Review · USA

Winter fun-Private transportation to Ski, snowmobiling, and dog sledding areas.

★ 5.0 · 3 reviews 9 hours (approx.) From $495 Operated by Adventure Scenic Tours of Colorado · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

The best part of this winter outing is the freedom to choose your mountain day. Brad picks you up in Denver, handles the driving, and takes you to skiing, tubing, snowmobiling, or dog sledding instead of leaving you to sort out icy roads and mountain logistics. Along the way, you may see Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater and, if time allows, the Continental Divide.

I like the private two-way transport, which makes this useful for families and small groups with different plans. I also like Brad’s practical help with rentals, lessons, and choosing an activity that fits your ability. The main drawback is the price: $495 per person covers transportation and guidance, but not lift tickets, lessons, lunch, tubing, snowmobiling, or dog sledding.

Key points to know before you book

Winter fun-Private transportation to Ski, snowmobiling, and dog sledding areas. - Key points to know before you book

  • Brad customizes the day: Choose skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowmobiling, or dog sledding based on your group’s interests and ability.
  • Your nine-hour day starts with pickup: Major Denver-area hotels are covered, with some pickups available west of Denver, in the Denver Tech Center, or at mountain resorts.
  • Red Rocks may be part of the drive: Brad shares Colorado history and local stories, with the Continental Divide possible when the schedule and weather allow.
  • Beginner skiers need a separate lesson: Brad can direct you to the right lesson and rental option, but he does not teach first-time skiers by law.
  • Book dog sledding early: Christmas-week dog sledding can sell out by November 5 or 6.
  • The activities cost extra: The $495 price is for private transportation, not the sport, equipment, lift access, meals, or instruction.

A private way to reach Colorado’s winter mountains

This is best understood as a private winter transportation and planning service, not an all-inclusive ski tour. You choose the main activity, and Brad builds the day around it. He can pick you up at a major hotel near Denver, take you into the mountains, help you get oriented, and bring you back at the end.

That setup solves a real problem. Driving from Denver into the mountains in winter can be tiring, especially if you are unfamiliar with snowy roads or need to carry bulky ski gear. A private vehicle also gives your group more control than a fixed group shuttle. You are not waiting for strangers at several hotels, and you can discuss changes with one person who knows the area.

The tour runs for about nine hours. That is enough time for a mountain activity plus some sightseeing, but it is not enough time to pack in every option. You should plan on one main activity, or perhaps two shorter ones. Skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, tubing, Red Rocks, and the Continental Divide all compete for the same block of time.

That limitation is important. The value comes from having the day organized around your priorities, not from collecting every possible stop.

Meeting Brad in Denver and heading west

Winter fun-Private transportation to Ski, snowmobiling, and dog sledding areas. - Meeting Brad in Denver and heading west

Brad picks you up at your location, with major Denver-area hotels included. Pickup can also be arranged on the west side of Denver, and the Denver Technology Center may be possible by special request. The service can also collect you at a mountain location if you are skiing or snowboarding there and need transportation afterward.

The exact route depends on your chosen activity. Skiing and snowboarding require a different plan from tubing or dog sledding, and the available sightseeing stops depend on the time left in the day. Pickup from Colorado Springs is also possible, but the route and stops may change.

Brad grew up in Switzerland and France, began skiing young, and later spent about 30 years in Colorado. That background gives him a useful perspective for a winter day. He understands both the appeal of European-style ski culture and the practical details of Colorado’s mountain areas.

During the drive, expect conversation about Colorado history and local stories rather than a silent transfer. One small touch mentioned in the experience is that Brad has bought doughnuts for passengers. That is not a promised feature, but it captures the personal feel of the service better than a standard shuttle does.

A Spanish-language experience may also be possible, based on the provider’s description of a highly positive Spanish-speaking outing. If that matters to your group, confirm it when booking.

Red Rocks before the snow

Winter fun-Private transportation to Ski, snowmobiling, and dog sledding areas. - Red Rocks before the snow

Brad often uses the drive to show you Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. This is a worthwhile addition because it gives you a strong Colorado sight before the mountain activity begins.

The red sandstone formations and open-air concert venue are easy to appreciate even if you have no interest in skiing. The site also helps explain why Denver works as a base for mountain trips: you can move from an urban hotel district to dramatic rock formations and then continue toward snowy high country.

Do not treat Red Rocks as a guaranteed full sightseeing stop. The day’s main purpose is winter recreation, and the time available depends on traffic, weather, pickup timing, and how far you are going. If skiing or snowmobiling takes most of the day, you may only have time for a brief look or drive-by visit.

