Snowmobiling—Winter Off-roading!
For some, the winter months are a time to hibernate. They’ll use the snow and cold as an excuse to get snuggly and still. For others, the snow only inspires them to get creative with their recreation. So if you love to adventure and explore, no matter what the conditions, snowmobiling might be the winter sport for you!
Here’s Titus Adventure Company’s guide to snowmobiling.
Styles of Snowmobiling:
Trail/Touring
Trail or touring snowmobile adventures are typically on groomed trails and over long distances. These are trips that are family friendly and great for beginners to the sport.
Touring snowmobiles have a wider stance for better cornering and handling and shorter tracks with smaller lugs to grip trail snow with ease.
Mountain
If you’re looking to ride the steep and deep, navigating open-country and limitless terrain, a mountain escapade is the one for you.
Mountain machines have a narrower stance with wider skis and a longer track with bigger lugs to maneuver through deep snow and in more vertical terrain.
Racing
Do you crave the exhilaration of being the first to cross the finish line? Then the high speed and power of snowmobile racing might be calling you.
Racing snowmobiles are basically lightweight, high-powered trail sleds. Their short tracks are sometimes equipped with metal studs for traction on ice. They have a wide stance with aggressive skis for extreme cornering. Oftentimes, the machines have unneeded components removed to reduce weight.
Utility
Towing or hauling supplies and cargo, gathering wood, or building remotely might not be as exciting as a mountain trip or a race, but a utility snowmobile is a necessity for mountain living in the winter.
Utility machines have a very wide stance and wider tracks to handle more weight. Typically, they’re designed as work sleds with towing capabilities.
Some trail sleds in action
Where To Go:
We highly recommend that beginners start with some of the excellent guided snowmobile tours located within just a few hours of Denver.
Winter Park/Grand Lake- Grand Adventures
Vail- Vail Backcountry Tours
Keystone- High Country Tours
Breckenridge- Good Times Adventures
Leadville- White Mountain Snowmobile Tours
Silverthorne- Colorado Snowmobile
When To Go:
Always be sure to check conditions and weather prior to going snowmobiling. If you’re going on a guided adventure, they will ensure safe conditions prior to operating a tour, but you can always call ahead to ask about the conditions just to make sure you’re prepared.
Early season riding (November – January)
Less snow on the ground to cover obstacles
Fewer hours of daylight
Typically colder temps
Spring season riding (February – April)
More snow to cover obstacles
Additional daylight hours
Typically warmer temps
What To Bring:
Whenever you’re in the mountains it’s important to be prepared. Dress appropriately, bring extra layers, and ensure that you have the proper safety gear for any possible scenario.
Clothing:
Wool socks (plus one extra pair)
Fleece or wool base layer, tops and bottoms
Midweight fleece jacket
Insulated snow pants or bibs
Insulated winter boots
Insulated winter jacket
Winter gloves or mittens (plus one extra pair)
Balaclava/buff/headsock (plus one extra)
Snow hat
Extra layers
Food and water
Gear:
Snowmobile helmet (either full face shield or Motorcross style)
Goggles (plus one extra pair)
Avalanche tools (beacon, shovel, probe) if in avalanche terrain
Shovel regardless of avalanche terrain
Backpack (or use storage on machine if available)
Headlamp (with extra batteries)
Compass
Safety Equipment:
First aid kit
Tow straps
Hand saw
Lighter/matches
Tips For Beginners:
Have we mentioned to BRING EXTRA LAYERS yet?
If you’re cold, you won’t have fun. And if anything were to go wrong, you’ll be grateful for the added warmth!
Pack food and water
Snowmobiling takes more out of you than you’d think! Make sure to pack snacks that are good cold and don’t freeze solid.
Never ride alone.
Period.
Familiarize yourself with and maintain your machine (if you own your own)
Practice getting your machine unstuck. Learn how to change a belt out on the trail, as well as all the functions and controls on your snowmobile. Keep up with basic maintenance.
Don’t rely solely on your smartphone for maps/location or to be able to contact someone
When the phone gets cold, the battery wont last.
If you’re riding in avalanche terrain, bring the proper equipment and get the proper training
Beacon, shovel, and probe. Get educated with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
How To Stay Safe:
Avalanche terrain
Know the terrain you’re getting into, and see above for avalanche education.
Slush (overflow)
Water on top of ice, and usually under the snow is easy to get stuck in and will soak your boots and clothing.
Lake ice
AVOID THIN ICE! Ice needs to be 4-5” thick to safely hold a snowmobile.
Rocks/stumps/logs
Some will poke up through the snow, but some are buried under the snow. They are easy to spot and avoid on trails. Off trail, assume every bump under the snow is a rock and avoid it.
Tree wells
These are easy to get sucked into and stuck in.
Other riders
Other riders are going to be one of your biggest risks.
Stay on the right side of the trail – similar to a road
Slow down on blind hills and turns
Give the rider ahead of you plenty of room
If you’re riding in a wide-open field with multiple people, have everyone ride clockwise to avoid collisions
Getting separated
If you lose sight of the group or are not sure which way they went – STAY PUT! Wait until the group notices someone missing and comes back to find you. If you go looking for them, you could take a wrong turn and end up lost. The group only knows to look where they’ve already been.
Never ride alone
One more time for the people in the back—NEVER RIDE ALONE!
Inform a friend
Make sure you tell someone about your riding plans, where you will be, and when they should expect you back.
How To Get There:
Now you have everything you need to plan your next snowmobile trip, but how will you get there? Make winter travel easy with a Denver 4x4 rental from Titus Adventure Co! Our winterized 4wd rentals are snow-hungry and equipped with snow tires and ski and cargo racks. Let us handle the details to keep you safe so you can just have fun!
Check out our fleet of Colorado 4 wheel drive rentals ready for your next trip. And while you’re there, take a look at our blogs on Ski Camping and Nordic Cross Country Skiing for more winter sporting ideas.