Snowmobile Rules & Regulations

Ride With Pride

Snowmobiles must be registered in Montana or their State of Origin. Secure proper registration prior to arriving in West Yellowstone.

Montana and Idaho both require out of state snowmobiles to purchase non-resident trail permits. These may be secured at the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce at 30 Yellowstone Avenue or at most snowmobile rental dealers in the community.

Montana 2007-08 non-resident permits are $25.00 per snowmobile and can be purchased in advance at fwp.mt.gov (available in season only).

Idaho 2007-08 non-residents permits are $32.50 per snowmobile and can be purchased in advanced by calling: 800-247-6332.

To assist you in having the best of all times while you are in our area, The West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce encourages all snowmobile visitors to pick up a full trail map upon arrival and to participate in the Chamber's "Ride with Pride" program. Everyone can participate and here's what to do:

• Ride Responsibly.
• Respect others on the streets of town.
• Check the daily avalanche reports before planning your day's ride.
• Gain permission before riding on private property.
• Respect the wildlife.
• Respect restricted areas.
• Observe all speed limits.
• Cross state highways at right angles. Riding on the state highways is otherwise prohibited.

Town of West Yellowstone

• All persons having a valid state motor vehicle driver's license in their possession may ride on all the streets of the Town of West Yellowstone excepting US and State Highways.

• Juveniles possessing the Montana Snowmobile Safety Education Program Certificate may operate a snowmobile on the streets of the Town of West Yellowstone excepting US and State Highways when supervised one-to-one within line of sight (but no more than 100 yards) by a parent or legal guardian. The program is designed as a home study course. Montana's Snowmobile Safety Education Program is operated by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. You may fill out a request for the program online or write to P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701, or call 406-444-7317.

• You may, if you meet the above criteria, operate a snowmobile within the Town of West Yellowstone when you:
- travel at a rate of speed provided by law for any motor vehicle
- are not under the influence of liquor, narcotics, or habit forming drugs
- drive with care and consideration
- have all lights in proper working order
- have fully functional and suitable brakes
- have an exhaust system that precludes excessive noise, the town does have a sound ordinance that is enforced.
- are physically and mentally capable
- possess proper registration for the snowmobile
- come to a full stop at all stop signs, intersections and when emerging from alleyways, driveways or buildings.
-yield to pedestrians

The Town of West Yellowstone also requests that you follow these guides
- ride as near to the right hand side of the street as practical, and in single file
- cross the State and US highways at a right angle, always yielding to traffic
- gain permission before riding on private property
- park your snowmobile as far to the right of the street as possible without blocking the way for pedestrians.
- parents and guardians are responsible for their childrens' obeyance of Town snowmobile ordinances.

Gallatin National Forest

• All snowmobiles not registered in the State of Montana must have a Montana non-resident trail permit. These may be secured at the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce at 30 Yellowstone Avenue or at most snowmobile rental dealers in the community. The cost is $25.00 per snowmobile per year.

• Montana non-resident trail permits are $25.00 per snowmobile and can be purchased in advance at www.fwp.mt.gov (available in season only).

• The maximum speed on groomed trails is 45 miles per hour

Targhee National Forest
In Idaho

• All snowmobiles not registered in the State of Idaho must have an Idaho Non-Resident Certificate (trail permit). The Non-resident Snowmobile Certificate may be purchased at the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce at 30 Yellowstone Avenue or at most snowmobile rental dealers in the community for $37.50 per snowmobile valid for one year.

• Idaho non-resident registration is $37.50 per snowmobile. They can be purchased in advanced by calling: 800-247-6332

• The maximum speed on groomed trails is 45 miles per hour

• Both registrations are available for "in person" purchase at locations in West Yellowstone including the Visitors Center at 30 Yellowstone Avenue.

Yellowstone National Park

Winter use in Yellowstone has recently undergone significant changes. Access to Yellowstone National Park in the winter of 2004-07 is by GUIDED snowmobile and snowcoach tours as well as individual cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Numbers of snowmobiles entering from the West Gate in West Yellowstone is limited to 400.

Companies designated by Yellowstone National Park as Snowmobile Commercial Guides from the West Entrance are:

Ace Snowmobile Rentals: (406) 646-7688
Backcountry Adventure: (800) 924-7669
Loomis Enterprises/Days Inn: (800) 548-9551
Three Bear Lodge Snowmobiles: (800) 646-7353
Two Top Snowmobiles: (800) 522-7802
Yellowstone Adventures: (800) 231-5991
Yellowstone Arctic-Yamaha/Holiday Inn : (800) 646-7365

• Snowmobile operators must have a valid state motor vehicle driver's license in their possession.

• Snowmobiles are subject to entrance fees (as are all visitors) of one of the following types:

- Snowmobile: $15.00 valid for one day
- Snowmobile: $20.00 valid for seven days
- Yellowstone Grand Teton Area Pass $50.00 for one year

Or for other Park Entrance Pass' contact Yellowstone National Park at (307) 344-2107 or
click here for Yellowstone's Web site.

• Operate snowmobiles as you would an automobile. Use hand signals when turning or stopping. Allow enough distance in between snowmobiles when traveling. Passing is allowed only when safe. If you turn around, you must do so within the road width.

• Maximum speed limit is 45 mph (72 kph) or less where posted or as conditions warrant. Speed is checked by radar. Obey all speed limit signs and stop signs.

• Drive on the right side of the trail and in single file. When stopping, pull to the far right and park in single file. Stay to the right even if the trails are rough.

• Snowmobiles may be driven on designated trails only. Sidehilling, berm-riding, or any off-road travel is prohibited and carries a fine of up to $5000. Report accidents to a ranger.

• Operating a snowmobile while intoxicated is illegal. Possession of open alcoholic beverage containers, including botabags, is illegal.

• Snowmobiles must be registered according to applicable state law. Muffler, lights, and brakes must be in good working condition.

• Thermal basins, viewpoints, and walkways are snowpacked and icy during winter; fog reduces visibility. When walking, stay on boardwalks or maintained trails; walk carefully. Watch your children. Your hand or voice may be too far away if your child leaves your side.

• Wild animals have the right of way. Wildlife are dangerous and unpredictable. Winter is a time of great stress. When you force an animal to move, it uses energy which is vital to its survival. Approaching, chasing, molesting, or feeding animals is prohibited.

• If bison or other wildlife are on the road, look to your guide for directions.