It may not be the raging debate of the century or even the biggest one on snow, but there is a fair amount of back and forth when it comes to deciding whether to take your own sled to a new riding area or to just rent a snowmobile once you get there.
Most everyone we know likes the feel of their own sled and there’s just something about paying to rent a sled when you already own one …
However, when it comes to convenience and having the right sled for the conditions (read: a long track sled for deep snow vs. a short track), that sometimes outweighs any advantages of having your own sled on a trip.
Where do you stand on the debate, especially if you like to explore new areas and it’s going to be a haul (several hours or more) to get there? And if you do decide to leave your sled at home and rent once you get to the West, do you just go out with your buddies and try to find your way around or hire a guide?
What kind of sled do you rent if you decide to go that route? What snowmobile is going to give you the best experience?
Does this seem like a lot of questions? Well, we went in search of some answers. And there was no better way to get those answers than sitting in a Can-Am side-by-side with Jason Smith (aka “Pup” from his days as a guide), marketing manager at Jackson Hole, WY-based Scenic Safaris. Our side-by-side ride up Curtis Canyon, a little north and east of Jackson, was a follow-up to a couple of days of snowmobiling last winter inside of Yellowstone National Park as well as near Turpin Meadow.