We invite local residents, experienced snowmobilers, and adventure seekers to rent a snowmobile and discover the Flathead Valley’s pristine alpine forests, breathtaking ridges and powder-filled bowls for themselves!

Our Sleds

Our Montana snowmobile rentals fleet consists of top quality 2016-2022 Ski-Doo snowmobiles. We carry the Renegade and Expedition models. These snowmobiles are fun, nimble sleds equipped with:

  • REV Gen4 Wide Body
  • 600 or 900cc, Twin Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, 4-Stroke Engine
  • Dual A-Arm Ras-3 Suspension
  • SC-5M Rear Suspension
  • 137″ track, 1.25″ paddles or 154″ charger track, 1.5″ paddles
  • Electric start and reverse
  • Adjustable seating to ride single or double

Know before you go

We have a 2-sled minimum for our Montana snowmobile rentals. This comes down to safety in the event a sled becomes stuck.

All sleds are equipped with a snow shovel, probe and avalanche beacon. Helmet are also required for all riders and are included in the price of all sled rentals. Do bring your own balaclava or buff! If you forgot boots, gloves, or outerwear, we do have some available for rent.

We do not provide insurance and guests are responsible for any repair costs should they damage the machine.

All vehicles operating on groomed trails on State Forest Lands will be required to have a groomed trail permit. This pass is required for riding snowmobiles, converted snow-bikes, fat tire bikes and e-bikes on groomed snowmobile trails. Montana residents pay $20 for the Snowmobile Trail Pass which is valid for 2 seasons (July 1st through June 30). The non-resident permit is $35 and is valid for one year.

Swan Mountain Snowmobiling sells these permits on behalf of the state at our office in Columbia Falls. The funds collected from these permits are allocated to improve the trail grooming program. Please let us know if you need a permit.

Trail Systems

Whether you are looking for a relaxed, groomed trail or extreme mountain terrain, Flathead Valley snowmobiling has it all! We’ll describe the most popular trailheads below.

Canyon Creek Snowmobiling

Located on the North Fork of the Flathead River Drainage, the Canyon Creek trail system accesses more than 80 miles of groomed trails and abundant mountain riding. The trailhead starts five miles north of Columbia Falls on Forest Service road 316 and leads to Whitefish Mountain Resort on Big Mountain. Once at the top of Big Mountain, you can take a break at the Summit House which overlooks the entire Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park. Another option is to continue past Big Mountain to Upper Whitefish Lake or go to Kimmerly Basin, which are known for their stunning views.

Desert Mountain Snowmobiling

Known as one of the most spectacular trails in Northwest Montana, the Desert Mountain trail accesses the summit of Desert Mountain overlooking Glacier National Park, Hungry Horse Reservoir and the great Bear Wilderness. From this trailhead you may also ride an ungroomed 35 mile trail along the east shore of Hungry Horse Reservoir, great for wilderness scenery and hill climbing.

Olney Red Meadow Snowmobiling

The Olney trail is located just off Highway 93, close to Whitefish. It travels through open-field terrain. The groomed trail connects to Upper Whitefish Lake trail and Stryker trail and is one of the largest loops you can take in one day. The route meanders up from Olney over Werner Peak at 7100 ft in elevation. This trail also connects back to Whitefish Mountain Resort and down to the Canyon Creek trailhead in Columbia Falls.

Upper Whitefish Lake Snowmobiling

This trail is a 50 mile tour that connects to the trails from Olney and Mount Marston through the deep woods of the Whitefish Mountain Range. Upper Whitefish Lake offers groomed trails as well as mountain riding and open meadows. It takes about 1 hour to get to Upper Whitefish Lake from the Upper Whitefish Lake trailhead. Another option is to take the groomed trail to the east and head up to Werner Park.

Crane Mountain Snowmobiling

Just outside Bigfork, you’ll find 38 miles of groomed trail riding and more than 100 miles of ungroomed logging roads. You’ll also be treated to unlimited open terrain in mountain meadows and old logging clear cuts. These trails offer outstanding views of Flathead Lake as well as the Swan Mountains and the Mission Mountains. You can reach the Crane Mountain trail system from Highway 209 (six miles south of Bigfork) or from Highway 83 (two miles south of Swan Lake).

Ready to check out our Montana Snowmobile Rentals?