ISLAND PARK — Snowmobiling in Island Park is a family tradition for Diane Stock.
When Stock was a youngster, she and her family routinely visited the area each winter to snowmobile. As a result, it was only natural for her and her husband, Kevin, and their three children to snowmobile there as well.
This winter, the Stocks plan to continue their family tradition with their children’s spouses and grandson.
“I like being able to provide that experience for my kids,” she said.
Starting at the age of 8, Stock started snowmobiling in Island Park after her parents built their cabin here. She recalled as a youth riding in a “green cutter” attached to the back of her parents’ snowmobiles.
“It was kind of like a trail sleigh trailer,” she said. “That’s the only way we could get into the cabin. Nothing was plowed up there.”
Now as an adult, Stock is the one driving the snowmobile and says it’s quite exciting to do so.
“I just like the thrill of it,” she said. “I like being in control.”
Island Park is home to numerous snowmobile trails, such as Black Canyon Trail, Big Springs Loop, Grassy Lake Trail, Fish Creek Trail and Chick Creek Trail.
According to maps published by the U.S. Forest Service, the Ashton-Island Park Ranger District has hundreds of miles of snowmobiling trails.
“Generous amounts of snow combined with the area’s 500 miles of trails and almost endless off-trail riding makes Island Park, Idaho, a paradise for snowmobiling and a ‘bucket list’ location for any snowmobiler,” reads one article from American Snowmobiler magazine.
The Stocks particularly like Fish Creek and Chick Creek Trails.
“They give you some real beautiful vistas over the Island Park area,” she said.
The trails are well-maintained, and while perusing down the paths, the Stocks routinely spot signs of wildlife.
“We’ve seen mountain lion tracks,” she said. “Mostly you’ll see birds on the river. Every now and then you’ll see a moose. They just move along.”
Chick Creek and Fish Creek Roads also offer breathtaking scenery. The family especially enjoys the view off of Two Top.
“It’s between West Yellowstone and Island Park,” Stock said. “You can just see everywhere.”
Snowmobiling offers the Stocks the chance to get to places like the Railroad Bridge.
“You can go park on the bridge, turn your snowmobile off and look up and down the river at the snow. It’s just nice. It’s very calming,” she said.
Snowmobiling also takes them to places where they can’t get by any other means in the winter, Stock said.
“The only way you can get to Meadow Creek Lodge is on a snowmobile,” she said.
The Stocks prepare for any snowmobiling expedition by knowing what the weather is going to be like beforehand. They also check for any sort of avalanche danger. It always helps to have a plan.
“Make sure you know where you’re going. There are published trail maps that you can study before you go. Take one with you,” she said. “Wear a helmet, and take a cellphone so you’ll have some means of communication.”
Stock urged snowmobilers to always go with someone, to dress warmly and not to attempt anything that’s beyond their current snowmobiling ability.
“Just because somebody else is jumping their snowmobile doesn’t mean it’s a good idea for you to do, especially if you’ve never been on a snowmobile,” she said. “When you first go snowmobiling, find someone to go with you who has experience.”
Stock also warned of the various hazards that might appear on the trail. One of those is what she called “tree wells.”
“That’s the depression in the snow around a pine tree. The snow right up to the tree looks fine, but there’s a deep pocket around the tree you can’t see. It’s hidden water,” Stock said. “For example, there could be a small stream that the snow is covering up.”
She also urged snowmobilers to avoid driving through what looks like mounds of snow along the trail.
“Don’t assume that everything that looks like a bump in front of you is a bump of snow. It could be a log or a branch. Be aware of the terrain,” she said.
What’s the best snow to snowmobile on?
“It’s powder on top of a solid base. If you go out through the powder fresh and deep, you’ll get stuck. I hate getting stuck,” she said.
For more information on Fremont County snowmobile trails visit www.co.fremont.id.us/departments/parks_rec/index.htm and click on “Snowmobiling.”