The same applies to the Continental Divide. Brad may include it if time allows, but it should be viewed as an added possibility rather than a fixed stop. If seeing the Divide is your top priority, discuss that before the day is planned.

Choosing between skiing, tubing, and snowmobiling

Winter fun-Private transportation to Ski, snowmobiling, and dog sledding areas. - Choosing between skiing, tubing, and snowmobiling

The experience works best when you make your choice before pickup. Brad can help you compare options and point you toward an activity that fits your ability, but the actual sport and admission costs remain your responsibility.

Skiing and snowboarding make sense for people who already have some experience or who are prepared to book a formal lesson. Brad can help you find rental equipment and guide you toward slopes that suit your ability. He can also provide a ski tour for intermediates and advanced skiers.

If you have never skied before, plan on a lesson. Brad does not teach beginners, and the tour price does not include instruction. This is not a weakness in the service. It is a safety and legal boundary that you should understand before booking.

Tubing is the simplest choice for a mixed group. You do not need ski technique, and you can enjoy the snow without arranging a full day of equipment rental and lift access. Tubing usually costs about $49 per person, paid separately. Brad personally recommends tubing and extreme sledding, making this a strong option if some people in your group ski and others do not.

Snowmobiling offers a faster, more active mountain experience, but the cost varies and is not included. You will need to arrange the activity in advance. Ask about age, driving, passenger, and clothing requirements when you book the snowmobile outing, since those details are not specified here.

Dog sledding is appealing for a special winter occasion, but it needs early planning. Christmas-week spaces can sell out by November 5 or 6. If you are visiting during that period, make the reservation well before your Denver transport date. Dog sledding also costs extra.

The practical lesson is simple: select one main activity, confirm its availability, and then ask Brad to shape the route around it.

What a ski day really includes

Winter fun-Private transportation to Ski, snowmobiling, and dog sledding areas. - What a ski day really includes

For an experienced skier, the private transfer can be more useful than a formal sightseeing tour. You avoid driving, and Brad can help you choose a resort area and slopes that match your level. He is particularly suited to intermediates and above, since he can accompany you on a ski tour rather than teaching basic technique.

You still need to pay for the lift ticket, rental gear, and any lesson. Those costs vary widely, so the total price of your day can rise well above the $495 transport fee. You should also remember that the nine-hour schedule includes pickup and return travel, not nine full hours on the slopes.

For a first-time skier, I would book the lesson directly with the ski area and use Brad mainly for transport and local direction. That gives you a safer start and keeps expectations clear. For an intermediate skier traveling with non-skiers, the private setup is more flexible because the group can choose a different activity instead of forcing everyone onto the slopes.

Tubing and sledding for an easier group day

Winter fun-Private transportation to Ski, snowmobiling, and dog sledding areas. - Tubing and sledding for an easier group day

Tubing is probably the most broadly suitable choice in this package. It requires less preparation than skiing, works for people who do not want formal instruction, and gives a group a shared activity without demanding the same level of fitness or skill.

The listed price is usually around $49 per person, separate from the tour fee. Add lunch, and the day becomes a meaningful expense. Still, the private ride has value if you have a group that would otherwise need a rental car, winter driving confidence, and a plan for getting to the tubing area.

Brad’s recommendation of tubing and extreme sledding is worth considering if you want fun rather than a technical sport day. The wording suggests a more energetic version of sledding, but the exact activity and venue should be confirmed before booking. This is also a good route for families, although the available booster seat is intended for children over four to five who are large for their age.

Why the $495 price may or may not work

Winter fun-Private transportation to Ski, snowmobiling, and dog sledding areas. - Why the $495 price may or may not work

At $495 per person, this is not a budget transfer. The price makes the most sense for a small group that values privacy, local help, and a full day without renting a car.

You are paying for private transportation, return service, route planning, and Brad’s assistance with rentals, lessons, and activity choices. You also get a driver who can share Colorado background and local stories along the way. For a group of several people, compare the per-person price with the combined cost of a rental car, winter insurance, fuel, parking, and the stress of mountain driving.

The price is harder to justify if you only need a short ride or if you are already staying at a ski resort. It is also less attractive if you expect an all-inclusive excursion. Lift tickets, ski lessons, ski rentals, snowmobile fees, dog-sledding charges, tubing, lunch, and dinner are all extra.

I would make a complete budget before booking:

  • $495 per person for the private transport experience
  • Lift ticket and ski or snowboard rental, if needed
  • Lessons for beginners
  • Tubing, usually about $49 per person
  • Snowmobiling or dog sledding fees
  • Lunch and any other meals

That honest calculation helps prevent the common mistake of treating the advertised price as the full cost of a mountain day.

