Snowmobiling in Alaska: 6 Best Trails & Tours

Instead of staying cooped inside your home during winter, why not bring out the adventurer in you and enjoy snowmobiling in Alaska? You can book several Alaska snowmobile tours to help you navigate beautiful trails safely and enjoyably. Whether you snowmobile alone, as a couple, with friends, or with relatives, you surely will find one that matches your needs and preferences.

But what are the top choices for Alaska snowmobile tours and trails? The best trails are Fairbanks, Denali State Park, Chugach State Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Iditarod Trail, and Hatcher Pass. To enjoy one or more of these trails, consider the following tour companies:

Glacier City Tours
Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours
Snowhook Lodge & Cabins
Kenai Backcountry Adventures
Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service
Fairbanks Snow Sleighers

Let’s get to know these snowmobile trails in Alaska to understand why they’re six of the most highly recommended. Similarly, we will have a quick glimpse at the six tour companies that snowmobile riders and adventurers rave about to give you an idea of what they offer.

6 Best Alaska Snowmobile Trails

Fairbanks

Some of you might not be surprised to find Fairbanks on my list of recommended snowmobile trails in Alaska.

With its pristine lakes and rivers, beautiful mountain ranges, rich forests, numerous wildlife, and abundant snowfall, you will feel closer to Mother Nature. This feature makes it one of the perfect trails for a multi-day snowmobiling adventure.

Not only that, but Fairbanks gives you an amazing view of the Aurora Borealis or northern lights. That’s why you’ll find several snowmobile tour companies offering packages that include nighttime snowmobile rides.

Another thing I and other adventurers love most about Fairbanks is the well-kept snowmobile trails. This ensures safe and smooth riding, regardless of your skill level. But, of course, make sure you have the right gear, like this pair of anti-fog snow goggles (view on Amazon).

Denali State Park & Preserve

Don’t miss out on the breathtaking view of the highest or tallest mountain in North America, Denali! As you traverse the park trails with the snow-covered mountain as your backdrop, you will also get the chance to see wildlife, such as wolves, caribous, and moose.

However, you must check whether the area is open or closed, as snowmobiling isn’t allowed throughout the winter season in Denali. Some conditions need to be met, such as snow coverage, before it opens to preserve the area’s natural conditions.

Chugach State Park and Preserve

Considered as one of the largest state parks in the country, many hikers, bikers, and campers favor Chugach State Park and Preserve for their recreational activities and adventures.

Its extensive ocean shoreline, several lakes and hilly areas, massive ice fields and glaciers, rich woods, open meadows, and diverse wildlife population make it one of the best choices for backcountry snowmobiling. Even better, the tracks or trails are also well-groomed or regularly maintained.

Another reason to love Chugach State Park and Preserve is its proximity to Anchorage. It means that while you get to enjoy the wilderness, you can also conveniently enjoy the comforts of metropolitan living.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Another well-preserved national park in the state you want to consider when booking Alaska snowmobile tours is Kenai Fjords. While considered the smallest in the state, it has more than enough scenery to offer locals and tourists.

Its historical crown jewel, the Harding Icefield, feeds almost 40 glaciers that flow from it. Hence, it’s home to several species of icy-water-loving wildlife. The towering mountain cliffs also ensure you’ll see different air animal species like bald eagles and falcons. Chances are, you’ll also get to see mountain goats on the mountain’s treeless slopes.

Kenai Fjords National Park also has a rocky coastline, making it a perfect habitat for seabirds and marine mammals like harbor seals and sea lions. Other mammals you’ll have a close encounter with when you snowmobile in Kenai include black bears, moose, coyotes, and wolverines, just to name a few.

Iditarod National Historic Trail

Historically called the Seward-to-Nome Trail, the Iditarod is a long stretch of trail that was once only used to connect villages, communities, and historical sites. It then evolved into a famous trail for sled dog and dog snowmachine races, mountain biking, skiing, and running marathons.

Today, it’s also one of the top choices for snowmobiling in Alaska. You can enjoy different terrains, sceneries, and wildlife while traversing the Iditarod National Historic Trail.

