Research shows that women above 65 are interested in adventure travel
ANN RUPPENSTEIN
It’s no surprise that adventure travel continues to lure in travellers — but what may come as surprise is that it’s not just limited to millennials and younger demographics. Research shows that older women, particularly those over 65, are increasingly embracing solo travel and adventurous vacations from hiking trips to snowmobile excursions.
Professional snowmobile rider Clay Hockel has witnessed firsthand the evolving demographics of people who are into adventurous vacations and activities.
“You would be amazed at how many older female riders we get through our doors at Thunderstruck Adventures. From riders who have been involved in snowmobiling all their life to others who are just trying it for the first time. We see it all,” says Clay Hockel, CEO of Thunderstruck Adventures, based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. “A lot of men are interested in getting their significant other involved in the sport and this is helping drive the amount of varying backgrounds, demographics, and gender we are seeing with our bookings.”
In fact, recent statistics reveal that solo travel among older women went from 4 per cent in 2019 to 18 per cent in 2022. Meanwhile, the Adventure Travel Trade Association found that women made up 57 per cent of the bookings across its member organizations — consisting of global tour operators and adventure travel companies.
According to Hockel, the surge of female interest towards his sport can be credited to multiple factors, including that snowmobiles are better made and safer than they were even five years ago.
“Snowmobile manufacturers are also doing a much better job at marketing and catering to women than they have in the past. Women’s clinics, women’s specific snowmobile gear, and so forth are helping women feel much more comfortable with pursuing this new sport,” he adds. “Back in the day, the sport was most definitely male-dominated. Especially when it came to mountain riding in the backcountry, it’s awesome to see this trend changing and more women being involved as opposed to the previous scene of a male-dominated sport. It’s really interesting to me how well aftermarket companies, clothing companies, and snowmobile manufacturers are catering to women and backcountry snowmobiling.”
Notably, Hockel says destinations like Colorado offer so much more than the ski and après-ski life.
“More and more people are getting away from the ski resorts and chasing other outdoor adventures,” he adds. “Steamboat Springs, CO, was voted as one of the top five places to not ski at — in other words, there are so many other things to do here besides just skiing. Backcountry snowmobiling gives you access to areas that are incredible and would never be enjoyed in the winter without being on a motorized tracked vehicle like a snowmobile. It’s so rewarding to enjoy this experience with people.”
