General Q. When is the best time to snowmobile?
A. 9:30 a.m.. First riders out generally have the entire trail system to themselves. Also first to ride freshly groomed trails and fresh powder.
Q. What is the difference between a guided tour and a self-guided tour (rentals)?
A. Guided tours are customized to every level. Guides to rentals is low, 1:6 preferred (one guide to six snowmobiles), but 1:8 is acceptable. Speed varies and you have a much larger area to ride. Guided rides are slightly more per rental (add $12 per rental) to offset the loss of income for that rental for a self-guided ride. Self-guided tours are private, your family, your friends. Routes are limited to 3 trails or about 50 miles. Remember, 20 mph speed limit for self-guided tours.
Q. Do you offer transportation from Mammoth or June Lake?
A. Taxi service is available. Many lodges offer free transportation to DJ's at Smokey Bear Flat. Be sure to reserve a taxi well in advance. Best time to utilize any taxi service is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mammoth Shuttle (Taxi) 760-934-6588 to/from Mammoth to DJ's -- $25 1-2 people and $5 each additional person.
Mammoth Taxi 760-924-TAXI (8294) Prices same as above.
Mammoth Cab 760-924-CABS (2223) Prices not available. (Above prices subject to change.)
Requirements Q. What is the youngest age that may ride as a passenger?
A. Age 2 in the Smokey Bear Flat Snowmobile Park. Backcountry rides are at the discretion of the parent. Recommend 6 years or older. A 2-passenger sleigh is available on guided tours. Sleigh weight limit is 350 lbs. Holds 1 adult, 1 child or 2 children.
Q. Are there age limits to drive?
A. Yes. Age 16 in the Smokey Bear Flat Snowmobile Park only, age 17 in the backcountry, age 21 to drive with a passenger. Parent or guardian must be present.
Safety Policies Q. How many people may ride on one snowmobile?
A. Two. We have a 350 pound weight limit. No triple riding.
Q. When renting a double rider, can we change off drivers in the backcountry?
A. No. You may change drivers if you return early to play in the snowmobile park, but you may not change drivers in the backcountry.
Q. Will I get lost if I ride self-guided?
A. No. But you can if you make an effort to do so. The trails (summer logging roads) are marked with Checkpoints and Photo Stops. Some trails are marked line of sight with orange diamond markers. Trails are groomed. Your permitted destinations (travel plan) is printed on your receipt! Your map is on the snowmobile between your legs. The emergency phone numbers on the map are huge. Most importantly, if you intentionally leave a self-guided route and we have to come and get you, you will lose your $600 deposit. You are also responsible for County Search and Rescue costs. We have GPS (global positioning satellite) on the snowmobiles to denote speed, stops, time, points of departure from your assigned routes, etc. Stay on your assigned trail. 20 mph speed limit and you should have the adventure of a lifetime.
Reservations Q. Do I need a reservation?
A. Holidays and Weekends absolutely! Weekdays recommended. Walk-ins welcome based upon availability. Require you arrive 30-45 minutes prior to your reservation for check-in. Your rental time begins with your chosen reservation departure time.
Q. What is your deposit and cancellation policy?
A. A credit card is required to hold the reservation. We allow 24 hours notice for cancellations. Full amount charged if not notified 24 hours in advance. Upon arrival, a credit card will be required for the deposit of $600 per snowmobile. This transaction slip is returned if there are no damages, no issues, and you return your rental on time.
Q. What do you provide with the snowmobile rental?
A. Helmet (open face), instruction, and map. Helmet face shields are available upon request.
Q. Do your tours continue when snow is predicted, or it is currently snowing?
A. When snow is predicted, we operate as usual. When it begins to snow, depending upon the forecast, we change self-guided tours to guided rides. If it begins to snow heavily, reservations are cancelled as far in advance as possible. Some rides may be pro-rated if a storm moves in too fast. If Highway 395 is closed that day, all reservtions are notified as early as possible. Reservations are cancelled without penalty if we close on a snow day.
What to wear? What to bring? Q. What should I bring?
A. If age 16 and over, bring your "valid" driver's license. All states and countries accepted. Bring eye protection (sunglasses or goggles), camera (optional), cell phone. For longer trips, snacks and bottled water. No pop top cans. No alcohol. Minimal storage is available in the map bag on each snowmobile. Wear plenty of sunscreen and lip balm. Keep your keys, wallet, and hat in a zippered pocket, or with your personal belongings. Cameras should be protected with padding if taken on the snowmobile. We are not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Q. What should I wear?
A. What you bring to wear for winter outdoor recreation in the mountains is sufficient. Boots, ski pants or bibs, jacket, gloves. Layer your clothing. For adults, balaclava, gator...or something to cover your chin is recommended when the weather is unstable. Boot rentals are available. (Your driver's license will be held as a deposit for boot rental). Sunglasses, fleece face gear, and goggles are available for purchase.