Snowmobiling limit a boost for tourism

Tue., Nov. 15, 2005

Associated Press

REXBURG, Idaho – Last year’s decision to limit snowmobile traffic in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks has been giving some Idaho destinations a boost.

Chambers of Commerce in areas such as Island Park and the St. Anthony Sand Dunes are promoting themselves as snowmobiling alternatives.

“Our emphasis has been on how good the snowmobiling is here in Idaho,” Rexburg Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Donna Benfield said. “If they are going to limit the park, people can discover our great trails in the Island Park, Idaho Big Hole Mountains, Bone and Teton Valley trails.”

Some recreational businesses in the region are reporting increased cabin reservations to snowmobilers.

The current snowmobile rules, expected to be in place through the winter of 2006-07, allow as many as 720 snowmobiles to enter Yellowstone every day.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Snowmobiling limit a boost for tourism

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

72-year-old Spokane motorcyclist dies in I-90 crash in Cd'A

‘A chilling image’: Judge rules on appeal in Meridian man’s viral arrest

Boundary County man accused of shooting at law enforcement was intoxicated, searching for police on his property, deputy says