Snowmobile rides
Snowmobile rides: pick what suits you. Options for beginners, families or groups, in the finest settings there are.
Difficulty
Easy – Moderate
Duration
30 minutes to a full day
Location
Mountain country, winter trails and purpose-built areas
Season
Winter, once there is enough snow
What is a snowmobile ride?
A snowmobile is a motorised vehicle built for getting about on snow and frozen ground.
Riding one lets you cover winter country and mountain areas quickly.
The experience can be a leisure outing, a guided tour or a winter adventure.
You can drive the snowmobile yourself or ride as a passenger, depending on the operator's rules.
Types of snowmobile ride
A leisure outing
Short rides for getting a look at the area and the winter landscape.
Guided snowmobile tour
Organised routes with a guide leading the party.
Mountain snowmobiling
Getting out onto snow-covered mountain trails.
Night tour
Evening rides, with winter at its most atmospheric.
Adventure snowmobiling
Longer routes, with the adrenaline as the point of it.
How does it work?
The opening briefing
You are told how the machine works and what the safety rules are.
Getting the gear ready
The snowmobile and the protective gear are both checked over.
Getting to know the machine
You learn the basic controls before setting off.
Covering the route
The tour runs on routes worked out for winter conditions.
Exploring the area
You take in the landscape and the feel of the mountain in winter.
Who are snowmobile rides for?
Beginners
They can join organised tours, where they are briefed before setting off.
Visitors
A popular thing to do on a winter holiday in the mountains.
Families
Good for families, including as passengers, subject to the operator's rules.
Adventure lovers
It gives you speed and winter routes you would not otherwise see.
Groups and friends
It can be laid on as a group outing or a holiday activity.
People who photograph
It gets you quickly to winter landscapes and viewpoints.
Level of the experience
Scenic tour
Short rides on easy routes, right for a first go.
Mountain tour
Longer routes, with varied ground and views.
Adventure snowmobiling
Harder routes, with shifting conditions and technical stretches.
At a glance
Driving licence
Some places may ask for a licence or driving experience, depending on the law and the operator.
Weather
The weather and the visibility shape how safe and how comfortable the ride is.
Booking
Booking is worth doing in the busy part of the season.
Clothing
Low temperatures call for proper thermal gear.
A set route
You may only ride on the routes that are allowed and approved.
Best time to go
Winter, once there is enough snow and the conditions are right.
Gear
The snowmobile
The vehicle built for getting about on snow.
Helmet
Compulsory kit, to keep your head protected.
Goggles
They keep your eyes clear of wind, snow and cold.
Winter suit
A waterproof, insulated jacket and trousers.
Winter gloves
They keep your hands warm while you are riding.
Winter boots
They keep you comfortable and warm.
A way of keeping in touch
Worth having on longer routes or in remote country.
Safety
Snowmobiling is a motorised activity: the rules matter, and so does using the machine sensibly.
Frequently asked questions about snowmobile rides
Not always. Many tours include a basic briefing before you set off.
Yes — many experiences allow it.
The limits differ from one operator and local rulebook to another.
In the cold season, once the snow conditions allow it.
Anything from a short outing to a full day's tour.
Yes, especially the leisure versions and the tours with passengers.
Getting out into winter country and having a motorised adventure on snow.