The same weather and terrain that make the Centennial State a skiing destination also make it a popular place for another winter activity: snowmobiling. With the help of traveler input and expert opinion, U.S. News identified the following Colorado snowmobile tours – all of which have knowledgeable and skilled guides – as the best available.
Like Colorado ski resort season, snowmobiling season typically runs from November to April, but specific tour companies’ schedules may differ. Be aware that age restrictions for snowmobile operators and passengers vary among tour companies. And be sure to dress for the cold as most companies do not provide boots, scarves, neck gaiters, goggles or other gear beyond helmets.
Vail: Sage Outdoor Adventures – Adventure Snowmobile Tour
Price: Adults from $239; kids from $119
Duration: 2 hours
This excursion on a private course boasts views of several mountain ranges, the Continental Divide and peaks standing 14,000 feet. During the 100-mile ride, participants will climb 2,400 feet to admire the ski areas and alpine ridges below. Snowmobilers rave about both the stunning views and the adept guides. Outings occur daily from mid-November to early April at set times between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Prices include the use of a helmet. Other winter weather gear is available for purchase (and a limited number of snowsuits and boots are available for rental). Kids must be at least 5 years old to participate; drivers must be at least 14 years old.
In addition to private tours, Sage Outdoor Adventures also offers a Performance Snowmobile Tour, which travels a longer distance and costs more. Sage Outdoor Adventures encourages tour-takers to use their own transportation to reach their base lodge in Wolcott (about 30 miles west of Vail), but can provide pickup service in Avon, Beaver Creek or Vail at an additional charge. Note: Anyone younger than 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
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Aspen: T-Lazy-7 Ranch – Maroon Bells Tour
Price: From $275 (single rider) or $375 (tandem)
Duration: 2 hours
This expedition takes riders to Maroon Lake at the base of the Maroon Bells, dual 14,000-foot peaks just southwest of Aspen. They’re often described as the most photographed mountains in North America. Along with the views, you’ll also enjoy historical commentary from your guide about the Maroon Creek Valley. Tour-takers consistently describe guides as helpful, informative and friendly. The remarkable views also garner high marks.
From November through April, tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday starting at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Fees include use of a snowmobile and helmet. Drivers must be at least 18 years old with a driver’s license; passengers must be at least 4 years old. Longer tours including lunch (featuring hamburgers made with beef from cattle raised on the T-Lazy-7 Ranch in Aspen) are also available.
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Winter Park: Grand Adventures – Continental Divide Adventure
Price: From $275 (single rider) or $335 (tandem)
Duration: 2 hours
As its name indicates, this tour takes snowmobilers to the Continental Divide. Its trails, which wind through forests and open meadows, approach an elevation of 12,000 feet and provide views of the Fraser Valley and Winter Park Resort.
Trips run Thursday through Sunday from November to April. There are numerous start times, with the earliest at 8:15 a.m. and the latest at 2:30 p.m. Travelers regularly call this expedition great fun and gush about both the unrivaled mountain scenery and the attentive, personable tour guides.
In addition to this excursion, Grand Adventures offers one- and three-hour snowmobile tours. On all guided tours, drivers must be at least 15 years old with a valid driver’s license or permit; those younger than 18 cannot drive with passengers and must have a legal guardian present. Passengers must be at least 4 years old. Grand Adventures is based in Winter Park, about 65 miles west of Denver.
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Steamboat Springs: Thunderstruck Adventures – Pro Ride Adventure
Price: From $499
Duration: Full day
The Pro Ride Adventure Tour offers a full day of snowmobiling on a private mountain with a guide. Riders of all experience levels report that this outing lives up to its name as being truly adventurous and praise the helpful, professional guides.
The fee includes the use of a snowmobile and helmet, as well as lunch. (Discounts are available for participants who have their own machines.) An upgrade to a turbo-charged sled is available for an additional charge, as are two- and three-day packages. Complimentary shuttle service to and from Thunderstruck Adventure’s shop in Steamboat Springs from area accommodations is available as well. Tours start at 9 a.m. daily throughout winter.
Note: Unlike with other tours, this one does not permit passengers on snowmobiles (single riders only).
