Snowmobiling - High Country vs Good Times Adventures
We are interested in going snowmobiling while staying in Breckenridge. Which tour company is better for novices looking for great views and good time - High Country Tours or Good Times Adventures?
Great question. Both High Country Tours and Good Times Adventures offer snowmobiling out of Breckenridge, but they cater to somewhat different styles of ride. Since you mentioned you’re beginners (“novices”), here’s a comparison of the two and my recommendation based on what you’re looking for.
Good Times Adventures
- Located very close to Breckenridge — their lodge is just a few miles out.
- Their “Ride the Divide” tour is very beginner-friendly. They start with a practice area, give instruction, and then guide you on well-groomed trails.
- They use brand-new Ski-Doo machines with features like hand warmers, electric starts, and backrests so passengers can ride comfortably.
- The 2-hour “Continental Divide” tour goes to Georgia Pass (~11,585 ft), offering spectacular views.
- The cost for a snowmobile tour is quite transparent: starting price for a solo driver is ~$258; driver + passenger is ~$351.
- Reviews are very positive: TripAdvisor users mention that guides are patient, gear (snowsuits, boots, helmets) is provided, and the scenery is “absolutely beautiful.”
- They have a strong reputation for safety and comfort. According to their site, guides stick with riders, ensure you learn how to operate the sled, and only ride at a pace that suits your comfort level.
- They also provide a warm lodge area to return to, which is great for relaxing after the ride.
High Country Tours
- They operate out of the *Heeney Outpost* or *Birdseye Outpost*. Their Breckenridge meetup location requires you to drive out (they no longer reliably provide transport from Breckenridge).
- They explicitly welcome first-timers: on their website they say they “take first-time snowmobilers on all of our tours … Everyone will receive training on how to operate the snowmobiling machines.”
- They offer a “Scenic + Tubing” combo tour (~2–3 hours) that’s very family-friendly. You get to ride trails *and* go tubing — a fun mix rather than just sledding.
- If you want a more “action” tour, they have a “Mountain Top” option (2 or 3 hours) that climbs to over 12,000 feet. This is still rated “Beginner → Advanced,” so they can accommodate a range of skill levels.
- Gear: they provide free open-face helmets; snowsuits and boots are available (but may have limited sizes for kids).
- There’s a “Snowmobile Repair Fund” — for an added fee, you reduce your liability for damage.
- Some users note that transportation can be a challenge: for example, Reddit users have pointed out that getting to their outpost requires arranging your own transport or calling them ahead.
Which Company Is Better for Novices?
- Good Times Adventures is probably the more user-friendly pick for first-timers: their base is close to Breckenridge, they have a practice area, very solid beginner tours, and great gear. Their guides are experienced, and the pace is comfortable for people who’ve never snowmobiled.
- High Country Tours could be appealing if you want a slightly more scenic or scenic + tubing combo. Their “Mountain Top Action” has more elevation gain and adventurous terrain, even though it's still welcoming to beginners. So if you want a bit more “wow” in the scenery (or want to mix in tubing), HCT is a very good option.
- If logistics are a concern (transportation, time), Good Times might be simpler to book given their proximity to town and a more straightforward setup.
Bottom Line:
For a first-time snowmobiling experience focused on comfort, safety, and scenic, gentle trails — Good Times Adventures is my strong recommendation. If your group is open to a slightly more dynamic ride and doesn’t mind arranging transportation, High Country Tours provides great value and beautiful mountain views. Either way, you’ll likely have a memorable and very “Colorado” experience.
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