Snowmobiling & Snowbiking
Yes, we have snowmobiling access here in Sun Valley, Idaho. Hundreds of miles of groomed trails are located within an hour radius of the Sun Valley area as well as an enormous swath of wide open backcountry. There is a special level of positive coexistence between the various user groups enjoying the access to the National Forest lands. We encourage you to continue this mutual relationship by being good stewards to the sport.
Know Before You Go
Venturing out in to the backcountry comes with a host of risks and responsibilities. Avalanches, tree wells, shifts in the weather, nonexistent cell service, and remote locations all increase the danger of out of resort recreating. It's up to you and your party to know how to have the proper gear and to know how to use it, to know how to navigate avalanche terrain responsibly, to know how to read the avalanche report, and to minimize all risks to you and others out there recreating.
Checklist:
- Avalanche education
- Beacon, probe, & shovel (knowledge of how to use it all)
- Avalanche report
- Stay out of harms way
Avalanche Course Providers:
Access
Closest to Sun Valley is the Baker Creek zone, ten miles north of Ketchum, and the Wood River Recreation Area three miles west of Hailey. Off trail riding is available in designated areas. Information for these areas is available here.
Just over the Galena Summit in the Smiley Creek and Stanley area, riders will find 170 miles of groomed trail. Off trail riding is also available as are guided and non-guided trips. Snowmobile rentals and area information are available at Smiley Creek Lodge.
And finally there are 200 miles of trails and open play areas in the Fairfield region.
Snowmobilers should be aware that not all areas are open to off trail travel and it is recommended to consult the United States Forest Service Snowmobile Regulations for licensing, closures, and other important information. See the map on the right for what terrain is accessible to snowmobiles and timber sleds.
Backcountry Reporting
Know before you go. The Sawtooth Avalanche Center is dedicated to providing you with up-to-date snow pack information from the areas surrounding Sun Valley. On their site you'll find recent snowfall history, avalanche ratings, backcountry observations and more.
