A Beginner’s Guide to Snowmobiling in and Around Park City
Looking for a winter activity that offers all the thrills of skiing without the long lift lines and hefty ticket prices? Give snowmobiling a shot. These powerful machines can take you deep into the Wasatch Back, providing access to untouched powder bowls, snowy meadows, and groomed terrain throughout the Uinta and Wasatch Mountains.
If you’re new to snowmobiling, your best (and safest) bet is to book a guided tour with a vetted outfitter. Or consider renting a snowmobile from a company with its own groomed trails and enjoy a mild ride. While most gear is provided in either scenario, it’s wise to bring your own waterproof gloves, ski goggles, a balaclava, breathable base layers, waterproof boots, and snow apparel.
Ahead, we present four snowmobiling outfitters fit for first-timers in Park City and the surrounding mountain communities.
Image: courtesy of VISIT PARK CITY
Red Pine Adventures
park city
Looking to ride a sled right in Park City? Red Pine is the only company based in town, and they’ll even pick you up at your hotel (for free) if you don’t have a car. Book an hour-and-a-half tour through 1,000 acres of backcountry terrain near Canyons Village. Tours begin daily at 9 or 11 a.m. and 1 or 3 p.m.; reservations are required. Kids ages 5–16 are allowed but must ride with an adult. Private tours are also available.
Daniels Summit Lodge
heber
Just beyond Heber, discover this snowmobile paradise with over 200 miles of trails—32 groomed for easier cruising. If you’re new to snowmobiling, book a two-hour guided tour starting and ending at the lodge. If you have some experience but not enough to venture into the backcountry, choose an unguided rental and explore a groomed loop that ascends to 10,000 feet before ending back at the lodge. Bonus: The on-site hotel makes this an easy overnight adventure.
Image: Deer Valley Resort
Park City Peaks Snowmobiling
oakley
Snowmobile through Utah’s largest private mountain ranch at this 60,000-acre winter wonderland. Choose from two-, three-, or four-hour tours through backcountry terrain that reaches as high as 11,000 feet. Warm up at the ranch’s mountain lodge before starting out, then stop for lunch at its midmountain backcountry cabin. This company invests in new, easy-to-ride Ski-Doo sleds every year, which are perfect for beginners. The ranch boasts over 30 feet of fresh powder annually, making for great conditions all winter long.
Summit Meadows Adventures
peoa
Enjoy Deer Valley’s legendary service on guided snowmobile tours with Summit Meadows Adventures in Peoa. Operated by Deer Valley, tours are at Garff Ranch in Browns Canyon—just eight miles from downtown Park City. Expect breathtaking meadow and mountain vistas, plus incredible views of ski resorts. Tours begin daily at 9 or 11 a.m. and 1 or 3 p.m. and start with a short orientation so each guest feels comfortable. Helmets are mandatory and provided free of charge. Skip driving to the ranch with complimentary transportation available from Park City.
Snowmobile Safety Tips
Dress for the weather. Wear layers of clothing so you can add or remove items based on conditions.
Don’t drink alcohol and ride. Liquor can impair your reaction time and increase your susceptibility to hypothermia.
Never ride alone. If a machine is disabled or an accident occurs, the other rider can assist or go for help.
Observe right-of-way rules. Almost every trail is a two-way road. Stay to the right, especially on blind corners and hills.
Check the weather forecast and trail conditions. Don’t ride in adverse weather and make a plan to turn back if conditions suddenly change.
