Ready for an Epic Winter Thrill?

Picture this: You’re speeding across a blanket of fresh, white snow, the crisp mountain air rushing past your face, and towering pine trees line your path.
Mountains stretch out around you, sparkling in the sun. This isn’t just a dream – it’s what you can experience snowmobiling near Dillon, Colorado!
If you’re staying at Keystone or Copper Mountain and looking for an exciting break from skiing or snowboarding, a snowmobile adventure is absolutely perfect.
It’s a fantastic way to explore the backcountry and see Colorado’s winter beauty from a whole new perspective.

Where the Snow Action Is! Why Dillon is Your Snowmobile Hub

Dillon, Colorado, is right in the heart of Summit County, making it a super convenient place to start your snowmobiling fun.
It’s just a short, easy drive from popular resorts like Keystone and Copper Mountain.
This means you can spend your morning on the slopes and your afternoon on a snowmobile, or vice-versa!
The areas around Dillon offer miles and miles of amazing trails, from gentle paths perfect for beginners to more challenging routes for experienced riders.
The views you’ll get of the surrounding Tenmile Range and Gore Range are simply breathtaking.

Close to Your Favorite Resorts

You might be thinking, “But I’m staying at Keystone!” No worries! Dillon is so close, you can easily drive there in about 15-20 minutes from Keystone, or a similar short drive from Copper Mountain.
This makes it really easy to add a snowmobile trip to your vacation plans without spending a lot of time traveling.

Get Ready to Ride! What’s Snowmobiling All About?

If you’ve never tried it, snowmobiling might sound a bit tricky, but it’s actually pretty easy to learn!
Think of a snowmobile as a motorcycle with skis and a track for moving over snow. You sit on it, hold the handlebars, and use a throttle (like a gas pedal) to go.
It’s an exhilarating way to cover a lot of ground quickly and reach places you might not see on skis or on foot.

The Thrill of the Ride

The feeling of riding a snowmobile is unique. You get a sense of speed and freedom as you glide over the snow.
It’s an adrenaline rush, but also a chance to enjoy the quiet beauty of the mountains in winter.
Plus, many tours include stops at scenic viewpoints, so you’ll have plenty of chances to snap some amazing photos.

Renting vs. Owning: Making Snow Fun Simple

For most visitors, renting a snowmobile is definitely the way to go. You don’t need to own one, worry about storing it, or doing any maintenance.
Rental companies in Dillon take care of all that for you! They provide everything you need to get started on your adventure.

What’s Usually Included?

• The snowmobile itself!
• A safety helmet (which you *must* wear).
• Often, a quick lesson on how to operate the snowmobile safely.
• Sometimes, they also offer gear like warm snowsuits, boots, and gloves for an extra fee or as part of a package. Always ask!

Picking Your Path: Guided Tours vs. Exploring on Your Own

Snowmobile rentals in Dillon usually offer a couple of different ways to experience the trails. You can choose what works best for you and your group.

Guided Tours: Adventure with an Expert

If you’re new to snowmobiling, or if you just want to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about where to go, a guided tour is perfect.

Benefits of a Guided Tour:

• Safety: A professional guide leads the way, ensuring everyone stays safe and on approved trails.
• Navigation: No need to worry about getting lost! The guide knows the best routes.
• Best Spots: Guides know all the secret viewpoints and the best places to stop for photos.
• Learning: They’ll teach you how to ride and share interesting facts about the area.
• Group Fun: It’s a great way to bond with family and friends.

Guided tours come in different lengths – from one-hour quick trips to half-day or even full-day adventures.
Some companies even have special family-friendly tours with slower speeds for younger riders (often riding as passengers).

For those who have snowmobiled before and know their way around winter trails, some companies offer unguided rentals.
This means you rent the snowmobile and head out on your own.

Things to Know for Unguided Rentals:

• You’ll need to show you have experience.
• You might need to know the local trail systems.
• Some areas require specific trail passes or permits.
• Always tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

This option offers more freedom to explore at your own pace, but it’s important to be prepared and responsible.

Many snowmobiles can carry two people. So, if you’re not old enough to drive, or just prefer to relax, you can ride as a passenger behind an adult driver. This is a great option for younger kids or anyone who wants to enjoy the ride without operating the machine.

Gear Up! What You Need to Know Before You Go

To have the best and safest snowmobile experience, you need to be prepared for cold mountain weather.

Dress for Success: Staying Warm and Safe

The key to staying warm is to dress in layers.

Essential Gear to Wear/Bring:

• Base Layers: Wear warm, moisture-wicking clothes (like thermal underwear) close to your skin. Avoid cotton if possible, as it stays wet and makes you cold.
• Mid-Layers: Add a fleece jacket or wool sweater for extra warmth.
• Outer Layers: A waterproof and windproof jacket and snow pants are a must to protect you from the elements.
• Warm Hat: Even though you’ll wear a helmet, a warm hat to wear underneath or while off the snowmobile is good.
• Neck Gaiter or Scarf: To keep your neck and face warm.
• Warm, Waterproof Gloves or Mittens: Your hands will get cold quickly without them.
• Goggles or Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from snow, wind, and sun glare.
• Warm, Waterproof Boots: You want boots that keep your feet dry and toasty.
• Sunscreen and Lip Balm: The sun at high altitude is strong, even in winter!

Safety First, Fun Always!

Snowmobiling is thrilling, but safety is super important.

Key Safety Tips:

• Listen to Your Guide: If you’re on a guided tour, always pay attention to your guide’s instructions.
• Stay on Trails: Don’t go off-trail, as there can be hidden dangers like thin ice or obstacles.
• Maintain Distance: Keep a safe distance from other snowmobiles.
• Control Your Speed: Go at a speed that feels comfortable and safe for the conditions.
• Age Limits: There are usually age requirements for driving a snowmobile (often 16 or older with a valid driver’s license), and sometimes for passengers too. Check with the rental company.

Booking Your Blast: Tips for a Smooth Trip

Ready to book your snowmobile adventure? Here are a few tips to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Book Ahead of Time

Especially during peak season (like holidays, school breaks, and weekends), snowmobile tours and rentals can fill up fast.
It’s a really good idea to book your trip a few weeks in advance to make sure you get the date and time you want.

Check Requirements and Policies

• Confirm age and weight limits for drivers and passengers.
• Ask about their cancellation policy in case your plans change or the weather is bad.
• Find out if transportation is offered from Keystone or Copper Mountain, or plan your own way to the rental shop.

Ask Questions!

Don’t be afraid to call the rental company and ask any questions you have. They’re there to help you have a great time!