Jump on a snowmobile & enjoy the ride

By The Thirst Colorado Team

Whether you plan to sled through the powder on your own or let a guide show you the way, snowmobiling is a great way to access the backcountry with relative ease.

A snowmobile allows nearly anyone to enjoy the deep woods in Colorado without getting in shape or honing their skills. Just jump on board and enjoy the ride.

Here are a few destinations for the sled owner who plans to gather up the gang and hit the powder at their leisure. Additionally, beginners will find a few outlets with friendly guides to show you the ropes and direct you toward the Continental Divide or other locations that are tough to reach in the dead of winter.

Or rent a machine and head out without a guide. Just make sure you return the sled in one piece. In the early winter months, watch for landmines that can interrupt a fantastic day with costly repairs.

GRAND TIMES

AT GRAND LAKE

Grand Lake’s nickname is the “Snowmobile Capital of Colorado,” with good reason. Featuring more than 1,000 miles of trails, simply jump on the Grand Lake Town Trail and rev your way into the hills for some excitement.

“If you’ve never snowmobiled before or you’re a beginning snowmobiler, we definitely recommend starting out with a guide,” according to the local tourism board. “Then once you’re up to speed, keep exploring Grand Lake or any of Grand County’s snowmobiling hotspots.”

In Grand Lake, it’s common for the avid snowmobiler to ride downtown for dinner or lunch in the dead of winter. Many people who stay in the area or have homes between Grand Lake and Granby ride in and out of town for refreshments and food.

Southwest Colorado is a great way to escape the winter slope crowds. Photo: Neill Pieper

SILVERTON FOR

GOLD-MEDAL FUN

Sending a novice sledder into the white gold found in the Silverton-area mountains would be like dropping a first-time skier onto Bella Coola in British Columbia. They might be in over their heads — literally.
Blasting through the snow toward the area’s 14,000-foot peaks may be more suited for experts, yet there is something for everyone in the San Juan Mountains.

The area near Molas Pass sports great views of the surrounding peaks and has everything from groomed trails to tree-filled steeps. The last thing you want to do is bury a machine many miles from any possible assistance, so you’d better know what you’re doing or hire a local guide.

STEAMBOAT IS

UPLIFTING

Around Steamboat Springs, numerous companies can help you find your way up to the Continental Divide, where the snow is deep all winter long. The iconic rabbit ears atop the pass of the same name have become a destination for experienced riders and newbies alike. This area, located in Routt National Forest, has wide open meadows, extensive tree-filled paths and views that stretch for miles.

Area tour companies also offer guided trips on private land if you’re looking for a secluded experience. Or check out the popular Buffalo Pass area, known for its dry, deep and champagne-like snow. It’s some of the best in the region, according to the Steamboat Snowmobiles staff.

Great backcountry riding is available all over the state. Photo: © LUGOSTOCK / Adobe Stock

VAIL PASS WINTER

RECREATION AREA

One of the most popular areas to ride, the Vail Pass Recreational Area, is a powder haven for recreationalists of all sorts. Groomed paths are designated as motorized-only, shared use, or non-motorized. Because of its ease of access along Interstate 70, this area tends to see a whole lot of usage, but if you’re looking for a quick trip into the backcountry, this is the spot for you.

Trails are rated similar to ski runs (green through black) and the U.S. Forest Service provides maps on their website of the 50 miles of groomed trails and 67 miles of motorized trails.

As with all snowmobiling adventures, make sure you are up to date on avalanche awareness and check local weather reports if you go out without a guide.

WINTER PARK

WONDERLAND

Winter Park is considered the gateway to Colorado’s snowmobiling. Grand Adventures provides guides for all ages and skill levels.
When families gather for the holidays, one or more people might not be up for skiing or boarding, but they can still enjoy the powder. Saddle up for a quick trip up to the Continental Divide with the help of a 180-horsepower engine that does all the work for you.

When the snow gets deep, reservations become more important, especially if you have a large group that wants to enjoy a morning of brisk thrills.