SUPPORT THOSE THAT SUPPORT YOUR CLUB
BEACON - PROBE - SHOVEL >>> ARE MUST-HAVES
BEACON. PROBE. SHOVEL — DON'T RIDE WITHOUT THEM!
Avalanche safety starts before you hit the snow.
Carrying a beacon, probe, and shovel is essential when riding in the backcountry. But having the gear isn't enough - you need to know how to use it. YOUR GEAR CAN SAVE A LIFE. YOUR KNOWLEDGE CAN TOO.
- Check avalanche conditions before every ride. - Know the terrain and recognize avalanche hazards. - Practice with your equipment and get proper training. - Need gear? Avalanche safety equipment rentals are available in Cooke City
Check out https://www.mtavalanche.com/ for the forecast!!!
Backcountry Webcam
PARTNERED WITH COLDFEAR FOR BACKCOUNTRY CAM
Town Webcam
PARTNERED WITH COOKE CITY SINCLAIR FOR TOWN CAM
MORE THAN JUST GREAT RIDING....
WHO ARE WE
Our Mission
The mission of the Upper Yellowstone Snowmobile Club is to promote, protect and preserve responsible, motorized winter recreation in the Cooke City area through trail grooming, education, stewardship, community involvement and advocacy for continued public-land access.
UYSC works to provide safe and enjoyable winter recreation opportunities while supporting avalanche awareness, backcountry education and preparedness, responsible recreation, and cooperation among all winter users.
Through fundraising, volunteerism, partnerships and community support, we work to maintain the trails, access and riding opportunities that have made Cooke City, Montana, one of the Top 10 snowmobile destinations in the United States.
Our History
The Upper Yellowstone Snowmobile Club was established in February 1972. Donald R. Laubach was the original incorporator, with David Gwalthney, Erwin Treuner and James Batzhoff serving as the temporary board at the time of incorporation.
More than five decades later, UYSC continues to support and protect winter recreation in one of the most unique snowmobiling areas in the country.
In 2004, SnoWest recognized Cooke City as the #1 snowmobile destination in the United States. Today, Cooke City continues to be recognized as a Top 10 snowmobile destination, offering a combination of terrain, snowfall, community and backcountry access that is difficult to find anywhere else.
Cooke City Snowmobiling
Cooke City is known for the steep and deep, but that is only part of what the area offers.
Approximately 33 miles of groomed trails provide access from Cooke City into an enormous variety of winter terrain. Riders can find rolling hills, tree riding, open meadows and challenging mountain terrain, with the area often receiving around 200 inches of snow annually.
The surrounding backcountry also provides opportunities for backcountry skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
One of the things that makes Cooke City especially unique is the community itself. Visitors can stay in local hotels, cabins and vacation rentals and access the snow directly from town. Restaurants, bars, lodging, fuel, rentals and other services are all part of a small mountain community built around winter recreation.
Avalanche Education & Responsible Backcountry Recreation
Backcountry access also comes with responsibility.
The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center and Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center are an important part of the Cooke City winter community and UYSC’s commitment to education and responsible recreation.
Avalanche forecasting, education, beacon training and other programs help riders understand changing mountain conditions and prepare themselves before entering the backcountry.
UYSC strongly supports avalanche education, proper rescue equipment, rider preparedness and responsible decision-making. Every person who enters the backcountry shares responsibility for protecting themselves, their riding partners and the people who may be called upon to help them.
Grooming, Fundraising & Community
UYSC owns its own snowcat/groomer and maintains approximately 33 miles of groomed trails providing access to the Cooke City riding area.
Operating and maintaining a snow groomer in this environment is a major undertaking. The grooming program is supported through club fundraising, donations, volunteer efforts and grants from the State of Montana.
Throughout the winter, UYSC hosts and participates in events that support the club and the Cooke City community. Our largest annual fundraiser is the UYSC Hog Roast in March, bringing together riders, businesses, residents, volunteers and supporters from across Montana and beyond.
Those funds help support grooming, equipment, maintenance, education, access and the continued work of the Upper Yellowstone Snowmobile Club.
Protecting What We Have
The future of snowmobiling in Cooke City depends on more than snowfall.
It depends on responsible riders. It depends on volunteers. It depends on local businesses and community support. It depends on education, cooperation and responsible use of our public lands.
Most importantly, it depends on continuing to protect responsible, motorized access to the backcountry.
For more than 50 years, the Upper Yellowstone Snowmobile Club has worked to keep that opportunity alive. With the continued support of our members, businesses, visitors, volunteers and community partners, we intend to keep doing exactly that for generations to come.
Ride responsibly. Be prepared. Support the community. Protect access. Keep Cooke City riding
Photo Credit: Groomer Operators
The Sledder's Pledge
- I will operate my snowmobile only when sober.
- I will drive within the limits of my machine and my own abilities.
- I will obey the rules and laws of the state or province I am visiting.
- I will be careful when crossing roads and always cross at a right angle to traffic.
- I will keep my machine in good condition and perform a pre-ride inspection check before each ride.
- I will wear appropriate clothing, including gloves, boots, and a helmet with a visor.
- I will let someone know my planned route, my destination, and my expected return or arrival time.
- I will treat the outdoors with respect. I will not litter or damage trees or other vegetation.
- I will respect other people's property and rights and lend a hand when I see someone in need.
- I will not snowmobile where it is prohibited.