Taft Summit—making it a great option for families and riders looking for varied loop tours. Trail updates are available from the Montana Night Riders Snowmobile Club.
FLATHEAD VALLEY
Bordering Glacier National Park, the Flathead Valley combines expansive trail systems with dramatic mountain scenery. Riders have access to more than 200 miles of groomed trails and nearly 2,000 miles of Forest Service roads, along with prime hill-climbing terrain and wide-open powder play areas.
Highlights include Desert Mountain, Skyland and Stillwater, as well as the Canyon Creek Trail System near Whitefish, which connects to the backside of Big Mountain. A spur trail leads to the summit, where riders can stop for lunch at Whitefish Mountain Resort’s Summit House. In the Swan Valley, Crane Mountain offers 38 miles of groomed trails, along with extensive ungroomed logging roads and open meadows. Trail updates are available from the Flathead Snowmobile Association.
CUT BANK/BROWNING
The Marias Pass Trail Complex straddles the Continental Divide and delivers rugged, remote riding best suited for intermediate and expert snowmobilers. The system includes 45 miles of groomed trails and 35 miles of ungroomed routes, with popular rides toward Two Medicine, Skyland and Pike Creek.
Due to steep terrain and rapidly changing weather, guides are recommended. Trail updates are available from Summit Snowgoers.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Glaciers to Geysers
For a park-to-park snowmobiling adventure, explore Glaciers to Geysers itineraries connecting Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Resources include trail maps, club information and trip-planning tools.
Guides + Rentals
Local guides know these mountains well and offer guided tours and snowmobile rentals throughout the region—an easy option for both beginners and experienced riders looking to explore new terrain.
Snowmobile Clubs
Before heading out, check with local snowmobile clubs for current trail conditions and grooming updates.
Be Avalanche Aware
Always check the Montana avalanche report before you head out. You can rent a transceiver with your sled, or take a guided tour with one of the many outfitters in the area. For additional avalanche safety tips as well as groomed trail information, information on passes and permits, visit Western Montana’s Glacier Country and Glaciers to Geysers.
The photos in this blog post are representative of snowmobiling in Western Montana but are not necessarily images of the trail systems mentioned above.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
February 2, 2026
Related: Bitterroot Valley, Browning, Cut Bank, Darby, East Glacier Corridor, Flathead Corridor, Garnet Ghost Town, Greenough, Hamilton, Haugan, Hot Springs, I-90 Corridor, Libby, Lolo, Montana, Northwest Corridor, Outdoor Fun, Ovando, Seeley Lake, Seeley-Swan Corridor, Snowmobiling, Swan Lake, Troy, Whitefish, Winter Fun, Yaak
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