Snowmobile racing is a cross between watching the Daytona 500, speed skating, and roller derby. Throw in a few hairpin turns and paint the snowmobiles bright neon colors, and you have yourself a snowmobile race. Where are some of these snowmobile or snowcross races held?



Eagle River, Wisconsin has had a snowmobile derby for the past 41 years and this race and location is rich in history. In 1944 the first snowmobile (well at least one that closely resembles the models of today) was built. It basically consisted of a toboggan on skis that could be driven over the snow. During the 60s is when the thought of using snowmobiles in the form of a sport caught the attention of many. The idea came as a way to boost the winter economy and boost, it did. The snowmobile derby in Eagle River today can draw crowds of as many as 50,000 people.

West Yellowstone in Montana has some excellent areas for experiencing the thrill of riding your snowmobile and they also have the Snowmobile Expo. There are also several snowmobile race competitions to enjoy. The races bring in the cream of the crop and you will not be disappointed watching the freestyle techniques of the professionals! The Three Bear Lodge is a great place to stay due to the fact that you are near the best trails and action around. After a long day on the trails, you can come back to the Lodge and relax. Then you will make you are way to the Expo and races all are within a close proximity to your accommodations.

Salem, New Hampshire has a snowmobile-racing site also at Rockingham Park. The racers will go over jumps that could be as much as 30 feet high and take them a distance of more than 80 feet in the air. This is an amazing race to watch as the skill level ranges from beginners, semi-professionals, to professionals all racing through bumps, turns, ramps and going as much as 60 miles per hour.

There is also the International 500 that began in the 1960s and is run entirely by volunteers. The volunteers prepare the track; the snowmobile racers come, qualify and race at top speeds. The spectators love it and you will, too. This great race began with the simple comment of one man asking another man how many miles can snowmobiles run consecutively. Thus the International 500 Snowmobile Race came to life. Come and visit Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Island Pond, Vermont has joined the ranks of many other states hosting the snowmobile racing teams. The particular team that met up in Vermont is part of the Rock Maple Northeast SnoCross Series. If you have the opportunity to watch these professionals in action, it is amazing to see them flying across the snow. They reach upwards of 60 miles per hour as they try to make the hairpin turns, fly over the bumps without hitting another racer or wiping out themselves. It is truly exhilarating!