There are many activities in Breckenridge for those who are NOT a fan of skiing or snowboarding. While I do happen to love the slopes, my personal take is: a Breckenridge ski trip is not complete without a snowmobile tour. So, while you are researching Breckenridge accommodations, be sure to also include a Breckenridge snowmobile excursion. It is one of my all-time favorite activities.
When booking your group, here are a few pointers:
- Come prepared! Believe me – jeans and sweatshirts are not going to cut it. For snowmobile tours, wear the absolute warmest clothes you have. We wore ski attire, which included long underwear, goggles and snow pants. And, we had arranged for the tour operator to outfit us with a snow jumpsuit/snowmobile jacket of sorts, helmet and boots. They actually also let me borrow something to cover my face.
- I should stress that even though the weather was beautiful, sunny and in the 30s, I was very glad that I wore the 70’s-style jump suit and face mask – although with my warm clothes underneath I looked like a sumo wrestler. Note: The group after ours was concerned with style and wore only their cute ski attire and I am very positive that they were cold on the 3-hour tour.
Riding double is not as fun. It is harder to drive with someone on the back, and the passenger is mostly scared (they aren’t in control) and cold. It also limits what runs the group can do. I considered riding on the back of a snowmobile, and am SO glad that I drove my own!
- Children do not always love it. If your group does include kids, most Colorado snowmobile operators have miniature snowmobiles for little ones, which are usually a big hit. However, riding on the back of a parent’s snowmobile isn’t as fun, and sometimes too cold.
- Start early and plan for no more than a few hours! Our tour was at 9:30 AM, which seems early, but was really the perfect time because we were the only ones there. The transfer there took about 35 minutes from Breckenridge.
- Bring a camera! Consider a waterproof camera as a room gift. It really is breathtakingly beautiful – from the forest paths as you climb up through the mountains to the middle of a breathtaking mountain range with gorgeous views.
- Divide the group by courage level. For your groups, I would recommend sub-dividing by level of adventure. Our group was actually quite fearless, and as a result, we went through the fresh snow, and drove up the sides of the mountains. We stopped at the highest elevation, about 12,800 feet, and took some great pictures.
- Consider arranging a gourmet hot chocolate and coffee bar for the group just after. It will give people time to share experiences and laughs.
I’ll say it again – snowmobiling needs to be included on all Breckenridge activities lists. It was one experience that I didn’t want to end.