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Leadville: White Mountain Snowmobile Tours – Performance Tour
Price: From $250
Duration: 2 hours
The Performance Tour takes place at elevations ranging from 10,000 to 12,600 feet and offers glimpses of even taller mountains. Tour-takers find the Rocky Mountain scenery remarkable and the equipment top-notch. They also frequently laud the friendly and helpful guides.
Rides depart from White Mountain Snowmobile Tours’ Leadville base camp – about 135 miles west of Colorado Springs – starting at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. daily during the snowmobiling season. Passengers are not allowed on this single-rider-only outing (though an alternate tour permitting passengers is available).
The company also offers excursions for more experienced riders, as well as combination snowmobile and zip line tours.
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Breckenridge: Good Times Adventures – Guided Snowmobiling Tour
Price: From $240 (single rider) or $330 (tandem)
Duration: 2 hours
Take in the scenery of the Swan River Valley and White River National Forest on this outing that crests the Continental Divide at nearly 12,000 feet. Along the way, you’ll traverse 40 miles of groomed trails.
During winter, trips take place every day except Monday, with multiple departure times ranging from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Included in the cost, Breckenridge-based Good Times Adventures offers snowsuits and boots for adults who don’t bring their own. The sleds, the guides and the views all win enthusiastic praise from past participants.
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Silverthorne: High Country Tours – Heeney Scenic Tour
Price: From $220 (single rider) or $310 (tandem)
Duration: 2 hours
During this tour departing from Heeney (about 105 miles west of Boulder), you could see views of Rabbit Ears Pass, Rocky Mountain National Park and more. There is even an option for kids to ride their own mini snowmobiles at one stop along the tour. Reviewers often describe this tour as well-suited for families with children. They find the guides attentive and friendly.
Fees increase depending on the number of passengers (up to two passengers can ride with a driver). Trips typically begin at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. daily. You can also select a scenic tour with snow tubing, which splits your time riding the sleds and zipping down a 1,000-foot hill on a tube. Although tour-takers are encouraged to supply their own winter-weather gear, some adult boots, snowsuits and goggles are available for rental.
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Red Cliff: Nova Guides – Top of the Rockies Tours
Price: From $329 (half day) or $499 (full day)
Duration: 5 to 8 hours
Ride through White River National Forest and reach elevations of around 12,500 feet on this tour, which offers exceptional views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Guides earn accolades not only for their snowmobile-related abilities, but also for their knowledge of the area’s history. Full- and half-day outings are available.
Tours begin at 8:45 a.m. daily during winter and may or may not include lunch, depending on the option you select. Prices cover transportation to and from Nova Guides’ Camp Hale location in Red Cliff, about 20 miles south of Vail, as well as the use of a snowmobile, helmet and boots. Drivers must be at least 16 years old and passengers must be at least 9 years old.
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Crested Butte: Action Adventures – High Adventure Tour
Price: From $139 (single rider) or $109 (tandem)
Duration: 2 hours
Take a fast-paced spin through Gunnison National Forest on the two-hour High Adventure Tour. Participants describe the mountain views as breathtaking and the guides as knowledgeable, accommodating and friendly. In fact, reviewers frequently report an eagerness to sign up for another tour.
Trips commence at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily during snowmobiling season. Drivers must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license; passengers must be at least 4 years old. Crested Butte-based Action Adventures also offers private tours as well as unguided rentals of snowmobiles.
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Pagosa Springs: Snow Country Snowmobile Tours – 2 Hour Scenic Snowmobile Tour
Price: From $190 (single rider) or $270 (tandem)
Duration: 2 hours
The San Juan Mountains and Wolf Creek are famous for their ample snow, and this tour aims to make the most of it. Tours beginning near Pagosa Springs boast unsurpassed views of the Rocky Mountains. Participants recount an optimal mix of exciting activity and striking scenery. They also appreciate the guides’ patience and pleasant demeanors.
Drivers must be at least 16 years old and passengers must be at least 4 years old. These excursions run two times daily during winter at noon and 2:30 p.m. (A three-hour version starts at 9 a.m.) Riders must supply their own winter-weather gear.
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