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Vail Backcountry Tours

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 Vail, 81657

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About

Vail Backcountry Tours calls itself the only snowmobile touring company in Vail, and its main advantage is distance: tours start about five minutes from the heart of Vail Village, off Red Sandstone Road on the north side of the valley, rather than after a long drive to a staging area in another town. The riding is in the White River National Forest, where the company operates under a Forest Service special use permit.

It is a family-run winter business that suits first-time riders, families with children old enough to ride as passengers, and groups who want a guided half-day away from the ski slopes without giving up much of the day to travel. Complimentary pickups from major Vail and Beaver Creek hotels make it easy to fit around a ski trip.

The tours

There are two group formats, each offered morning and afternoon. The two-hour tour is enough to see the terrain and stop at the company's private yurt for a hot drink and a snack. The three-hour half-day covers more ground, with the same yurt stop included. The network runs to more than 150 miles of groomed trails and single track, plus a play track where riders can open up the throttle.

Private tours

Any tour time can be booked with a private guide, and private transportation can be added on top. That is the better choice for a family that wants to set its own pace or a group that wants its own machines and guide. Prices for every format are in the FAQ.

What to wear and what is provided

Boots, snowmobile suits, helmets and extra outer layers are provided, along with the guide. Dress as you would for skiing, but warmer, since riding does not generate much body heat: bring gloves, goggles or sunglasses, a neck gaiter and synthetic base layers.

Booking

Reservations are made by phone or through the request form on the website. As a family-run operation it gets heavy request volume in season, so leave a voicemail if nobody answers and expect a call back. Tours carry a 48-hour cancellation policy, and the customary 20% guide gratuity is not included.

Sources: Vail Backcountry Tours, tours, plan your trip, contact. Checked September 23, 2026.

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Contact Information

Company Name
Vail Backcountry Tours
Phone Number
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Location
763 Red Sandstone Rd
Vail, 81657

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About Vail Backcountry Tours

Quick answer: Vail Backcountry Tours is a business at 763 Red Sandstone Rd, Vail, CO 81657. Guided snowmobile tours from Red Sandstone Road, five minutes from Vail Village: two- and three-hour rides with a yurt stop in White River National Forest.

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Vail Backcountry Tours calls itself the only snowmobile touring company in Vail, and its main advantage is distance: tours start about five minutes from the heart of Vail Village, off Red Sandstone Road on the north side of the valley, rather than after a long drive to a staging area in another town. The riding is in the White River National Forest, where the company operates under a Forest Service special use permit.

It is a family-run winter business that suits first-time riders, families with children old enough to ride as passengers, and groups who want a guided half-day away from the ski slopes without giving up much of the day to travel. Complimentary pickups from major Vail and Beaver Creek hotels make it easy to fit around a ski trip.

The tours

There are two group formats, each offered morning and afternoon. The two-hour tour is enough to see the terrain and stop at the company's private yurt for a hot drink and a snack. The three-hour half-day covers more ground, with the same yurt stop included. The network runs to more than 150 miles of groomed trails and single track, plus a play track where riders can open up the throttle.

Private tours

Any tour time can be booked with a private guide, and private transportation can be added on top. That is the better choice for a family that wants to set its own pace or a group that wants its own machines and guide. Prices for every format are in the FAQ.

What to wear and what is provided

Boots, snowmobile suits, helmets and extra outer layers are provided, along with the guide. Dress as you would for skiing, but warmer, since riding does not generate much body heat: bring gloves, goggles or sunglasses, a neck gaiter and synthetic base layers.

Booking

Reservations are made by phone or through the request form on the website. As a family-run operation it gets heavy request volume in season, so leave a voicemail if nobody answers and expect a call back. Tours carry a 48-hour cancellation policy, and the customary 20% guide gratuity is not included.

Sources: Vail Backcountry Tours, tours, plan your trip, contact. Checked September 23, 2026.

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Business Hours

Open daily · 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Amenities at Vail Backcountry Tours

  • Guided tours
  • Hotel pickup included
  • Boots, suits and helmets provided
  • Private yurt stop with hot beverage and snack
  • Private tours available

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Vail Backcountry Tours offer backcountry ski or splitboard tours?
No. Despite the name, Vail Backcountry Tours runs guided snowmobile tours only; it calls itself the only snowmobile touring company in Vail. It publishes no ski touring, splitboard, snowcat, or hut trips. Tours ride groomed trails and single track in the White River National Forest, about five minutes from Vail Village.
How much does a tour cost?
The two-hour tour is $280 for a single rider or $420 for a double (two riders on one machine). The three-hour half-day tour is $380 single or $520 double. Both run morning and afternoon. A private guide adds $600, and private transportation adds a further $600. All tours are subject to a 12.5% sales tax and Forest Service land use fee, and a customary 20% guide gratuity is not included.
Where do tours start, and is pickup included?
Tours start about five minutes from the heart of Vail Village, and transportation is included: complimentary pickups are provided from all major hotels in Vail and Beaver Creek, with some restrictions, so confirm your pickup when booking. The operator does not publish a street address for the start point on its website.
What is included, and what should I bring?
Provided for each tour: boots, suits, helmets, extra outer layers, and a professional guide. Both group tours also include a hot beverage and snack at the company's private yurt in the White River National Forest. Bring gloves, goggles or sunglasses, a neck gaiter for face protection, and synthetic layers, dress like you are going skiing, but warmer, because you will not be working up a sweat.
How old do riders need to be?
Children must be at least 5 years old to ride. To ride alone as a driver, you must be 15/16 with a valid driver permit; that is the operator's own wording; if the exact age matters for your group, confirm it when you book.
Do I need snowmobiling experience?
The operator publishes no experience requirement. Its tours are described as family friendly, riding groomed trails suited to newcomers, with single track and a play track for riders who want more, over 150 miles of terrain in the White River National Forest.
When does the season run?
Tours run in winter only. The operator does not publish fixed season dates; as of late October 2026 its website says it is currently taking reservations for the upcoming winter season, so call or send a reservation request for your dates.
How do I book?
By phone or by request form; there is no instant online checkout. Call (970) 476-7749 and leave a voicemail if nobody answers, or submit the reservation-request form on vailbackcountrytours.com with your dates, tour type, and morning or afternoon preference; the company will contact you to complete the reservation. As a family-run business it gets heavy request volume in season, so expect a callback rather than an instant confirmation.
What is the cancellation policy?
There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for regular, group, and private tours, because the number of snowmobiles is limited. No other deposit, payment, or refund terms are published on the operator's website.
What are the office hours?
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (970) 476-7749 during those hours and leave a voicemail if nobody answers, or use the reservation-request form at any time.

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