Ride Snowmobile in Lake Tahoe

We did a 2 hour snowmobile tour with Zephyr on 3/22/23 and we had a great time. We brought our own snow gear, but if you don't have your own stuff they do rent snow pants, jackets, etc. We had our two kids with us, so we rented two machines and rode doubles. The machines were in excellent repair and were easy to operate, even for someone with no experience. Helmets were provided, and they were also in pretty good shape (padding was still fluffy and they didn't smell or anything). We did the Scenic Lakeview Tour, which wasn't fast or full of thrills, but it was beautiful and scenic. I figure that some groups may ride a little faster, depending on the makeup of the group and their experience level. Our tour guide was Joe, and he was friendly and funny and made us all have a good time.

We were scheduled for the Lake View ride, but had to switch to the Hope Valley ride due to lack of snow. The rental gear was good. We flew in light and needed everything. The staff at the rental gear place were all helpful. The shuttlebus drivers were good. The Hope Valley location was spectacular! There was plenty of snow, including lots of laden pine boughs. The weather was sunny and almost warm. I had my jacket open until we reached elevation (about 9,000 feet). The larger group (Greyhound bus full) split up into smaller groups of 3-4 sleds, each with their own group guide leader. The safety/orientation was fast and efficient. The sleds were comfortable and reliable. Our group had three 2-up sled couples, plus our guide, Justina. She was really great! Overall, the experience was good and I'm so glad we did it. Nonetheless, here are a few minor negatives: 1) We stayed at Zephyr Lodge, on the far east side of town. The equipment and secondary shuttle bus is on the far west side of town. We were the 1st pickup, and it was a slow and clunky ride from stop-to-stop around town picking up other riders (30-45 minutes). It would have been SO MUCH BETTER to simply drive our car to the equipment/shuttle location, or perhaps even stay at a nearby hotel (we did love the Zephyr Lodge though). We were prepared to Uber or jump off the school bus shuttle at the first stop and then Uber after lunch, but for various reasons there were fewer stops on the return trip and we got back to Zephyr Lodge quickly. 2) Our small group had an issue (see below) at the trail point furthest away from the departure point. It was so far, our guide's radio could not raise anyone. That was a bit unnerving. 3) My wife was getting weird meat smells, then realized her rental coat chest pocket was full of beef jerky packages, two of which had been opened. I also accidently left my cell phone in my bib pocket, but realized it before leaving the building. The staff found it for me, but obviously they aren't checking pockets before rehanging the rental clothing. Be careful reaching into those pockets... 4) We were picked up at 9:00am. We didn't get back to Zephyr Lodge until almost 2:00pm. That is 5 hours for a 2 hour ride. Moreover, we had no water or food during that time. That part is kind of on us, as we didn't fully understand what we were getting into time-wise. Be prepared. 5) The sleds are nothing special. They're comfortable enough, but very underpowered. I was able to hold full throttle for extended periods numerous times, to little effect. We had a few issues, all created by one bimbo customer from Alabama. The staff handled all of them marvelously, but I can't resist revisiting them here. Our school bus shuttle picked her and her older guy up at one of the downtown casinos. Within a few turns and stops, she had to bolt of the shuttle to vomit on the sidewalk blvd next to a business sign. At the 9,000 foot stop, she switched spots with her older guy and started driving. She then ran off the trail at the furthest spot, and buried the sled in very deep snow. The radio wouldn't reach, and when help finally did arrive in the form of two managers with mountain sleds, they realized getting it out would be a big project. The couple split up, with the older guy cozying up on the back of one of the one-seater mountain sleds, and the bimbo riding on back of our guide's two-up sled. She had a large backpack that she put in a space behind the short backrest. This was a 20-30 minute delay, and caused us to miss one of the beautiful side trails. But hey, she said it was her birthday. Partway back we came to a backup sled that had been staged for us. The couple got on that sled. For some reason, she was still driving. We proceeded, but then had to stop when her backpack, which she had left on the back of our guide's sled, had bounced off and been sucked up into the track. Staff could not get it out, and eventually had to use a knife and cut it out. More delay. Hey nobody got hurt, which was good, but she was a one-woman-wrecking-ball for our group.

The tour itself was great! We had a great guide, Veronica, who made sure we felt safe and comfortable on the snowmobiles. She took us to several great lookout spots and initiated photo opportunities for each group. The main complaint we have is the lack of communication and insight into plans ahead of time. We had a scheduled pick up time at our resort; they arrived 10-15 min late and when we called while waiting for the shuttle, the company told us the shuttle would not pick us up there at all (despite the online form stating the opposite). We did get picked up, but my friend and I had our purses with us (I needed some medicine, we needed tip money and our ID for some forms) and there was no clear communication on where to keep our belongings during the tour. We had to give our bags to the bus drivers who appeared stressed to have to watch over them. I just wish there was a safe storage place or some clarity that we should not bring personal items with us at all.

Let me say I would have given 5 stars if it wasn't for the office staff. We had the best time on our private tour (Feb 2021) It's definitely the way to go when snowmobiling. Our guide, TYLER took us to the best spots to view the mountain and really allowed us to have the best time at our own pace. He was friendly, knowledgeable and we knew we were in great hands! The office staff could definitely use some training in customer service. I asked three times for an email to be sent to me with all the details, pick-up location, and times for our tour. It was never sent. The pick-up located in Heavenly Village was supposed to be a bus stop directly across the Gondola...Nope, it's not. I took pictures to prove it. It's a no-parking zone, the curb is painted red and it's not in front of the Gondola. When I called to find out where we were to be picked up the woman on the phone was rude and had no idea how to explain where this "Bus Stop" was located. She was unaware of any landmarks other than across from the Gondola. Then when we arrived at the location and waited for the second bus to take us to the snowmobiling area. I overheard the staff talking horribly about other customers. They clearly have a lot of business and can afford to turn some away, but no customer should be mistreated. Especially, when it's your service that is running behind and unorganized. I would definitely go again despite the horrible office staff, but only if Tyler was our guide again!!!

This was my first time snowmobiling. Coen was the best guide. He ensured our safety and made sure we had fun. The guides are easy going and fun. The backcountry tour was breathtaking through the alpine forest into the snow laden trees. The view of the lake and the surrounding mountains was priceless. We would 100% do this again.