Snowmobiling
- Spindrift Snowmobile Tours
- Steamboat Snowmobile Tours
- High Mountain Tours
Winter sports enthusiasts who long to climb a 12,000-
foot peak in less than 30 minutes will find the sport of
their dream on the back of a snowmobile. And with more
than 2,600 miles of trail and 33,000 registered snowmobiles,
Colorado ranks among the premier destinations for
the popular winter sport.
The first snowmobile was built in the mid-1950s, and
the sport has since grown into a $28 billion industry
throughout Canada and the United States.
Touted as the ideal family sport for wintertime fun, a
snowmobile provides access to remote locations, which
are otherwise out of reach for the average adventurer.
In response to enormous public interest, the state regulates
snowmobile activity with carefully managed trails,
providing snowmobilers legal access to some of the state’s
most breathtaking scenery. A snowmobile allows access
to Colorado’s remote backcountry, much of which is inaccessible
during the warm weather months because of travel restrictions.
The Colorado State Parks and the Colorado Snowmobile
Association have partnered to administer the snowmobile program
with trail grooming, safety classes, safety awareness, and
law enforcement.
Despite the unlimited access possible on a snowmobile, the
industry advocates responsible access to avoid trespassing, user
conflict issues and illegal wilderness access.
The state’s snowmobile registration fees support the tour
companies, which provide groomed trails, rental and guided
tours for the first-time user and experienced rider alike.
Riders must wear helmets and most companies require you
to bring your own goggles or sunglasses, gloves and a warm
jacket.
Snowmobile boots and snowsuits are recommended and
usually available for rent.
The Internet provides information about hundreds of tour
companies throughout the state. For information about clubs,
statewide trails and regulations, contact the Colorado
Snowmobile Association at 719-658-2221 or at www.coloradosledcity.
com or the Colorado State Parks at
www.parks.state.co.us/OHVsandSnowmobiles/.
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