Im really going to make an effort to finally head to the mountains this season. We ride all off trail in MI and try to find as many hills to climb and sidhill as we can. Some people might be surprised at the terrain we can find, however the areas are rather small, and get used up in an hour or so. Id like to get out west to do some tree riding mainly. I dont really know where to start. Where to go? Get a guide maybee? Also I ride a pro with some tastefull mods and my riding buddy has a 10 assault with some pretty good mods. We are pretty comfortable on our equipment. Im trying to decide if its worth 3 days of driving and gas just to ride our machines. If anyone can share some insight, it would be greatly appreciated.
1st time heading west. Where? Bring my sleds or rent?
- Thread starter 452ondoo
- Start date
Last winter I went west for the first time, went to golden bc and rented from snow peak rentals with a guide the guide was great but the sleds were a bit out of date but still an amazing time
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I think this season you are going to be chasing the good snow so I would keep my options open. What time of year are you wanting to go? Our group rides the Snowies as that's the closest place for us, we make a trip or two a season to Pinedale WY and there is great riding there if you will trailer to the trailhead. Lot of people LOVE Tog or the Dubois area. Rentals are up to you at $250+ per day for a rental. They have rentals at Albany Lodge in the snowies on the east side (New CATS), At Shivley Hardware in Saratoga on the west side (Pro RMK), and Saratoga Resort and Spa has rentals at Ryan Park (Older Ski Doo). They also have rentals at TOG. The real question is do you want to spent the money on the rentals and are you more comfortable with your own sled? I have rented from 3 of the 4 places I have listed and they were all good to work with, but I am most comfortable with my own sleds and trailer where I have all of my tools and such. You will have an awesome time. Hire a guide if it makes you more comfortable, buy a spot, a good gps, an avalanche beacon, and take an avi class before you go! Have a great time. Muffin
So if you take a week off for this adventure, two guys can make the drive in a long day. If you rent for 4 days that is $1000 each, just for rentals. I suspect you can do the driving and haul your machines for quite a bit less, and you don't have to spend the first day getting used to a new machine.
Sledding out west is DEFINATELY worth it, like the UP but on a more massive scale. I would take the advice to wait and see how the snow conditions develop. I think mid-late February is the best bet out west. Almost everywhere will have some good conditions.
I don't think I would hire a guide. Just find a local on snowest willing to show you around or point you to the goods. Might cost you dinner and a couple beers.
Sledding out west is DEFINATELY worth it, like the UP but on a more massive scale. I would take the advice to wait and see how the snow conditions develop. I think mid-late February is the best bet out west. Almost everywhere will have some good conditions.
I don't think I would hire a guide. Just find a local on snowest willing to show you around or point you to the goods. Might cost you dinner and a couple beers.
depends on what you got for a rig/sleds. If you can pile into a car with your gear and make the trip in 1 long day and have 5 days of total riding that might be more worth it than to have to haul your sleds out there slower(remember South Dakota has 80 mph speed limit so consider that). So you could save quit a bit on gas and time depending on.
That said, I prefer riding my own sled and not worrying about breaking chit that isn't mine. Regardless I think you could have fun without a guide, just make sure you have proper gear for wherever you end up riding.
Guessing it would cost $700 fuel and 34 hr drive round trip to go to laramie.
If u both rent a sled it will cost $500/day for rentals.
I would make it a 1.5 day drive each way cause 17 hr is a little ambitious pulling a trailer and dealing with possible icy roads. I prefer to ride my own sled for reasons stated.
If u both rent a sled it will cost $500/day for rentals.
I would make it a 1.5 day drive each way cause 17 hr is a little ambitious pulling a trailer and dealing with possible icy roads. I prefer to ride my own sled for reasons stated.
I agree with Feb as the chances of getting bluebird skies is better. Come up to BC Canada and save 25% on every dollar you spend, take advantage of our crappy dollar! 
You will get a ton more riding in if you get a quality guide.
