Swan Mountain Outfitters has mastered using horsepower to showcase Northwest Montana’s rugged beauty. Their original trips are rooted in the traditional Rocky Mountain version of horsepower – the kind that requires a saddle, hay and gentle coaxing. During the warm season, Swan Mountain Outfitters’ herd of 225 horses is an integral part of its Glacier National Park horse concession as well as its Swan Valley operation, which offers trail rides as well as fishing, hunting and summer pack trips through the untamed Swan Valley and Bob Marshall Wilderness.
In recent years the Swan Group of Companies has expanded and become very fond of the new-age horsepower, the type that relishes snow and operates with engines, skis and a track. Swan Mountain Snowmobiling is the most recent addition to the Swan Group of Companies.
“It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Aubrie Loroña, general manager of Swan Mountain Snowmobiling, “it’s allowed us to offer year-round employment for key employees while providing another phenomenal outdoor recreation opportunity for Glacier Country vacationers.” As a family-owned and operated company, the Tabors and Loroñas are passionate about helping their guests create lasting memories in the great outdoors. Adding snowmobiling to the mix was a natural fit and fulfills a lifelong dream to be able to live and work year round in a mountain paradise.
Swan Mountain Snowmobiling offers guided tours and rentals from Dec. 1 to April 15 (weather permitting) at three distinct locations: Canyon Creek (backside of Whitefish Mountain Resort), Desert Mountain (outside Glacier National Park) and Crane Mountain (near Bigfork). All locations provide majestic mountain vistas, tree-studded groomed trails and abundant snowfall. It’s safe to say, Glacier Country is a mecca for snowmobilers. And the secret is out! SnoRiders magazine named Whitefish the favorite overall snowmobile area in the U.S. for 2013.
Guided tours of various durations are offered, including the “Quickie” – the area’s only guided two-hour tour and the traditional half-day and full-day tours. Charismatic guides find a comfortable pace for the group and can provide insight on the local mountains and sites along the route. If the fresh air tends to awaken your appetite the cook-while-you-ride upgrade allows you to enjoy a hot meal cooked by your sled! For riders looking to cover substantial terrain, the “Great Northern Ultimate Tour,” Flathead Valley’s longest continuous guided snowmobile tour, is the ticket! It begins at Canyon Creek and exits out of Olney breaking mid-day for lunch at the Summit House on Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Machine rentals are available for guests, who are both snowmobile-savvy and familiar with the area. All tours and rentals include sled pickup and drop off, fuel, helmets, avalanche beacons, shovel and probes. Swan Mountain Snowmobiling operates Ski-Doos and is proud to announce the addition of several brand new 2014 machines to its fleet.
Whatever package you choose, count on a memorable winter adventure. For additional information visit www.glaciersnowmobile.com or call (406) 387-4405.