Top 10 Places for Snowmobiling in the World
Snowmobiling is one of the most thrilling outdoor winter sports, offering a unique way to explore pristine snow-covered terrain and venture into untouched wilderness. In this article, we'll help you discover the top 10 places for snowmobiling in the world!
Snowmobiling is a popular winter activity that has been around for almost a century. Traditionally, snowmobiles had a practical use, allowing participants to reach inaccessible areas in remote parts of the world. Nowadays, snowmobiling is mainly used for recreational purposes, with guided tours organised across the globe. The activity is practised in regions that experience subarctic climates, with snow-covered terrains and low temperatures. Whether you're whizzing through endless Arctic landscapes, climbing up steep mountain trails, or gliding across frozen lakes, snowmobiling induces an exhilarating rush in scenic environments! There are many places in the world to snowmobile, in this article we will list some of the top destinations.
1. Finnish Lapland (Rovaniemi, Levi, & Saariselkä)
Finland's Lapland region encompasses a large part of endless wilderness in the north of the country. With vast open tundra, snow-covered trails and frozen rivers, snowmobiling in Finnish Lapland is very popular. The most well-known spots for snowmobiling include Rovaniemi; the capital city of Lapland, Levi; Finland's most iconic ski resort, and Saariselkä; a charming village home to traditional Sámi people. Make your trip extra special when travelling to this magical region with a visit to Santa Claus Village, a reindeer sledding ride or a dog sledding excursion. The winter season in Lapland usually lasts from October to March, providing the opportunity to snowmobile for six months of the year! On this snowmobiling adventure from Levi, you'll discover classic Arctic terrains and immerse yourself in secluded forests. Check out our complete guide to snowmobiling in Finnish Lapland for a more comprehensive look at the sport in this region.
2. Kiruna, Sweden
Also in Lapland, Kiruna in northern Sweden is a beautiful town and another gateway to typical Arctic landscapes, perfect for snowmobiling! While snowmobiling in Kiruna, you will immerse yourself in some of the most spectacular winter scenery in the world, with breathtaking vistas and dense forests covered in thick snow. Kiruna and the nearby Abisko National Park yield hundreds of groomed snowmobiling trails waiting to be explored! On this snowmobile excursion in Swedish Lapland from Kiruna, you'll get off the beaten track and experience stunning Scandinavian nature only found this close to the Arctic Circle.
3. Yellowstone National Park, USA
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, United States of America, is one of the world's most famous and first-ever national parks. During winter, Yellowstone transforms into a white wonderland! The park has designated snowmobiling routes, providing a unique way to explore its natural winter beauty. While snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park, you'll glide past steaming geysers, snow-covered canyons, and frozen waterfalls. Along the way, you may even spot some of the park's native animals, such as bison, wolves or elkes.
4. Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is the perfect location for those craving a true Arctic expedition in the far north. Situated between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is a remote archipelago known for its extreme Arctic conditions. In the winter, the rugged landscape is characterised by glistening glaciers, frozen fjords, and vast snow-covered tundra. Snowmobiling in Svalbard involves venturing into a dramatic and untouched winter wonderland. For a truly extreme safari, this polar bear snowmobiling excursion from Longyearbyen in Svalbard is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Over 10-12 hours, you'll snowmobile into very secluded regions in search of wild polar bears! With an expert guide, you'll peacefully observe the bears from afar as they roam the ice surrounded by open seas and ancient glaciers.
5. Langjökull Glacier, Iceland
Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is a remarkable island, with an incredibly diverse mix of landscapes, from volcanoes, black sand beaches, and geothermal hot springs, to massive glaciers and rugged coastlines. Langjökull Glacier is the second-largest glacier in Iceland, home to pure ice caves, vast ice fields, and iconic waterfalls such as Gullfoss Waterfall. Snowmobiling on Langjökull Glacier is a surreal experience, with its miles of untouched snow and ice. During this snowmobile tour on Langjokull Glacier in Gullfoss, you'll ride into the very heart of Icelandic nature!
6. The Laurentians, Canada
Heading over to eastern Canada, the Laurentians are a stunning mountain range located in northern Montreal, Quebec. The region is home to rolling hills, dense forests, and pristine lakes, which fall under a blanket of thick snow during the winter months. Part of the Canadian Shield, the Laurentians are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, and they offer magnificent trails for hiking, skiing, and of course - snowmobiling! On this snowmobile ride in the Laurentides, you'll glide across snowy open spaces between Montreal and Mont-Tremblant.
7. Tromsø, Norway
Located in northern Norway, Tromsø is a vibrant city, often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Arctic' due to its position above the Arctic Circle. It is famous for its surreal outdoor experiences, such as dog sledding, Northern Lights hunting and snowmobiling! Snowmobiling in Tromsø is a mystical escapade, as the city is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, deep fjords, and picturesque islands. Due to its position in the far north and its dark skies, Tromsø is also one of the best places in the world to witness the spectacular Northern Lights! Why not embark on an evening trip and have the unique opportunity to ride beneath the captivating Aurora Borealis? On this snowmobile excursion beneath the Northern Lights in Tromsø, you'll venture deep into the Arctic wilderness away from the city lights, with a chance to spot this unforgettable natural phenomenon.
8. The French Alps
The Alps, covering European countries such as France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria, offer some of the most impressive snowmobiling trails in the world, with high-altitude tracks, steep slopes, and panoramic views of towering peaks. The French Alps, in particular, are known as one of the most striking mountain ranges in the world, stretching along the southeastern part of France. They offer world-class views, unbelievable landscapes, and year-round outdoor adventures. Snowmobiling in the French Alps is perfect for beginners or experienced riders, as the resorts are famous for their excellent facilities that cater to every level. This guided snowmobile excursion in Chamrousse near Grenoble is an ideal option for discovering breathtaking vistas, wide lakes, and unspoiled nature - all against the backdrop of the spectacular mountains. Chamrousse is a beautiful ski resort in the French Alps, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region near Grenoble.
9. Andorra
Andorra is a hidden gem in the Pyrenees, a small, landlocked country nestled between France and Spain. Despite its small size, the country is renowned for its stunning mountainous landscapes, providing an ideal panorama for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling! During a snowmobiling trip in Andorra, you can explore its pristine winter paradise. Discover some of the most idyllic sights of the Pyrenees Mountains on this snowmobile tour from Grandvalira, Andorra!
10. Hokkaidō, Japan
When we think of Japan, we often imagine the subtropical cities of Tokyo and Osaka in the south. However, northern Japan lies in the subarctic climate zone, and its northernmost island of Hokkaidō is known for its legendary deep powder snow. Hokkaidō is home to some of the country's best ski resorts and snow conditions, providing unique opportunities for alpine skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. While snowmobiling in Hokkaidō, you'll likely be treated to views of prominent mountains, glistening lakes, and snow-covered forests.
Whether you're looking for stunning landscapes, remote Arctic wilderness, or a thrilling adventure, these top 10 snowmobiling destinations offer something for every rider! From the vast open tundras of Lapland, and deep powder snow of Japan, to the icy glaciers of Iceland, you will not be disappointed by a snowmobiling adventure in one of these locations!