Hatcher Pass

As a mountain pass located southwest of the Talkeetna Mountains, you would want to include Hatcher Pass in your snowmobiling in Alaska bucket list.

The breathtaking mountain range in itself is more than enough reason. However, there is more to Hatcher Pass. Not only are the tracks properly groomed. They’re also well-marked, making it easier and more fun for beginners to traverse.

The area also has a historical significance, like Iditarod, especially during the Gold Rush Era. As such, you can take the opportunity to learn more about its rich history by including a ride to the mining ruins.

Experienced snowmobile riders who love a challenging backcountry adventure won’t also be frustrated. That’s all thanks to the area’s more complex, unspoiled terrains.

6 Best Alaska Snowmobile Tours

Glacier City Tours

With years in the industry and U.S. Forest Service special-use permits, Glacier City Tours is undoubtedly ideal for snowmobile tours in Alaska. Its use of clean-burning four-stroke vehicles makes the company a top option for eco-friendly riders and tourists.

Regarding the tour packages you can avail yourself from Glacier City Tours, they are:

Alaska Backcountry Snowmobiling Tours

Scenic Mountain: From November to January, you can book this 3.5-hour tour to traverse private trails with the Chugach Mountains as your background. It even includes a lunch stop at the company’s backcountry pavilion!
Blue Ice Glacier: Available from January to May, this tour will last for 5.5 hours, and you can explore ice caves, glaciers, and icebergs surrounding the Chugach Mountains.
Northern Alaska: This tour is perfect if you want to spend the whole day snowmobiling. As its name implies, you’ll explore the Northern part of Anchorage, allowing you to explore Hatcher Pass, Big Lake, and more.

Multi-day Snowmobile Tours Alaska

From February to April, Glacier City Tours open slots for its well-planned four-night, five-day Denali Snowmobile Excursion and Iditarod Snowmobile Adventure tours.

Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours

Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours’ several recognitions or awards are enough reason to include it on my list. However, the company is also among the top choices because of its knowledgeable and experienced guides, who are all Alaska locals.

If you want to enjoy any of the trails I listed above, here are the different packages Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours offer:

Alaska Backcountry Snowmobiling Tours

Iditarod Trail: Book this tour to enjoy a full day of scenic rides, including a midday stopover at a remote roadhouse for a scrumptious Alaskan lunch. It’s perfect for beginners and is available from November to March.
Guided Half-Day: Also ideal for beginning riders, this three-hour tour is available from December to March. With this tour, you’ll traverse Hatcher Pass.
Ultimate Powder Snowmobile Adventure Tour: As its name implies, this whole-day tour isn’t for the faint of heart. After all, it’s an adventure meant for advanced riders.

Snowhook Lodge & Cabins

Snowhook is a company owned and managed by a couple familiar with snow-related adventures. It comprises trained, experienced, friendly guides who will ensure your safety while enjoying your snowmobile ride.

The tours you can book from Snowhook Lodge & Cabins include:

Alaska Backcountry Snowmobiling Tours

Denali: From October to April, you ride one of Snowhook’s stable and comfortable Arctic Cat Bearcat snowmobiles to enjoy what Denali offers. This tour will last for three hours.
Iditarod: This three-hour tour is only available in March and pre-scheduled by the company.
Dog Sled and Snowmobile Combo: Make the most of Denali with this combo tour available from October to April. You’ll enjoy a two-hour dog sledding adventure in the morning and a three-hour snowmobile ride in the afternoon.

Multi-day Snowmobile Tours Alaska

Lodge, Snowmobile, and Northern Lights Combo: With five private cabins or lodges available for booking, you can stay in the area for two days and one night. This tour, available from December to April, allows you to have a fun-filled day and a night to experience Aurora Borealis with other adventurers.
Lodge, Dog Sled, Snowmobile, and Northern Lights Combo: This two-day, one-night adventure combines the Dog Sled and Snowmobile Combo Tour, cabin accommodation, and Northern Lights viewing. This tour is available from November to April.

