FAQs and Operating Policies
Dates of Operation
Season Start: Mid November, as snow levels allow
Season End: Mid April, as snow levels allow
Our reservation office is open October through mid-April.
Arrival Information
A LATE ARRIVAL MAY CUT INTO YOUR RIDING TIME.
Please arrive at the Wanoga Sno-Park 45 MINUTES PRIOR TO YOUR DEPARTURE TIME in order to fill out the proper paperwork, inspect the equipment, get fitted for gear, and receive a riders safety lecture. An email confirmation will be sent to you with your arrival time and trip departure time. Trip times (2-hour or 4-hour) denotes the actual time on the trail.
Plan to use your vehicle as a staging area. Upon arrival, we ask that only the card holders in the group come in to begin the check-in procedure as there is limited space inside the yurt. We will direct you from there.
Parking and Sno-Park Permits
Central Oregon Adventures is located at the Wanoga Sno-Park, which is maintained by the State of Oregon. Parking is available, but ALL VEHICLES PARKED AT THE SNO-PARK ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A SNO-PARK PERMIT. If you don't already have a permit, we do sell daily passes at the sno-park for $5.
Operating Guidelines
- You do not need prior experience to drive a snowmobile. Each trip begins with a riders safety lecture on how to operate the machines, riding techniques, and trail etiquette. You will have the opportunity to get accustomed to the controls and operation of the machine in a snow practice area before heading out on the trail.
- ALL DRIVERS MUST CARRY A VALID DRIVERS LICENCE WHILE ON THE TRAILS. The Forest Service patrols the trails just like the highways. Drivers are required to be at least 18 years old and be a licensed driver. Minors are not allowed to drive.
- Passengers must be at least 6 years old 48" in height. NO EXCEPTIONS!
- Recommended weight limit on a double seat machine is 400 lbs. and drivers will need to weigh more than the passenger. If there is too much weight on the machines, the shocks will be absorbed and it will be very bumpy and uncomfortable for the person riding on the back. It can also cause additional wear and damage to the machines.
- Please let us know of any medical conditions that may impair you to be on a snowmobile prior to booking your trip. Anyone who is pregnant or has heart, neck, or back problems is not encouraged to participate.
- All participants are required to complete a participant agreement form. All minors will need to have a parent or legal guardian sign their participant agreement form. Participant agreements will be emailed with the trip confirmation and are available at check-in.
What to Wear
You will want to dress for a day on the snow, just like you were going skiing or snowboarding. We recommend water resistant/water proof coat, pant, boots, and gloves. If you do not have the proper gear, we do have some rental items at the sno-park. We do not rent gloves but we have gloves for sale at the sno-park for $45.
Coat $10.00 rental
Bibs $10.00 rental
Boots $10.00 rental
Full outfit (coat, bibs, boots) $25 rental
Gloves $45.00 (sale item)
Balaclavas or Neck Warmers $20.00 (sale item)
We provide helmets and goggles for all trips. If you have your own ski goggles, you may want to bring them. If you have your own helmet that you prefer to wear, it must be one that is approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT). You cannot wear a ski or bike helmet while snowmobiling. Helmets are disinfected after each use.
We recommend that you wear a balaclava or neck warmer under your helmet to help with the cold and wind chill factor. We have balaclavas and neck warmers for sale for $20.
Reservations and Cancellations
You can make any changes or cancellations up to 48 hours prior to your trip departure and you will receive a full refund. If you make any changes or cancellations within 48 hours of your trip, you can reschedule, take an in-store credit, or 50% of the trip payment will be forfeited.
THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS OR IN-STORE CREDITS ON SAME DAY CANCELLATIONS DURING PEAK TIMES; SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS, OR HOLIDAYS.
We will give you a call two days before your trip to confirm your reservation. If for any reason Central Oregon Adventures cancels a trip, a full refund will be given. This is very rare and should not be expected.
Security Deposit & Damage Waiver
A security deposit is required for each machine prior to departure. We ask that you bring a major credit card at the time of check-in. No charges will be seen on your card unless you cause damage to the machine. Prior to departure and upon return, you will inspect the machines just like you would a car rental. You will be responsible for any and all damages to the machines while they are in your care. Other charges may also include late fees, recovery fees, and revenue lost from existing bookings, which are impacted due to a machine being down for repairs.
We offer a damage waiver. It is $25.00 per machine, per day. It limits your liability in case of a major accident. There is a $750.00 deductible, which means you would be responsible for any damages up to $750, but nothing beyond. We also encourage you to contact your auto and home insurance agent prior to departure. They may cover you in case of an accident or may be able to add the coverage for a small fee. We do not require you to have insurance, but we HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you do.
Gratuity
Groups of 6 or more machines will be charged an 18% gratuity at the time of booking. An 18% gratuity also applies all 4-hour trips, and trips occurring on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Otherwise, gratuity is not included in the price of the trip. It is never expected, but always appreciated by your guide.