Dashing through the snow on a one-horse open sleigh might make a great Christmas carol, but dashing through the snow on a snowmobile is a whole lot more fun. Snowmobiles are amazing pieces of machinery that make snowy places like McCall a vast playground and a great winter getaway.
Snowmobiling poses some obvious challenges for people who don’t own them, who have no experience with them, or who don’t have friends or family who are snowmobilers and willing to introduce them to the sport. But that shouldn’t stop you from trying snowmobiling because getting started is easier than you might think.
“Snowmobiling is hugely popular in the McCall area, and for good reason,” says April Whitney, Brundage Mountain Resort spokesperson. “But not everyone is comfortable venturing into the backcountry on their own. The option to use experienced guides makes this exciting sport accessible to an even wider swath of outdoor adventurers.”
To start, let’s talk about what makes snowmobiling fun. They allow you to access places you couldn’t normally go in winter unless you’re snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. But you can experience more country in a day on a snowmobile than you could all winter if you were on foot. They’re also just plain fun to ride. You can glide effortlessly across a smoothly groomed trail or float across a snowy meadow and carve graceful arcs.
Let’s dispel a few preconceptions about snowmobiles that might make you hesitant to try one.
First, they’re not difficult to ride. If you’ve ridden an ATV, a jet ski or similar machine, it will be a natural transition. To grossly simplify, you sit, push a button and go. To get started, that’s really all you need to know. Obviously, there’s more to it, but don’t let “I don’t know how to ride one” stop you from getting started. And if you’re still nervous about riding one yourself, you can ride as a passenger because many snowmobiles are designed for two people, so it will still be a safe, comfortable ride if you’re on back.
Second, you won’t freeze. Yes, it’s winter, and yes, it’s cold outside, but you will stay plenty warm. Most modern snowmobiles have grip warmers, some even have heated seats, and they all have windshields and fairings that protect your body from the elements. If you’re taking a guided trip or renting a snowmobile, it usually includes a snowmobile suit, helmet, boots, gloves, and other equipment.
Third, you can make it as easy, or as challenging as you want. Your trip can range from a casual, fun ride down a groomed trail under the guidance of an expert, or you can take a snowmobile off-trail and play in the meadows and mountains.
How do you get started?
Guided trips are the best way to have a good first experience on a snowmobile. Brundage Mountain Resort is practically synonymous with winter recreation in McCall, and it offers fully guided snowmobile trips out of the resort.
Brundage offers half-day and full-day tours starting at $219 to scenic locations near the resort, including trips to Hazard Lake, Upper Payette Lake or Burgdorf Hotsprings for an amazing backcountry experience.
Just show up and suit up because jackets, pants and helmets are included. Don’t forget winter boots and gloves. After you’re comfortable on the machines, Brundage will rent them to you for unguided adventures. Brundage.com 208.634.4151
CM Backcountry Rentals and Adventure in McCall also offers guided snowmobile tours and rentals. In addition, it offers clinics and avalanche courses to help you progress through the learning curve if you decide to venture off on your own, and avalanche training helps prevent you from getting into dangerous situations. CMBackcountryRentals.com 208.634.0017
If you are comfortable and feel like you could safely go it on your own, Cheap Thrills rentals offers dropoff and pickup service to one of the trailheads around McCall. Rentals include a snowmobile suit, full-face helmet, snowmobile boots and gloves. CheapThrillsRentals.com 800.831.1025.