Kenai Backcountry Adventures

While Kenai Backcountry Adventures (KBA) only offers rides to and from Kenai, this focus ensures the guides and adventure specialists become experts on the trails. Not only that, but KBA’s tours are well thought-out to ensure you have a memorable experience.

Alaska Backcountry Snowmobiling Tours

Classic Tour: Perfect for beginners, you can book this tour to snowmobile through the park for two or four hours.
Snowmobile and Snowshoe Dual Adventure: If you’re up for the moderate to strenuous physical challenge of a two- or four-hour adventure of snowmobiling and snowshoeing, this tour is perfect!
Snowmobile-Access Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding: While this full-day tour is strenuous, the adventurer in you will surely be satisfied. Just make sure to bring your own durable ski poles (view on Amazon), split boards, and other skiing gear.
Snowmobile-Access Ice Climbing: This is another full day of strenuous but fun adventure you wouldn’t want to miss.

Multi-day Snowmobile Tour

Winter Stay and Play Adventure: While the difficulty level of the snowmobile ride in this tour is moderate, it’s perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike. The package includes a two-day, two-night, or three-day, three-night stay at the Harbor 360 Hotel.

Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service

This award-winning company offers several guided tours in Alaska. Its same-day booking makes it very popular, so it’s ideal for those who suddenly want to include snowmobiling in Alaska in their winter activities.

Alaska Backcountry Snowmobiling Tours

From November to April, you can book any or more than one of the following tours:

Fairbanks Snowmobile Tour: You can choose from one- or two-hour rides for one or two riders.
Combos: In this category, you can book a two-hour snowmobile tour with a four-hour day-time ice fishing adventure or a combination of a two-hour snowmobile tour, a five-hour evening ice fishing, and Northern Lights viewing.
Ultimate Combos: The first and second packages included in this category are the same as Combo 1 and 2, respectively, including one hour of dog sledding.

Fairbanks Snow Sleighers

Another highly recognized tour company for your snowmobile adventure in Alaska is Snow Sleighters. It comprises a group of Fairbanks locals who love the outdoors and, of course, outdoor adventures like snowmobile rides.

Alaska Backcountry Snowmobiling Tours

Fairbanks Snow Sleighers offers three short but fun tours available from November to April, namely:

Lynx Loop: This one-hour guided tour is ideal for those who love a quick, fun snowmobile adventure.
The Local Tour: An hour longer than the Lynx, this day tour allows you to snowmobile through the amazing Goldstream Valley in Fairbanks.
The Aurora Sleighers: Aptly named, this nighttime snowmobiling in Alaska includes viewing the Northern Lights.

Alaska Snowmobile Tours and Trails

Here’s a quick summary of the different Alaska snowmobile tour companies and the popular trails and snowmobiling tours you can book from them:

Tour Companies	Snowmobile Trails	Snowmobile Adventure Packages
Glacier City Tours	Denali State Park & PreserveChugach State Park and PreserveHatcher Pass and More	3.5-hour Tour5.5-hour TourFull-Day TourMulti-day Adventures
Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours	Iditarod National Historic TrailHatcher Pass	3-hour TourFull-Day Tours
Snowhook Lodge & Cabins	Denali State Park & PreserveHatcher Pass	3-hour Tours5-hour Combo TourMulti-day Combo Tours
Kenai Backcountry Adventures	Kenai Fjords National Park	2-hour Tour4-hour Tour6-hour TourFull-Day ToursMulti-day Combo Tour
Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service	Fairbanks	1-hour Tours2-hour ToursFull-day Combo Tours
Fairbanks Snow Sleighers	Fairbanks	1-hour Tour2-hour Tour4-hour Tour

Enjoying Alaska With a Snowmobile Ride!

Alaska has much to offer during the cold, snowy days, including snowmobile tours to different trails.

While the companies on my list offer other tour packages, I only included those that let you enjoy some of the most popular trails. Most of them include safety gear in their prices or have available items for rent, but it’s best to bring your full-face snow helmet (view on Amazon) for a perfect fit.

References:

Kris Peter

Kris is an avid off-roader and outdoor enthusiast who loves to brave the elements and take on challenging terrain. He also enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with others so that they, too, can appreciate the ride.
About Kris