mountain | Sage Outdoor Adventures

Get Ideas for Your Unique Bachelorette Party in Colorado

Posted October 6, 2022 by by Eric

women with arms around each other look out over mountain summit

For bachelorette party groups that want something with a bit more exertion and excitement than a wine tasting or a paint and sip, try one of these three activities that we offer here at Sage. Find details below, talk to your group, then nail down that reservation with us!

For the Outdoorsy Bride & Their Crew

Professionals in the wedding industry agree that the best bachelorette parties center around what the bride loves most. Although you do need to consider the needs and preferences of your group, the maid of honor (who typically plans this party) should keep the bride at the forefront of mind.

And if the bride loves adrenaline-pumping activities coupled with stunning Colorado terrain (and doesn’t mind getting a little dirty or wet), we have the friendly and knowledgeable guides to lead the group into a memorable experience. See our top ideas for bachelorette party ideas for Colorado wives-to-be:

Whitewater Rafting

No prior experience is needed for whitewater rafting with us! In fact, we’re one of the best companies for beginner whitewater rafting in Colorado. We provide trips for all abilities and skill levels. Our beginner-level rafting trips (class I and II) can accommodate between 8 to 10 people per raft, while most class III, IV, and V rafting excursions can take 6.

We offer prime Colorado river rafting at 1-day excursions, 1/2 day, or 3/4 day – there’s no need to commit to a multi-day trip down the river, which can be rewarding but a lot, especially if you’ve never whitewater rafted or camped before.

Whitewater rafting is a teamwork-centered activity, with everyone paddling and working together. If your group didn’t all know each other beforehand, they will be bonded after this experience!

See FAQ for a breakdown of rapid classifications and more >>

Find info on all the rivers we raft >>

Horseback Riding

When it comes to unique bachelorette party ideas in Colorado it doesn’t get better than horseback riding adventure with Sage. Although there are other companies that offer guided tours with these majestic animals, what’s special about Sage is that it’s a true in-the-Colorado-wilderness experience.

Our horses, that live at Castle Peak Sage Stables on our 6,000-acre private ranch, are trained to ride alongside each other (as opposed to nose-to-tail in a single file line), and we’re on private land for our rides. In other words, we aren’t restricted to where we go – we can blaze our own trail! And, private trips are an option.

View details on our 2-hour and 1-hour guided tours >>

Snowmobiling

For a magical winter experience with the bridal party, give snowmobiling a try at our private mountain and trail system that is larger than the Vail ski area itself. We have several tour options available – everyone can snowmobile with us, whether you’re never sat on a Ski Doo before, or you’re an expert at the activity.

As with horseback riding, snowmobiling with Sage is not an out-and-back on one trail experience. Get out there and explore gorgeous Colorado terrain! Plus, there’s the added convenience of our log cabin with woodburning stoves and restrooms, so you can begin and end your excursion in comfort.

Get your questions answered on snowmobiling >>

And, did you know? We here at Sage also offer side-by-side ATV tours and guided fishing trips, either of which would also be a great choice for a memorable bachelorette party in Colorado. Our Colorado outdoor adventures are perfect for an Avon, Beaver Creek, Edwards, or Vail bachelorette party.

Book your bachelorette adventure today >>

Colorado Snow Update & Whitewater Rafting Forecast

Posted March 15, 2022 by by Ryan McSparran

Well, it has been an awesome winter season here in the Vail Valley and it seems nothing can stop all these smiles! Sage owner Darryl Bangert said it best, “Through our second year amid the pandemic, we’ve witnessed a big demand to get outside and reconnect with nature,” he said. “Seeing our guests come alive during these trips is very rewarding for our staff.”

An outdoor snowmobile adventure is the ultimate socially distanced activity and we have continued to keep excellent safety protocols in place. Snowmobiling throughout this season has been a ton of fun. Recent storms have led to great snow conditions. And now, we’re excited that spring is around the corner. Before we know it, we will be making the transition from snowmobiling to rafting season! Who’s ready for a Colorado whitewater rafting trip?

