Cold Weather Activities
Island Park, Idaho is the perfect place for any cold weather sport. Due to its high elevation, it averages 18 feet of snowfall per year. Because of these excellent precipitation levels, Island Park is world renowned for winter sports including but not limited to the World Snowmobile Expo held in West Yellowstone. If you are into any type of winter sport, Island Park is the place to be and the Southview Lodge is the perfect place for anyone looking for a good time in the snow.
Cross-Country Skiing
Island Park, Idaho has groomed ski trails very near the Southview Lodge in Harriman State Park. There are also trails in Yellowstone National Park that are groomed weekly and have warming huts along the way. Don’t miss the opportunity to view beautiful country during the winter months on these excellent trails that wind through trees and pass animal life.
Grand Targhee Ski Resort
The Grand Targhee Ski Resort claims that they have the best mountains you’ve ever skied and your experience will be lasting and unparallelled. It is centrally situated between the nations two most famous and majestic national parks: Grand Targhee National Park to the east and West Yellowstone National Park to the North. They are rated in the top 5 for best powder and welcome hard core skiers and snowboarders as well as families young and old. (For more information on rates and hours, visit www.grandtarghee.com.)
Ice Fishing
Home to Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Brook Trout, Henry’s Lake and Island Park Reservoir are excellent choices when it comes to ice fishing in Island Park. Nearby restaurants and lodges serve hot chocolate and coffee for those looking for something to warm them up before, during, or after a great day of fishing.
Skiing & Snowboarding
For anybody looking to skate ski, traditionally ski, cross-country ski, snowboard or snowshoe, Island Park is the place to be. With up to 5 feet of snow every year and its prime location near Kelly Canyon and Grand Targhee Ski Resort, it is fit for any kind of winter sport.
Sledding
All around the Island Park area are great hills for sledding. For families looking for some good fun for their kids, Island Park has it all. Ask any local in the area in the nearby establishments and they will be able to point you in the right direction for some great hills. And after a long day of sledding, warming up by the Southview Lodge large gas fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa is a perfect ending to a perfect day of sledding.
Snowmobiling
Perhaps what Island Park winters are best known for are the awesome mountains and groomed trails for first time and experienced snowmobile riders. Snowmobile trails are continuously groomed throughout the snowmobiling season at a frequency of about once a week. Conveniently located on the Island Park snowmobile trails are gas stations, restaurants, and bars. You can snowmobile to the gas pumps to get gas and get a few supplies from the convenience store. If you need food for your stay at the Southview Lodge, it is easy to snowmobile to the grocery store to re-stock your supplies. If you want to eat out or enjoy the night life, snowmobile to your favorite Island Park restaurant or stop in at Pond’s Lodge for a drink. No matter what you may need, where you may need to go, or what style of snowmobiling if best for you, the Island Park snowmobile trails will get you there.
Snowshoeing
For anybody looking to skate ski, traditionally ski, cross-country ski, snowboard or snowshoe, Island Park is the place to be. With up to 5 feet of snow every year and its prime location near Kelly Canyon and Grand Targhee Ski Resort, it is fit for any kind of winter sport.
West Yellowstone World Snowmobile Expo
If you love the competition in snowmobile racing, you’ll love the West Yellowstone Snowmobile Expo in West Yellowstone, Montana. The biggest snowmobile event in the west, this expo exposes competitors to national attention and fame. The expo is typically held in March each year and is located on the old airfield west of Iris Avenue. Shuttles are available to take you to the Exhibition Hall at nearby lodging facilities. If you choose to attend, here are some things you can expect to do/see:
Snowcross Racing
Prestigious Rocky Mountain Competitors engage in fierce racing to win coveted titles.
Other racing events new to the Expo are ATV racing (on the same snowy tracks as the snocross is run) and freestyle aerials. The Snow Drags will occur as they have every year, as well as the Toughman Enduro Race, which pits teams of 3 people going head to head, competing to see which team can complete the most laps in two hours.
New Products Revealed
The West Yellowstone Snowmobile Expo is recognized worldwide, thus it’s the perfect place for Yamaha, Skidoo, Polaris and Arctic Cat to bring their new snowmobile lines to the public’s view. Hundreds of other new exhibits of aftermarket products are also on display.
Swap Meet
An outdoor swap meet is ideal for finding some bargains. At this event you will be able to find snowmobile and recreational equipment, parts and vehicles for sale.
Autograph Session
It’s common practice to have some of the favorite racers meet with the public and sign autographs. Be alert for the time and place when you arrive.
Partying
Celebrate with the crowd at the various parties held in the evenings. A great time is to be had by all, with free admission, lots of food and live entertainment.
*Information found at www.westyellowstonenet.com
*For a full list of events & activities, or race information and registration, visit www.snowmobileexpo.com
