Keystone sits in Summit County, Colorado, at roughly 9,300 feet elevation, surrounded by the White River National Forest and within sight of the Continental Divide. The high altitude and consistent snowpack make the area one of the best snowmobiling destinations in Colorado, with access to over 50 miles of groomed trails and more than 55,000 acres of backcountry terrain. Several tour operators based in and around Keystone, Silverthorne, and Dillon offer guided snowmobile tours ranging from gentle scenic rides for first-timers to high-performance backcountry adventures for experienced riders. Here is how the main operators and tour types compare.
Tour Operators Serving Keystone
High Country Tours
(970) 455-4030 · keystonesnowmobiletours.com · Pickup locations in Keystone and Breckenridge
High Country Tours is one of the primary snowmobile operators in the Keystone area, with two outpost locations: the Heeney Outpost near Silverthorne and the Birdseye Outpost south of Copper Mountain. They also run a Leadville-based tour through the historic mining district. High Country offers pickup/transport from Keystone and Breckenridge hotels. Their tours include:
Scenic Tour (beginner/family, ~2 hours): A slow-paced guided tour through forested trails with stops at a log cabin for complimentary hot chocolate, views of the Eagles Nest Wilderness, and time on a ¾-mile practice oval track. Best for families with children and first-time riders. Kids can ride kiddie snowmobiles at the cocoa stop. Departures from Heeney or Birdseye Outpost.
Scenic + Tubing Combo (~2 hours): Splits time between trail riding and a 1,000-foot snow tubing hill at the Heeney Outpost. Popular with families looking for variety.
Performance Tour (intermediate, ~2 hours): Faster-paced ride through more varied terrain, climbing higher into alpine areas. Better suited for riders comfortable with snowmobile operation who want more speed and elevation.
Advanced Tour (experienced, ~2 hours): Single riders only (no passengers). Climbs to over 12,600 feet on Prospect Mountain with views of Leadville’s historic mining district and the three tallest peaks in the Rockies (Mount Elbert, Mount Massive, Mount Harvard). Off-trail riding and open-throttle sections. Requires comfort with steep terrain and deep snow.
Leadville Mining District Tour (intermediate-advanced, ~2 hours): Departs from a trailhead east of Leadville. Follows trails through historic gold and silver mining sites to nearly 13,000 feet. Breathtaking views of the Collegiate Peaks and Continental Divide. Single riders preferred for the more technical terrain.
White Mountain Snowmobile Tours
(800) 247-7238 · whitemountainsnowmobiletours.com
White Mountain operates from the Keystone/Dillon/Silverthorne area and offers guided tours over groomed high-mountain terrain at 11,000–12,000 feet elevation. Fleet of Polaris 550 RMK and Grand Touring snowmobiles. They offer a standard 2-hour scenic tour and a high-performance backcountry option, plus combination packages that pair snowmobiling with lunch and zip lining for an “Ultimate Adventure” experience. Complimentary coveralls and boots available, though personal ski apparel is recommended.
Alpine Activities
alpineactivities.com
Alpine Activities offers guided snowmobile tours across Summit County and Vail, with access to over 100 miles of groomed trails and open powder fields. Tours range from beginner-friendly scenic rides to a High Adventure Tour in Leadville that covers untouched terrain on a private 1,000-acre ranch with deep snow, tree riding, and wide-open meadows. Professional guides tailor each tour to the group’s skill level.
Colorado Outdoor Fun
(970) 389-0629 · coloradosnowmobile.com
Offers both guided tours and unguided snowmobile rentals in the Summit County and Vail areas. Guided tours start at 9,200 feet and reach up to 12,500 feet in the White River National Forest. Unguided rentals provide a fleet of well-maintained snowmobiles with maps and safety orientation for self-guided backcountry exploration. Also offers ATV and side-by-side tours in summer months.
Guided Tour vs. Unguided Rental
Guided tours are the right choice for first-timers, families, and anyone unfamiliar with the terrain. A guide handles navigation, safety, and keeps the group together. Group sizes are typically kept small (6–10 riders per guide). You receive a safety briefing and operating instruction before departing. Guides know the best viewpoints, conditions, and can adapt the pace to the group. Most guided tours run approximately 2 hours.
Unguided rentals are for experienced riders who want to explore at their own pace. You receive a map, safety orientation, and a snowmobile, then head out on your own into the permitted trail system. Rental periods are typically 2 or 4 hours. You must be confident operating a snowmobile in mountain terrain, navigating trail intersections, and managing altitude and weather changes independently.
What to Know Before You Go
Season: Snowmobile tours typically operate from late November through late March or early April, depending on snowpack. Peak season (and peak pricing) is mid-December through early January and Presidents’ Day weekend in February.
Age and license requirements: Operators generally require riders to be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate a snowmobile solo. Children as young as 4–5 can ride as passengers on double-rider machines with a parent or guardian. Specific age minimums vary by operator — confirm when booking.
Gear: All operators provide DOT-approved helmets (required). Most offer snow suit, boot, and goggle rentals for an additional fee (typically $10–25 per item). However, wearing your own ski or snowboard apparel is recommended for comfort. Dress in warm, waterproof layers. Bring gloves, a neck gaiter or balaclava, and sunglasses or goggles.
Altitude: Tours operate at 9,000 to 12,600+ feet elevation. Visitors arriving from sea level or low elevation should allow a day to acclimate before high-altitude physical activity. Drink plenty of water, avoid excessive alcohol the night before, and be prepared for cold temperatures and intense sun at altitude.
Pricing: Guided tours in the Keystone area typically range from approximately $150–$300+ per rider depending on tour type (scenic vs. advanced), duration, and season. Double-rider machines may be available at reduced per-person rates. Unguided rentals are generally $175–$350+ for 2–4 hours. Prices are often dynamic — peak holidays and weekends cost more. Book directly with operators for the most accurate current pricing.
Reservations: Book in advance, especially during holiday weeks (Christmas/New Year, MLK weekend, Presidents’ Day, spring break). Some operators offer hotel pickup from Keystone, Breckenridge, Frisco, and other Summit County locations — ask when reserving.
Nearby Snowmobiling Areas
If you are staying in the Keystone/Summit County area and want additional snowmobiling options beyond the guided tours above, several nearby areas offer their own trail systems:
Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area: Just off I-70, this popular area serves both snowmobilers and backcountry skiers on shared terrain. Easy access from Keystone, Vail, or Breckenridge.
Georgia Pass: A Forest Service road at 11,585 feet, closed to motorized vehicles except snowmobiles from late November to late May. Views of Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain ski areas.
Leadville mining district: About 45 minutes south of Keystone. Groomed trails through historic gold rush sites, with routes climbing to nearly 13,000 feet. Several Keystone-based operators run tours here.
For more winter adventure planning in Colorado, the Grand Lake snowmobiling guide covers one of Colorado’s other premier snowmobile destinations, and the broader Summit County area pairs well with winter activities in Montana for a multi-destination trip. The winter recreation options of the Northeast offer a different flavor of cold-weather adventure, and Alaska’s glacial landscapes take winter exploration to another level entirely.
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