Timing, weather, and advance planning

The experience is offered from November through May, making it useful across much of the Colorado winter season. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours and remains subject to availability.

Book your activity early, especially for Christmas week. Dog sledding can sell out by early November, and ski lessons or popular winter activities may also need advance arrangements. Transportation alone does not guarantee a place at the activity.

Weather matters. The experience requires good conditions, and a weather cancellation offers either another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded.

That policy is reasonable for a weather-dependent private service, but check the separate cancellation rules for any ski, snowmobile, tubing, or dog-sledding reservation you make. Those activity providers may have their own deadlines.

Who will get the most from this day

I would recommend this outing to a family or small group that wants a private winter day without driving from Denver. It is also a good match for people with mixed interests, such as experienced skiers traveling with relatives who prefer tubing or sightseeing.

It suits intermediate and advanced skiers better than first-time skiers, unless beginners are willing to arrange separate lessons. It also works well for visitors who care about the drive itself and want to hear Colorado stories, see Red Rocks, and possibly reach the Continental Divide rather than simply take a shuttle straight to a resort.

I would be cautious if your only goal is maximum time on the slopes. Long mountain transfers and sightseeing stops reduce ski time, and a resort-based stay may serve you better. I would also avoid booking without first confirming the activity, especially for dog sledding during the holiday period.

The three written ratings are all five-star experiences, with particular praise for Brad’s helpfulness, local information, personal attention, and pleasant conversation. One outing included tubing at Keystone Mountain, while another highlighted Denver-area sightseeing and even doughnuts. A Spanish-speaking experience was also described positively. Those details point to a service built around personal care, not a fixed script.

Should you book this private winter transfer?

Book it if you want someone else to handle the winter driving and help turn a Denver stay into a mountain day. The strongest reasons are the private vehicle, flexible activity choices, Brad’s practical ski background, and the chance to add Red Rocks or mountain scenery along the way.

Skip it if you expect lift tickets, lessons, meals, and equipment to be included in the $495 price. You should also choose another plan if you need a guaranteed full-day ski schedule or if you have not yet secured a popular activity.

My best advice is to decide on one main winter activity first, confirm its availability, then ask Brad to build the transport and sightseeing around it. For a relaxed group outing, tubing is likely the easiest choice. For experienced skiers, the private transfer and local direction have more value. For Christmas-week dog sledding, book early or risk finding the kennels full.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately nine hours, including pickup, transportation to the activity, possible sightseeing, and return transportation.

What does the $495 price include?

The price includes private transportation. Brad also helps with activity planning, rental guidance, and matching skiers with suitable slopes.

Are ski tickets and lessons included?

No. Ski tickets, ski rentals, snowboard rentals, and lessons are additional costs.

Is beginner ski instruction provided?

No. Brad does not teach beginner lessons. First-time skiers are advised to arrange a lesson, and Brad can help direct them to appropriate instruction.

Are snowmobiling and dog sledding included?

No. Snowmobiling and dog-sledding costs are separate and vary by activity.

How much does tubing usually cost?

Tubing usually costs about $49 per person, paid separately from the tour.

Where can pickup take place?

Pickup is available from major hotels near Denver. Pickup may also be arranged on the west side of Denver, near the Denver Technology Center by special request, or at a mountain location where you are skiing or snowboarding.

Can children use a booster seat?

A booster seat is available for children over four to five who are large for their age.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

More like this

USA Ski Trips, compared.

The full USA Ski Trips list →
Scenic Snowshoe Adventure in South Lake Tahoe, CA
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 190 reviews· from $110

Scenic Snowshoe Adventure in South Lake Tahoe, CA

Read our review →
Private Park City Snowshoe Excursions (9:30am/12:30pm start time)
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 140 reviews· from $145

Private Park City Snowshoe Excursions (9:30am/12:30pm start time)

Read our review →
4 hour Snowshoe in Grand Teton National Park
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 123 reviews· from $198

4 hour Snowshoe in Grand Teton National Park

Read our review →
Winter Snowshoeing Adventure
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 46 reviews· from $129

Winter Snowshoeing Adventure

Read our review →
Privately Guided Snowshoe Experience
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 41 reviews· from $125

Privately Guided Snowshoe Experience

Read our review →
MIAMI ATV Night/day Ride with LED Lights NO HIDDEN FEE
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 40 reviews· from $100

MIAMI ATV Night/day Ride with LED Lights NO HIDDEN FEE

Read our review →
Snowshoe Hike to Castner Glacier Ice Cave
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 35 reviews· from $275

Snowshoe Hike to Castner Glacier Ice Cave

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore the snow

Pick a country, a kind of day, or the month you can travel.