Peebles on PTO

A Long Weekend Adventure in Island Park, Idaho with a Day Trip Snowmobiling in Yellowstone

Four years ago, our family ditched the annual Christmas wrapping paper fiasco and decided to gift experiences. Christmas 2023 was the gift of Island Park and Yellowstone.

Nestled in the heart of the Idaho wilderness, Island Park offers a serene escape into nature, where the crisp mountain air and snowy landscapes create the perfect backdrop for a memorable long weekend. Our recent trip to this charming corner of Idaho was a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with a thrilling day trip snowmobiling in nearby Yellowstone National Park adding an extra layer of excitement.

One of the best things about the home rental market is the opportunity to spend time time together all hours of the day, which is the biggest gift we receive in our experience gifts. Mornings are spent sipping coffee by the fire with dad, afternoons are filled with leisurely strolls through the snowy scenery with mom, and evenings allow for some late night cocktails with the adults after kids go to bed.

This particular cabin had an incredible view of the mountains to enjoy these experiences, with also several walking paths that had just the right amount of snow for even the kids to enjoy snowshoeing. Whenever we plan a family vacation at a rental home, we always divide meals to take the burden off any one person to prepare for a larger group, and Yellowstone weekend meant a weekend of chilis and soups, plus game time burgers for a football party.

The big event was a day trip out to snowmobile through the main roads of Yellowstone (closed off to pedestrian traffic in the winter). This is truly an incredible experience and one that I’d recommend for any bucket list. With our younger children, we were able to double up on our snowmobile. These snowmobiles are perfect for the princess travelers in the group – with heated seats and even handles! I’m not afraid to admit that I’m one of the princess travelers, especially when it’s cold. The company handled all things from helmets to boots, but we did forget our face masks, foolishly thinking they were included in the package. Luckily, a quick stop for hot chocolate along the way provided an opportunity to purchase the most expensive face masks I’ve ever had the privilege of buying. But trust me, it was worth it to avoid frost bite on our face!

Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its breathtaking winter vistas and a private snowmobiling tour through the snowy expanses offers an exhilarating opportunity to see these first hand. Our knowledgeable tour guide helped us to navigate through the park’s pristine snowfields, stopping often to marvel at the stunning geological features and wildlife that make Yellowstone so iconic.

Oddly enough, this was our kids’ first experience on a snowmobile, and it seems we may have created a couple of tiny enthusiasts. It wasn’t long before they were eagerly asking to take the reins while we rode as passengers. Fortunately, we were trailing behind the main group, out of the guide’s view, and with our previous experience, we felt comfortable letting them give it a try for a few routes. To this day, they still rave about speeding down the straightaways, with snow flying up behind them and leaving grandpa in their wake.

Growing up in Idaho, it’s easy to take for granted the breathtaking sights that others travel great distances to experience. During one stop to observe a bald eagle, I was struck by how fortunate I am to call this stunning landscape home. While spotting a bald eagle is a fairly common occurrence for us, seeing the older couple beside us, who excitedly pulled out their cameras and wiped away tears, served as a poignant reminder of the true majesty that surrounds us. Their awe underscored just how extraordinary our corner of the United States can be.

While our long weekend was packed with snowshoeing and football games, we quickly realized that we hadn’t allowed ourselves enough time to fully explore Island Park. The area offers fantastic opportunities to rent snowmobiles, sleds, and access even more remote corners of the region during winter. Additionally, there are numerous trails leading to other parts of Yellowstone that we didn’t have the chance to explore in just one day. That’s the beauty of discovering a new destination: it opens your eyes to what you love and inspires you to return for more.

Want to chat about planning your next family trip? Let’s chat! Send me an email at peeblesonpto@gmail.com!