Instead of just enduring winter why not enjoy it? Imagine beating the wintertime blues with a 600-cc dose of snowmobile excitement while traveling across Idaho’s mountains.

Think about cruising along snow-covered backcountry roads, or plying through the deep forest, or climbing to a mountaintop and gazing across a panoramic vista where the whole world looks fresh as a frosted wedding cake.

It’s no secret snowmobiles get you to some amazing places that would be extremely difficult to reach by other means during winter.

But what many people don’t realize is how simple it is to do. You don’t have to own a snowmobile, or know someone who does. The only cold-weather clothing you will need is a good set of long underwear, and it’s all only about an hour away from the Treasure Valley.

Idaho X-Sports in Garden Valley introduces a lot of first-time snowmobilers to the sport.

The company rents modern snowmobiles that are easy to operate and great for touring or playing.

The machines have electric start so all you have to do is turn a key. Heated grips keep your hands toasty, a push of a button puts you in reverse and gets you out of tight spots, and supple suspension smooths bumps on the trail.

Garden Valley is one of the most easily accessible places for snowmobilers and a great place to take your first trip. It’s an easy day trip, but also has motels, cabins and restaurants if you want to stay for the weekend.

The surrounding mountains are a popular place for snowmobilers because they offer easily accessible trailheads, well-marked and groomed trails, scenic routes and fun off-trail play areas.

Blake and Tammy Oseen, owners of Idaho X-Sports, have a fleet of 15 snowmobiles and can equip singles, couples, families and larger groups with all they need.

“About 90 percent of our business is first-timers or novices,” Blake said.

They want to take all the hassle out of snowmobiling so people can enjoy it without having to buy, maintain, store or haul snowmobiles.

“We just want people to come out and have a great time,” Tammy said.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much does it cost?

A: Depends on many factors, but figure about $200 to $250 per day per snowmobile.

The price of a rental package is customized to the group. The snowmobiles alone rent for $180 to $215 each, depending on what type you rent. They include trail snowmobiles (best for groomed trails), powder snowmobiles (for going off trail) and two-seat snowmobiles (for touring on groomed trails with two people). There are extra costs including fuel, delivery to and from the trailhead, trailer rentals, etc.

There are also discounts if you rent multiple snowmobiles.

For details and quotes, call Idaho X-Sports at (208) 462-2555 or go to idahoxsports.com.

Do I have to already know how to ride?

A: No. You receive training at the trailhead and will learn the basics of how snowmobiles work and how to ride them.

What do I need to wear?

A: A good base layer of synthetic long underwear and warm socks. Wear it under your everyday clothes and be ready to change into snowmobiling clothes when you get there.

Idaho X-Sports provides all the outerwear you will need, including two-piece snowmobile suits, helmets, boots, goggles and gloves.

You may want to bring a balaclava, which is a snug-fitting hood that covers your head and neck but still fits under a helmet. It will keep your head warm on cold days.

You can get them at motorcycle or snowmobile shops for under $10. Avoid ones made from cotton.

Is it safe for families with children?

A: Yes. Snowmobiling is a popular family activity. Youth must be at least 16 to ride on their own, but two-seat snowmobiles are a great way for a parent to take youngster along for the ride. The second seat has arm rests, foot rests and grab handles.

Two-seaters are large and stable. A novice rider can easily haul a child or adult.

Where can you ride?

A: The Garden Valley area has several trailheads for snowmobilers. Most beginners start on a wide, well-groomed and well-marked 43-mile route that goes up the Middle Fork of the Payette River and then does a loop that takes them to a developed hotsprings resort, Silver Creek Plunge, where you can stop and have a soak and get food midway through the trip. The resort rents towels and suits, or you can bring your own. For details go to silvercreekplunge.com.

The snowmobile route is fun and scenic and on mild terrain with gentle grades.

There also are other routes in the area that lead to high-elevation play areas on Garden Mountain and other nearby peaks.

How long does the season last?

A: Snowmobiling is available at upper elevations well into spring, but most riding occurs during winter and through March.

FIRST-TIMER TIPS

Æ If you’ve ridden a motorcycle, ATV or personal watercraft, a snowmobile will feel pretty familiar. It has a thumb throttle like an ATV or personal watercraft, and the brake is on the handlebar. A snowmobile doesn’t have a manual clutch or gears you have to shift. You just push the throttle and go.

Æ Pay attention when someone explains how to operate the machine. Ask questions. Make sure everyone who will be riding knows how to start and stop the machine, start the engine, put it in reverse, etc.

Æ If you’re used to riding a motorcycle or ATV, skis on the front of the snowmobile will take a little getting used to, especially turning at slower speeds. Concentrate on applying the throttle gradually and steadily.

Æ Relax. You will quickly tire if you ride tense. Work on riding smoothly and coordinating the brake and throttle so you’re not jerking on acceleration or lurching when you brake.

Æ When you get on the trail, practice your cornering. Lean your body in the direction you’re turning. Don’t be afraid to scoot your butt way over. You won’t fall off or tip over the machine.

Æ Remember to brake before the corner and gradually accelerate through it. Carrying too much speed and then hitting the brakes midway through a corner makes a snowmobile difficult to control.

Æ Know your limitations. Snowmobiles are fun to ride, but can be a lot of work to get unstuck in deep snow. It’s best to have an experienced snowmobiler along to show you how to ride off of groomed trails.

Æ Never harass wildlife. It’s critical for animals to conserve energy in winter.

Roger Phillips: 377-6215