Outdoor Rec

As fellow WAF’s, we all can relate to the struggle of not utilizing the resources and opportunities we have around (not because we don’t want to use them) but simply because we don’t know about them!

As a brand new WAF, I knew that one of the best ways to start making my new base feel like home for me was to get involved in as much as I could. You always hear about these wonderful discounts and opportunities that the military offers, but how many of us actually jump on them and use them?! One of the best resources at any base you can utilize is your ITT (Information Tickets & Travel) and Outdoor Rec department.

Where can I locate my base’s Outdoor Rec or ITT?

Most bases have a website or Facebook page where you can easily obtain the contact information for where Outdoor Rec is located on your base. Trips are usually announced online, through their Facebook page, or brochures, so it’s pretty easy getting information about what is offered. I would definitely recommend searching for a Facebook page first, so you set eyes on whatever else they offer there, such as equipment!

What kind of discounts do they offer?

Most ITT and Outdoor Rec departments offer two different prices. One for military personnel (active duty and/or spouse) and one for non-military personnel. The great thing is you can each bring one guest at the military price! The military price is usually 50-75% of the regular price, so definitely worth pursuing.

We had some friends visit in mid-March and stayed on-base with us. Later they headed to Breckenridge to explore a cabin themselves. We went to Outdoor Rec and rented some winter equipment for them, at a way cheaper price than they could have gotten anywhere else! Honestly, take advantage of the equipment rentals they offer, from tents to bikes to even grills at some bases.

We’ve also gotten some pretty phenomenal discounts, when we’ve gone to Disneyland and Universal Studios. They also offer discounted ticket rates for professional sports events for your local area, definitely check there before paying full price elsewhere!

Are the trips they advertise legit?

TBH, I was very nervous to sign up for any trips/activities they offered, just because I was unsure of how well-planned the trips would be and whether the guides would actually be interactive and helpful. I’m happy to say that after my first trip I was blown away!

For my first trip, we went on their snowmobiling trip to Grand Lake, CO (roughly 3-4 hours away from base.) For the price, they provided transportation (it’s like a super cheap UBER y’all!); lunches and snacks; hotel room for the night; all needed equipment; actual snowmobile; gas; and they were our guides for 10 hours of snowmobiling! If my husband + I had paid for all this out-of-pocket, it would have been around $1,000 for two people! Just paying for a guide for 4 hours of snowmobiling would have been more expensive than our actual entire trip ($160 per person!) It was one of the best weekends of my life!

Since then, we’ve gone ice fishing, ice climbing, zip lining, water rafting, and horseback riding! Each one of these trips have included at least one meal and snacks, transportation, professional guides and equipment needed. It’s like going on a mini-vacation without having to plan anything! I cannot say enough how well-prepared and helpful our guides have been for all the trips.

These are normally one-day trips and all of the trips listed above have ranged from $20-50 a person (that’s honestly what you would spend on a fancy dinner + drinks!) It’s SUCH a great investment and a great way to get you out exploring your new state. Group sizes vary from 6-9 people (including tour guide) from my experience.

Ending thought for this post…we all know how little choice we often have on when/where we are relocated to. However, we do control the level of involvement and willingness to use the on base resources offered to us, so take advantage and explore!