Colorado’s Whitewater Rafting Season

As we look forward to spring and the summer Colorado river rafting season, we can’t help but get excited. This winter was unique, as every year is. Winter seemed to arrive late, with a relatively dry start to the winter sports season. But as is so often the case, when the snow did arrive, it came with a vengeance.

When is Whitewater Rafting Season in Colorado? When the Snowmelt Comes!

Since the holidays, snowpack across the state has hovered at or above median levels for much of the winter. Lots of snow on the mountains means great conditions ahead for Colorado river raft trips! Take a look at the expected conditions for our awesome Colorado river rafting 1-day and half-day trips, and prepare for an awesome Colorado white water rafting season.

Gore Creek and Eagle River Rafting Conditions

Right here in the Colorado River basin, the current snowpack sits at about 95% of average levels with more spring storms in the forecast. With a high snowpack in the high country, we can expect good early season rafting on Gore Creek and the Eagle River, which are some of Colorado’s best early summer trips.

In fact, when the Eagle River is at its peak, it’s some of the best whitewater in the country. But what makes the Eagle River is unique, is the steady downward gradient. The upper section from Minturn to Avon features a consistent elevation drop, essentially creating a 10-mile long wave train.

If you’ve never experienced Gore Creek or the Eagle River, don’t wait – come experience it this year! They’re some of the best places to consider when looking at where to whitewater raft in Colorado.

Arkansas River Rafting Conditions

Meanwhile, over in the Arkansas River basin, we have a solid snowpack, which currently sits at about 94% of median. This is the most famous stretch of whitewater in Colorado for good reason. Once the spring thaw begins, we’re in for a memorable summer of whitewater rafting on the Ark.

The world-famous Pine Creek and Numbers sections of the Arkansas River boast some of the best class IV and V whitewater rafting in the country. Further downstream, Browns Canyon National Monument offers a trip through an incredibly scenic gorge with 10 miles of class III rapids. Add to this a backdrop of 14,000-foot peaks and rocky desert landscapes, and it’s easy to see why the Ark is a popular rafting destination, particularly with Browns Canyon rafting trips.

It’s shaping up to be a great season for whitewater rafting in Colorado! If you’re planning a trip to Colorado this year, be sure and reserve dates early for your whitewater adventure.

To learn more, visit our Rafting Page. If you have questions or to book a trip, please call us at 970-476-3700 or contact us online.

Technology Improves Backcountry Snowmobiling in Colorado

Posted February 18, 2022 by by Ryan McSparran

These aren’t your father’s snowmobiles. When arriving for a snowmobile tour, many of our guests are surprised at the change in snowmobiles since they last rode as a kid. Machines used to be noisy, and emit a strong smell of gas exhaust. But the modern snowmobile experience is something completely different.

Gone are the days of loud engines and the smell of exhaust. Ever since the pressure on snowmobile manufacturers to clean up emissions in places like Yellowstone National Park, the industry has responded with some incredible new technology. In addition to being cleaner, the new era of snowmobiles creates the opportunity for wilderness experiences like never before.

Reduced Snowmobile Emissions Due to New Technology

You might be surprised to learn that snowmobiles have an incredibly small carbon footprint, particularly compared to the amount of energy required to operate ski lifts. On an average snowmobile tour, your sled will use less than a gallon of gas. In the modern era of sled technology, Colorado snowmobile tours are an environmentally responsible and memorable way to experience the beautiful backcountry of this state.

Sage’s Ski-Doo Snowmobiles

Here at Sage Outdoor Adventures, our guests get the very best in snowmobile technology. We are proud to have a lineup of 90 Ski-Doo Grand Touring Sport sleds. These snowmobiles feature 4 stroke engines, which are incredibly quiet, clean and very fuel-efficient. They are lightweight, comfortable and fun to ride!

They are so quiet that you’re more likely to hear the tracks turning on the snow than the engine itself. With extremely low emissions and no odor, there’s little else to distract from the beautiful mountain experience. In fact, the number one reason among guests to go snowmobiling is the wilderness experience.

Today’s snowmobiles are much lighter with more horsepower than ever before. Improvements in clutching, throttle control, and suspensions offer an effortless riding experience, even in deep powder. What all that technology really means is that it’s an incredibly fun ride while maintaining a wonderful outdoor experience.

