If dog sledding is the classic Yukon winter experience, snowmobiling is the fast one. A guided half-day tour takes you out of Whitehorse and into the backcountry on groomed and open trails, covering roughly twenty to fifty kilometres depending on conditions and the group's ability. Two people share each machine and take turns driving, so you can spend half the trip steering and half the trip taking in the scenery from the back seat. The guide sets the pace to suit the group, stops for photographs at the best viewpoints and keeps everyone together, which makes the tour accessible to first-timers as well as people who have ridden before. The landscape is the reward. Snow-loaded spruce, frozen lakes, rolling hills and long open stretches make for a dramatic ride, and the sense of space is hard to match. The tour usually lasts around four and a half hours, including transport with the guide, a safety briefing, the riding itself and a break for snacks and a hot drink. Helmets and gloves are provided, though you need to supply your own winter clothing.
Safety and rules
A briefing at the start covers how to operate the machine, hand signals, speed and spacing, and what to do if something goes wrong. Follow the guide's instructions and stay within the pace that suits the group. Some operators have driving age and licence requirements and a security deposit arrangement for the machine, so read the booking information before you go and carry a valid driver's licence if asked.
The activity is not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries, for pregnant travellers or for people with poor cardiovascular health, and a moderate level of fitness is expected because holding on and steering in rough terrain is tiring.
What to wear
The wind chill on a moving snowmobile is far more severe than the air temperature, so dress more warmly than you would for a walk. Wear a thermal base layer, an insulated mid layer and a windproof, waterproof outer layer, plus insulated boots, warm socks, a neck warmer or balaclava that fits under the helmet and liner gloves under the provided gloves. Ski goggles or good sunglasses protect your eyes from wind and glare. Skip loose scarves, which can catch on the machine, and keep valuables zipped in an inner pocket.
When to go
Snowmobiling depends on snow cover, so the tour runs in the winter season rather than year-round. Cold snaps can shorten the ride, and operators may adjust or cancel for safety, so check the cancellation terms before you commit. Midwinter days are short, so a morning or early-afternoon departure gives you the best light.
Planning it
Because the outing is physically demanding and cold, avoid pairing it with a late-night aurora tour on the same day. A good combination is the snowmobile tour one day, a soak in the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs the next afternoon and the aurora on the evening in between. For a gentler option on the same theme, the frozen waterfall snowshoe and the ice tower tour give you the Yukon landscape at walking pace.
Who it suits
Adventurous couples, friends and families with older teenagers who want speed, scenery and a story to tell. It is the most energetic of the guided winter outings and one of the most memorable.
What to expect
The experience
A guided snowmobile safari of roughly 20 to 50 km through Yukon backcountry, with two people sharing each machine and taking turns driving.
Best time
Winter, on a morning or early-afternoon departure for the best light.
How long
Around four and a half hours including the briefing, riding and a snack stop.
Tips
Dress for wind chill, with a windproof outer layer, insulated boots and a neck warmer under the helmet.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Thrill-seekers who want speed and big winter scenery with a guide in charge.
- Families
- Best for older teenagers and fit adults; check the operator's age and licence rules.
- Couples
- Share a machine, swap driving and stop for photographs and hot drinks.
- Pair with
- A hot springs soak the next day and an aurora tour on a different evening.
- Time needed
- About half a day.
Good questions
How long is the snowmobile tour?+
Around four and a half hours, covering roughly 20 to 50 km depending on conditions and the group.
Do I need experience?+
No. A briefing is given first, and the guide sets the pace. Two people share each machine and take turns driving.
What is provided?+
Guide, transport, helmets, gloves, snacks and drinks. Bring your own winter clothing.
Who should not go?+
The activity is not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries, those who are pregnant or those with poor cardiovascular health.
What if the weather is bad?+
Operators may adjust or cancel for safety, so check the cancellation terms when you book.
