What is the age requirement to drive your own snowmobile?
Drivers must be 14 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license to operate their own snowmobile. Drivers must be 16 years of age or older for the High Performance Tour due to the more challenging nature of the terrain.
What is the minimum age requirement for children to ride as passengers?
Children must be age 2 or older to ride as passengers. Passengers are seated behind the driver and must be able to hold on to the driver’s waist or the passenger seat handlebars for safety. Children age 9 or older are required for the Top of the Rockies Tour.
How many guests can ride on each snowmobile?
Each snowmobile accommodates a maximum of one driver and one passenger — two people total — regardless of passenger age. If you’d like everyone in your group to have their own machine, take a look at our single-rider tour options on our snowmobile tours page.
What equipment is provided, and what should we bring?
We provide top-of-the-line Ski-Doo snowmobiles and helmets for every rider. For guided tours, snowsuits and boots are available on-site on a first come, first served basis. For a full list of what to wear and bring, visit our What to Bring page. In general, we recommend insulated snow boots, ski goggles or sunglasses, warm gloves or mittens, a neck gaiter, sunscreen, and your camera — the views at 12,500 feet are worth capturing!
We’d like to drive ourselves to the base camp. How early should we arrive?
We ask that all guests providing their own transportation arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their tour or rental departure time for check-in. Please note that winter roads in Colorado can be unpredictable — a 4×4 or all-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended. Plan extra travel time during periods of heavy snow.
Is transportation provided to the base camp?
Yes — complimentary door-to-door transportation is available from the towns of Vail, Beaver Creek, and Avon, Colorado on nearly all guided tours. Please let our reservations team know at the time of booking if your party requires transportation, as space is limited. Call us at (866) 998-0696 for pick-up times and locations.
Do your tours require reservations?
Reservations are strongly recommended. Our Vail snowmobile tours are among the most popular winter activities in the area and frequently sell out — especially during peak season and holiday weekends. Call us in advance at (866) 998-0696 or locally at (970) 455-4040 to secure your spot. Even if you’re calling for a same-day tour, our friendly reservations team will do their best to accommodate you.
What safety training do your guides receive?
Our guides are the best in the business, with years of snowmobiling experience in the Rocky Mountains. All employees are required to hold a minimum certification in first aid, CPR, and backcountry safety. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities from the moment you arrive at base camp to the moment you return.
I’ve never been snowmobiling before. Do you have a tour for beginners?
Absolutely — many of our guests are experiencing snowmobiling for the very first time! Every tour begins with a tutorial covering the operation of your snowmobile and a practice session before heading out on the trails. For first-timers, we recommend the family-friendly Tigiwon Tour or the scenic Top of the Rockies Tour. Call our reservations team and we’ll help you choose the right experience based on your group size, comfort level, and desired level of adventure.
Which towns and ski areas do you serve?
We offer guided snowmobile tours and self-guided rentals serving Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon, and Edwards, Colorado. Complimentary transportation is available to and from our snowmobile base camp at historic Camp Hale for most tours. See our full list of tour options and rental options for more details.
What is the difference between a guided tour and a self-guided rental?
On a guided tour, an experienced local guide leads your group through the terrain, handles navigation, and provides insight into the history and landscape of the area. Tours include complimentary transportation and maintain a low guest-to-guide ratio for a personalized experience. A self-guided rental gives you the freedom to explore the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area at your own pace, with access to over 55,000 acres of terrain and 80+ miles of groomed trails. Not sure which is right for you? Many guests choose to do a guided tour on their first day and book a rental later in their stay. Contact us and we’ll help you decide.
Some members of our party have brought their own snowmobiles. Can they join a guided tour?
Unfortunately no — our guided tours require that all guests ride a snowmobile provided by our outfitter. If some members of your group have their own machines and others don’t, the best option to ride together is our Vail snowmobile rentals, where everyone can explore the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area at their own pace.