X Games medalist opens company in BV

Saturday, December 17, 2011 12:00 pm

By CASEY KELLY, Times Staff Writer

Chris Burandt, two-time X Games medalist in snowmobile freestyle, moved his snowmobile tour company to Buena Vista last month to provide tours to riders of all levels around the Collegiate Peaks backcountry.

Burandt joined with Cottonwood Country Tours, creating Cottonwood Country Tours with Chris Burandt offering different tours designed for riders of differing skill levels, and the Burandt's Backcountry Adventures riding apparel store.

"The partnership allows us to cater to every skill level: beginner, intermediate or advanced," Burandt said. "We want to give everyone an experience they'll never forget."

The Explorer Series tour is catered toward new riders or family outings, with a scenic ride to the top of Cottonwood Pass. The next level, the Ultimate Mountain Series tour, is designed for riders with experience and focuses on technical backcountry terrain and technique. The Ultimate Adrenaline Series tour, led by Burandt, challenges advanced riders on a one-on-one tour of tough terrain.

"We're really proud of our tours and guides. You get a lot more individual attention, something you don't have in some of those big mountain town tour companies," Burandt said.

Having retired from competition, Burandt used his winnings to open Cottonwood Country Tours with Chris Burandt and spend time on what he is passionate about-backcountry riding.

"I liked jumping when I was younger, but this is more my passion," Burandt said. "I'm really excited about the bigger country here, the area is something I'm sure my clients will be blown away with."

With his Adrenaline Series tour already booked through the end of the season in May, Burandt's tours not only bring snowmobile enthusiasts from the area, but also from all over the world. In the coming months, Burandt will host clients from Lebanon, Russia, Sweden, Iceland, Norway and Italy.

Both Ultimate Series tours offer food and lodging for clients and multiple-day trips.

Pricing starts at $125 for the Explorer Series tour, $275 for the Ultimate Mountain Series tour and $325 for the Ultimate Adrenaline Series tour.

"You will look at snowmobiling differently after a tour here and be able to do things you didn't think were possible before," Burandt said.