.

A valid state motor vehicle driver's license in possession is required. A learner's permit does not qualify.

Maximum speed to Old Faithful is 35 mph except where posted. Speed is checked by radar.

Obey all speed limits and stop signs.

Use hand signals when turning or stopping. Allow enough distance between snowmobiles when traveling. Pass only when safe.

Helmets are required. Approaching, chasing, molesting, or feeding animals is prohibited. Winter is a time of great stress for wildlife.

Drive on the right side of the road. Drive in single file. Do not idle your machine more than one minute. If you turn around, stay within the road width. When stopping, pull to the far right and park in single file.

Stay on designated roads. Side hilling, any off-road travel is prohibited.

The West Yellowstone area is unique because snowmobilers often have close encounters with wild animals (including large moose, bison, and elk) both inside Yellowstone Park and in National Forests adjoining it.

Here are some guidelines to ensure your personal safety:

Always give wildlife plenty of space. They have to preserve their own resources to survive winter. Even a small disturbance that causes them to run may deplete energy reserves critical for survival.

Observe animals from a safe distance. Use binoculars, spotting scopes, and telephoto camera lenses.

If bison or other wildlife is on the road, stop at least 25 yards away and/or pull your machine as far as possible to the opposite side of the road. Always give animals a chance to move off the road.

Stay seated on your snowmobile and continue moving at a steady pace if possible. Stopping or getting off of your sled is more likely to disturb wildlife.

Do not make sudden or erratic movements; use groomed pullouts where possible. Do not chase animals or cause them to stampede.

If the animal appears agitated, do not attempt to pass or you may cause the animal to charge. If animals run toward you, and you can confidently turn around, do so, moving to a safe place to reassess the situation. If you cannot turn around, get off your machine and stand to the side of it.

Respect closures or restrictions.

Snowmobile operators in West Yellowstone need to have a valid driver's license or snowmobile safety certificate.

We urge residents and visitors alike to observe 'quiet hours' from 10pm - 7am by refraining from behaviors or activities that would interfere with the natural peace and tranquility that makes West Yellowstone an inviting place for visitors and residents.

Sleds need to meet specific noise and exhaust levels (set to factory stock standards - piped and engine enhanced sleds do not meet these standards). The State of Montana has adopted this same rule as a State Noise Level law and the town of West Yellowstone also enforces. The Forest Service may choose to enforce the State Law as well.

Snowmobiling in Montana and Idaho does require the purchase of non-resident tags - Montana - $15/sled/season and Idaho - $21.50/sled/season. Those are available at various places in West Yellowstone.

No riding is allowed on Highways 20 or 191 (either inside West Yellowstone or outside of town).

Follow road sign speed limits in West Yellowstone. Trails have a maximum speed limit of 45 mph or less where posted.

Operating snowmobiles while intoxicated is illegal. No open alcohol containers, including bota bags. NO LIQUOR or DRUGS. Pack out all litter.

City streets can have dangerous icy conditions. Coast to a stop, ride staggered leaving plenty of distance between each person, be ready for sudden stops, watch for cross traffic.

You can call 911 from any pay telephone within West Yellowstone or Yellowstone National Park to report a serious incident which could be life threatening. If not life threatening, call 406-646-7600 (West Yellowstone Emergency Services). Remember that when riding in the Island Park, Idaho area, the nearest emergency services could be in West Yellowstone, Montana.

If your snowmobile breaks down and you are unable to fix it or walk out, the first rule is to conserve energy. Attend to any injuries and then calmly think out solutions.

Seek shelter from the wind and restrict body movements to reduce sweating. Use your snowmobile as a windbreak or part of a lean-to. Or, find shelter in a protected area (overhanging rocks or base of a tree).

If a fire is needed, choose a protected spot that is not under overhanging branches with snow on them. Pick small dead branches or brush as fire-starter, and then add larger dead wood after the smaller branches have a good start. Collect enough fuel before dark if you have to spend the night.

Do not travel on foot in strange areas at night. Moderate exercise can help circulation, but conserve your energy. If you become unsure of your location, find shelter and keep warm.

If your snowmobile is broken and can be towed, remove the drive belt first for easier towing.

Buried surface hoar is a notorious weak layer that's found in many areas in the southern Montana Mountains. Backcountry users should be aware that pockets of snow instability likely exist that are at least one level higher hazard than the avalanche forecast rating in any given area. These pockets are the main source of slides when the avalanche hazard is only rated as Moderate, which statistics show is the hazard forecast rating when many human triggered avalanches occur. Check out the latest snow and avalanche trail reports.

You may contact us by phone at 406-646-9636, or online, if you have any questions that are not answered by the information provided above.