You can always count on Sage to have the best possible machines available. That’s because we are a Ski-Doo direct dealer, getting sleds direct from the factory and having factory-trained mechanics. Our snowmobiles are on a two-year rotation, guaranteeing our guests the newest and best technology available.

What to Expect while Snowmobiling

When you embark on that snowmobile tour, you can expect an outstanding Colorado mountain experience. Many of our guests have the opportunity to see wildlife that winters on the ranch. You’ll enjoy catching speed through some of our freshly groomed meadows, and winding peacefully through stands of aspen and spruce trees. And you’ll have to catch your breath as you see the incredible views over the Eagle River Canyon and the whole Vail Valley. Snowmobiling near Vail Colorado is a must-do activity if you’re here in the winter!

Snowmobile technology has certainly changed dramatically over the past 15 years. If you haven’t experienced it, it’s time to hop on and take a ride! Be sure to check out our Snowmobiling Page to learn more about our Colorado snowmobile trails and tours.

If you have questions about tours or availability, please call us at 970-476-3700. You can also contact us online for information.

Welcome to Our Family Snowmobile Paradise

Posted February 10, 2022 by by Ryan McSparran

It’s our own little slice of heaven in Colorado. We’re blessed to enjoy this private mountain, all on a 6,000-acre ranch. It’s an incredible experience for families. And it’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else: snowmobiling in Vail.

Our private mountain has more acreage than Vail ski area – without the lift lines. In fact, it’s exclusive to Sage guests. We’ve got the whole place to ourselves, creating an idyllic experience for families looking to go snowmobiling in Vail.

A Family Snowmobiling Adventure

Snowmobiling here is special, “because we put the trails where we want to put the trails.” All 100+ miles of them! A fleet of snowcats and grooming equipment maintains our custom-designed trail system that runs throughout this spectacular mountain area.

It’s an authentic, Colorado backcountry experience. You’ll experience the quiet stillness of snowy aspen groves and towering spruce forests. You’ll glide through open meadows and then look off the vertical red-rock cliffs of the Eagle River canyon.

Your friendly guides, outstanding trails, and a private mountain environment will make this a family experience to remember. Passengers as young as 5-years-old can enjoy a true Colorado mountain experience on the snow.

Experience Vail Snowmobile Tours With Us

To learn more, please explore our Snowmobile Trips on the website. If you have questions or would like to speak with someone about a trip, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 970-476-3700. We’d love to help you plan a memorable Colorado snowmobile adventure!

Bring the family whitewater rafting in Colorado come spring or summer >>

A Driver’s Side Look at Our Side-By-Side ATV Tours

Posted July 27, 2021 by by Ryan McSparran

Your summer adventure isn’t complete until you experience a side-by-side ATV tour. Our off road adventures in Colorado are like nothing you’ve ever experienced. When you feel the open air and the excitement of these 4×4 vehicles, riding on wild trails throughout our 6,000-acre private mountain, it will leave you speechless.

Tour a Private Mountain

Right here in the Vail Valley and close to Beaver Creek, we offer side-by-side ATV adventures on an area that’s larger than the Vail ski area – and it’s exclusively for Sage guests. We have the entire place to ourselves, to explore and to take in this wild, Colorado mountain experience.

Enjoy Custom-Built Side-by-Side Trails

Our side-by-side trails are custom-built, specifically for this purpose. Unlike with some off road tours in Colorado, these aren’t just old borrowed Forest Service trails. We’ve designed a trail system to maximize your experience on this epic mountain. We’ll cruise through open meadows full of wildflowers. We will twist and turn through aspen and spruce forests. And we’ll take in jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Catch a Glimpse of the Wildlife

The mountain is home to elk, deer, and a variety of wildlife. From here we can enjoy views of seven different mountain ranges, including the continental divide. We can even hike out to the rim of the Eagle River Canyon, and look off into the 2,400-foot gorge. It’s a special place, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

If you’d like to learn more about our side-by-side ATV tours, please click here where you’ll find pricing and the ability to book online. If you’d like to speak with someone here at Sage, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 970-476-3700.

See you on the mountain this summer!