The Ultimate Way to Explore Winter
With the exception of the three Wilderness areas within its borders, the BTNF is open to snowmobiles and the type of sledding you can do ranges from cruising the extensive groomed trails that are part of the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail around Togwotee Pass to powder sledding, and high marking and hill climbing in avalanche terrain. The most active areas for snowmobiling on the forest are in the Greys River, Big Piney, Pinedale, and Blackrock Districts.
Driving a snowmobile does not require a license, but every snowmobile in Wyoming must have either a current Wyoming Resident or Nonresident User Fee Decal prominently displayed. These are $35 and can be bought online or at permit sales locations in places of business across the state. (If you rent a snowmobile, your sled will come with this decal.)
4 Things Pinedale District recreation management specialist Alex McLean always has with him when snowmobiling:
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Avalanche gear—a beacon, shovel, and probe
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An extra puffy jacket. “And that is on top of starting off in extra warm gear,” he says.
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2 pairs of gloves. “Your first pair will always get soaked. If you don’t have another pair, your hands will freeze,” he says.
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Sunglasses. “I always have these with me, but they’re really a big deal in the winter. The snow can be so bright your eyes will get burnt out,” he says.
