Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Snowmobiling in Breckenridge, Colorado

Snowmobiling in Breckenridge, Colorado

If you're seeking to explore more than just the ski slopes on your next winter getaway to Breckenridge, Colorado, consider booking a snowmobile tour. Breckenridge snowmobiling provides an adventurous escape into the heart of the Rocky Mountain wilderness, treating guests to dazzling views and non-stop opportunities to play in the area's deepest powder-filled bowls and high alpine meadows.

Local snowmobile tours travel as high as 12,500 feet atop of the Continental Divide, offering guests a new perspective on the spectacular mountain scenery that surrounds them. Each tour begins with a brief overview of your snowmobile's operation and handling, followed by a short ride down a trail system that connects with an open practice area. Here, guests are invited to better acquaint themselves with driving their snowmobiles before tackling the more challenging terrain that lies ahead.

Following the practice session, guides divide snowmobiling parties into smaller groups depending on the level of adventure their members are seeking. The tour then begins climbing and weaving through the forest on trails that eventually connect to the open terrain of the Continental Divide. Upon leaving the timberline below, adventurous guests are invited to open up their throttles and bank turns off of the surrounding mountainsides, while those seeking a more relaxed ride can take it easy and appreciate the amphitheatre of 14,000 foot peaks towering above them.

As riding parties reach Chicago Ridge, located 12,500 feet above sea level on the Continental Divide, snowmobilers are invited to break for pictures with postcard-like scenery providing the backdrop. The tour then descends back into high alpine terrain below the ridge for some powder riding before re-connecting with a trail system that takes guests through towering spruce and lodgepole forests. Along the way, guides may offer the opportunity to break for hot chocolate at one of the historic miners' cabins that remain intact along the lower elevations of Fremont Pass.

Snowmobile tours are an ideal non-ski activity for individual, families, friends and corporate retreats because unlike skiing and snowboarding, they require no previous experience for everyone to remain a part of the group. Tour guests will find complimentary transportation available from their Breckenridge lodging property to and from local snowmobile base camps. Local snowmobile outfitters provide helmets, snowsuits and boots free of charge. Guests are advised to bring their ski goggles and sunglasses with them for eye protection and a warm pair of mittens or gloves.

Whether you've never ridden a snowmobile before, or you're an experience rider looking to ride some of the highest terrain the Colorado Rockies have to offer, snowmobiling in Breckenridge is sure to be the highlight of any winter vacation to the area.

Ben Kelly is the owner of Breckenridge Snowmobiling and Summit Vacation Concierge and can provide expert advice on vacationing in Breckenridge, including snowmobiling, lodging, vacation packages, activities and travel services. He is a resident of Breckenridge, Colorado and enjoys snowmobiling, snowboarding, mountain biking and the Colorado backcountry.

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