Snowmobiling FAQs
- How much snow does Lake Tahoe get? How much snow does Lake Tahoe get?
At lake level, annual snowfall averages 125 inches. At alpine skiing elevations, snowfall averages 300 to 500 inches each year. Hope Valley receives 500 inches or more annually, making it a snowmobiling paradise!
- Is the snowmobile tour fun? Is the snowmobile tour fun?
Absolutely! Our tours are a blast! While we advertise them as scenic, we cover a lot of ground, riding up to nearly 8,500 feet with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada.
- I've never driven a snowmobile. Can I take your tour? I've never driven a snowmobile. Can I take your tour?
Yes, we love first-time riders! Our guides are experienced and patient, offering you excellent instruction to make your ride enjoyable and safe.
- Do you divide your snowmobile riders into groups according to their ability and experience? Do you divide your snowmobile riders into groups according to their ability and experience?
No, we divide groups by the number of snowmobiles, not by experience. Our guides tailor the tour to the group's overall skill level, ensuring everyone has a great time.
- Can my entire family ride in the same group? Can my entire family ride in the same group?
Yes! We don’t separate friends or family members. You can enjoy the ride together.
- Can my family watch me snowmobile at the trailhead? Can my family watch me snowmobile at the trailhead?
Yes, observers are welcome to watch you depart from the trailhead.
- If we rent a double rider snowmobile, can we switch drivers? If we rent a double rider snowmobile, can we switch drivers?
We generally do not allow switching drivers mid-tour, as it's difficult to ensure the proper safety training for each rider. If you want to switch drivers, we recommend booking a private tour.
- How fast do we get to go on the snowmobiles? How fast do we get to go on the snowmobiles?
The terrain, which includes many twists and turns, typically limits our snowmobiles to speeds of 15 to 25 mph. Safety is our priority, and we adjust the pace to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone.
- Is there an opportunity to go off-trail during the tour? Is there an opportunity to go off-trail during the tour?
To ensure safety, our Summit Tour stays on designated trails between the lead and tail guides. However, if you're looking for a more adventurous ride off-trail, we offer private tours where you can experience more off-trail terrain.
- Is there a minimum age to ride a snowmobile? Is there a minimum age to ride a snowmobile?
Yes, snowmobiling is fun for the whole family! However, the minimum age to ride on a snowmobile is 5 years old.
- How many miles do we ride on the Summit Tour? How many miles do we ride on the Summit Tour?
On the Summit Tour, we typically ride between 15 and 20 miles, depending on weather and other conditions.
- What does Double Rider mean? What does Double Rider mean?
A Double Rider snowmobile means two people sharing one snowmobile — one as the driver and the other as a passenger. You can enjoy the ride together while taking in the scenic beauty of the area!