Get your motor running in Alberta’s stunning winter landscape
These are not the sleds of your childhood. Today’s snowmobiles are high-performance vehicles that will take you places and leave your heart pounding.
Whether it’s in deep snow or on groomed trails, snowmobiling is a great way to get outdoors. It also opens up the backcountry so you can get to hard-to-reach places in no time at all.
Throttle up for fun. Alberta offers a range of snowmobiling adventures. The Rocky Mountains offer gorgeous backdrops and powdery snow that makes it feel like you're racing over clouds. Snowmobiling in central and northern regions of the province takes you into thick forests and across frozen streams.
Alberta has an extensive network of snowmobile trails. You’ll find everything from groomed trails suitable for beginners to challenging backcountry areas geared toward experienced riders. The Golden Triangle in central Alberta is a 350-kilometre-long (217.5 mi) network that connects the towns of Whitecourt, Fox Creek and Swan Hills. Snowmobilers can take advantage of warm-up huts and lookout points along the way.
Travelling by snowmobile is the easiest way to get into the backcountry. That’s where you’ll find the trails less travelled and remarkable vistas. You’ll also find a lot of deep snow, so it’s wise to keep safety in mind. Avalanche Canada provides valuable information and resources that can help you do just that.
Several Alberta communities are close to snowmobile trails, making them hubs of motorized activity. Whitecourt is the snowmobile capital of the province. It sits on the Golden Triangle, one of the largest trail networks in the province. Towns like Hinton, Edson and Grande Cache also provide plenty of exciting snowmobiling as well as comfortable accommodations.
Snowmobiling can take you into remote areas, so it’s crucial to be prepared. In addition to avalanche gear, it’s important to pack food, extra clothes and an emergency kit.
Towns all over the province are home to snowmobile clubs. Their websites are the easiest way to learn about trail conditions and get other tips.
Responsible snowmobiling means staying on the trails, respecting wildlife and packing out what you pack in.
Riders using trails maintained by the Alberta Snowmobile Association need to purchase a pass. Day passes are $25/snowmobile; annual passes are $90. Both can be purchased online.
Be aware that snowmobiling is not permitted in National Parks. All visitors to Kananaskis Country must purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass.
Speeds range from 152 km/h to 195 km/h (95 mph to 120 mph) The bigger the engine, the faster the sled. Engines range from 120-cc all the way up to 800-cc.
The Canadian Snowmobile Association estimates that 1.5 million Canadians are snowmobilers. There are more than 30 local clubs.
It’s not mandatory, but a tip is a great way to thank a knowledgeable guide for an unforgettable day on the trail.
Safety first — always wear a helmet with a face shield or goggles. Do not wear loose clothing like scarves. For warmth, dress in layers, gloves (preferably ones that cover your sleeves to stop cold air from rushing into your coat), a winter jacket and waterproof boots.
In Alberta, you must be at least 14 years old to operate a snowmobile on public land. Some tour operators raise that age requirement to 16. Some also specify that passengers must be at least five years old. It’s best to check with your tour operator.
It depends on the weather and snowfall, so it varies year-to-year. In general, conditions are good for snowmobiling from November to early April.