Ride Smart, Ride Safe: CAIC and CPW Support Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week

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DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) are proud to support International Snowmobile Ride Day (February 8) and Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week (February 8-15), internationally recognized days that encourage riders to share their passion for the sport while promoting avalanche awareness and backcountry safety.

Like other types of outdoor recreation, snowmobiling continues to grow in popularity in Colorado. Snowmobiles operated on public land or trails in Colorado must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. In 2024, 29,434 snowmobiles were registered in Colorado — up from 28,256 in 2023. These registration fees help fund trail grooming, trail maintenance and construction.

CAIC and CPW want to support this increasing population of riders with the information and tools they need to stay safe in the backcountry and on trails.

“Snowmobiling is a fantastic way to experience Colorado’s backcountry, but as more people head into avalanche terrain, we must ensure they have access to the right safety resources,” said CAIC Director Ethan Greene. “Avalanche safety is an important part of riding in Colorado, and a great thing to talk to your friends about as you introduce them to snowmobiling.”

“Colorado is a world-class destination for winter recreation,” said CPW Statewide Public Information Officer Bridget O’Rourke. “But before you gear up and head out, mastering the art of navigating Colorado’s extreme winter weather and registering your snowmobile are important steps when planning your winter adventure.”

New Tools for Riders

Snowmobilers can now access real-time avalanche forecasts and warnings through the Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) app. Earlier this season, CPW and CAIC partnered to integrate avalanche forecasts into COTREX, making it easy for riders to check conditions while planning their trips.

COTREX is a free app that provides official trail information from more than 235 land managers across local, state, and federal agencies, covering over 50,000 miles of trails across Colorado, including designated snowmobile routes. By adding avalanche forecasts and warnings to the platform, CPW and CAIC are ensuring that riders have authoritative, real-time safety information at their fingertips.

Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week

Snowmobilers are the second most at-risk group for avalanche fatalities in Colorado, accounting for 22% of avalanche deaths in the state over the past decade (2015-2024). Nationally, that risk is even higher, with snowmobilers making up 33% of avalanche fatalities. CAIC works with the snowmobiling community to promote avalanche awareness and safety. During Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week, CAIC’s Snowmobile Outreach Coordinator will be on-site at the Colorado Snowmobile Association (CSA) Convention (February 7-9) in Dillon, presenting on avalanche safety for snowmobilers. The Friends of CAIC will also be at the CSA Convention with their interactive avalanche safety trailer. Throughout the week, Friends of CAIC staff and their trailer will be stationed at popular snowmobile trailheads, offering an opportunity for riders to learn more about avalanche safety, ask questions, and connect with experts before heading into the backcountry.

CAIC forecaster on a snowmobile
Below are safety tips for snowmobilers:

Know Before You Go – Plan your route based on the CAIC Avalanche Forecast at colorado.gov/avalanche. The forecast provides crucial information about current avalanche conditions.
Adapt to Changing Conditions – Be ready to adjust your plan if you see recent avalanche activity, wind-drifted snow, heavy snowfall, or cracking and collapsing in the snowpack—all signs of increasing danger.
Carry Your Rescue Gear – Always wear a transciever (aka beacon), probe, and shovel. Keeping an extra set in your tunnel bag is great, but your essential gear should stay on you in case you get separated from your sled.
Ride Smart – Travel one at a time in avalanche terrain and avoid stopping in runout zones.
Have Fun & Stay Safe – Whether boondocking, high-marking, or carving through meadows, enjoy the mountains but make sure you come home safely—ready for your next ride.

After your ride, submit a field report at Colorado.gov/avalanche or through CAIC’s mobile app to let CAIC know what you saw—even if it wasn’t an avalanche. Public observations help forecasters provide better information for all backcountry users.

“We love seeing people introduce their friends to snowmobiling, and we want those rides to be fun and safe,” said Greene. “By making avalanche awareness part of your riding routine, you’re protecting yourself, your friends, and the whole outdoor community.”

Backcountry users are pushing deeper into the mountains, which means our forecasters must also go farther to assess conditions and communicate the most accurate information. For several years, Ski-Doo / BRP and Steamboat Powersports have loaned CAIC two snowmobiles to support this work.