This Big Mountain Snowmobile Adventure in Wyoming Will Take Your Breath Away... Literally.

Saratoga, WY - February 5, 2026

Written By: Matthew Hledin

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Every year around this time, Dr. Mike Janssen—an esteemed spine surgeon based in Denver, Colorado—invites a crew of his offshore powerboating friends, colleagues, and fellow enthusiasts to trade the Florida beaches for something wilder. Far from the race courses where they spend their season chasing speed on the water, the group heads deep into the rugged backcountry of Wyoming for an adventure that’s every bit as adrenaline-fueled.

The Great Saratoga Snowmobile Rally draws guests from across the United States and Canada to experience the world-class backcountry terrain of Wyoming’s Snowy Range Mountains. Each day, the group bases out of Saratoga Hot Springs Resort—event headquarters—then caravans to the end of a remote county road known as “Chain’s End.” From there, at over 9,000 feet of elevation, guests swap their rental cars for one of Dr. Janssen’s mountain-built sleds—like the Ski-Doo Summit 850—and head straight into the wild expanse of Medicine Bow National Forest.

As a less-than-seasoned East Coast snowmobile rider, I found out fast why the crew outfits guests with oxygen tanks. With more than six feet of untouched mountain powder, every turn becomes technical — and every mistake costs energy. Add in the altitude, and the challenge ramps up even more: the thin air at elevation can cut your oxygen intake by roughly 25–30% per breath, turning a few minutes of hard riding into a full-body workout. Out there, it doesn’t take long to realize you’re not just battling the terrain — you’re battling your lungs, too.

Once you get comfortable with the sled and start reading the terrain, the whole mountain turns into a snowmobile playground. The possibilities feel endless, with lines and zones that offer something for every skill level. That said, I highly recommend shadowing one of the professional guides over to the east side of the Big Range near Medicine Bow Peak. The views are unreal — from the ice-covered beauty of North Gap Lake, to the “Rollercoaster,” a winding, flowy gap between the mountains that begs for lap after lap. And for the true adrenaline seekers, there’s “The Widow Maker” — a legendary, brutally steep hill climb reserved for experienced riders only.

Once the riding day wraps, a cold beer at 10-Mile Lodge on the way back to Saratoga Hot Springs Resort hits the spot. After that, a quick dip in the resort’s naturally fed hot springs is the perfect reset before the evening kicks off. Dr. Janssen usually has a themed dinner and party lined up, giving everyone a chance to swap stories, replay the day’s best moments, and laugh about the ones that got away. The food is excellent, the staff are first-class, and the whole experience feels dialed from start to finish.

I’m already looking forward to coming back for the Great Saratoga Snowmobile Rally in 2027.