There is enough to learn without having to worry about finding your way back at the end of the day, or areas that should be avoided etc.
Your group will know when you all feel comfortable enough to do without the guide.
There is enough to learn without having to worry about finding your way back at the end of the day, or areas that should be avoided etc.
Your group will know when you all feel comfortable enough to do without the guide.
We went west last year for the first time, and started planning our trip for this winter when we were out there.
We ride the U.P. almost all boon docking, only ride trail to get to the good spots.
A lot of us rented last year because we all had 144'' sleds. This year we all have 155'' inch sleds and aren't renting. i smashed mine up last year and had to pay the $1,500 deductible. i'm never renting anything again haha.
We got a guide and are doing the same this year. We all treat this kind of like a vacation - we want to chill and not worry about stuff. the guide can get you to places you couldn't even consider getting to. plus he can get you back at the end of the day. it allows you to enjoy the riding for what it is rather than where you are all the time.
we stayed at togwotee lodge. it was awesome for us, everything is right there and it can easily accommodate our group of 14 guys. they have all inclusive packages that include a guide, breakfast, dinner, open bar, and lodging for $140/night. I am sure other places have other deals, this is just my experience.
just keep in mind, once you go you'll be hooked. you'll be going every year.
S
snowmobiler
Well-known member
move here.10 miles to snowpark.thats 2 bucks in truck gas.ride mountains after work every day.LOL
If I was in your situation this is what I would do. Measure money vs time. If you have the time trailer out. If you don't fly and rent. I would pick a place, based on where you live and your experience I would say the big horns. Fly into Billings, rent a car and run down to bear lodge (2 hrs). You can stay and rent right our of there. Ride a couple of days and go home.
if you like it than make future plans to take longer trips and bring your own sleds. If not than do the same thing somewhere else. Snowies and fly into Denver, island park and fly into slc.
if you like it than make future plans to take longer trips and bring your own sleds. If not than do the same thing somewhere else. Snowies and fly into Denver, island park and fly into slc.
B
Bedhead
Well-known member
Took the words right out of my head as I was reading this! I think a guide will help you have way more fun. You wont sit on one hill wondering if this is the good stuff, or is there better? The guide will just let you relax and have more fun. And for me, I like to bring my own sled. I feel more free to just go for it! When I ride someone else's sled im more reserved. But maybe thats just me.
D
diggerdown
Well-known member
I hate to rent, like already stated you can end up with a hefty bill for damage so it makes you afraid to ride it like you want. You can't get your insurance to cover it like your own sled. Find the nearest mountains, re-clutch for the elevation and go play. Northern Mi. go to the horns, southern Mi. go to the snowies. I've never been much of a fan of guides but if you are not experienced in mountains in general get one at least for a day. Drive time is drive time, makes no difference with or without a trailer. Only difference is a little more time for fuel stops. I enjoy the Horns and they are closest for me. Snowies get more snow but I'm not wild on the terrain. It is a big step up from Midwest riding wherever you end up.
I vote for snowies and taking your own sled. We didn't have the best snow last time so this year we are trying to be ready and flexible to go in a few days notice.
North Idaho ?
Priest Lake has all that you are looking for 400 miles of trails and 200,000 acres of off trail riding all from our front door three meals a day and lodging for $85 per person. No worrys we have it all. any Question call TONY at Sundance Mt Lodge 425-417-5252
Priest Lake has all that you are looking for 400 miles of trails and 200,000 acres of off trail riding all from our front door three meals a day and lodging for $85 per person. No worrys we have it all. any Question call TONY at Sundance Mt Lodge 425-417-5252
We make 1 to 2 trips a year and would not even consider renting as we have worthy mountain hardware. Since you have never been to the mountains and have only a few days to ride take at least 2 of them with a guide as they will take you to secret stashes that you will not find on your own as well as being able to identify snow conditions on steep slopes and make sure you get back home!
Going out west is truly humbling. Safety is key out West and you need to be able to drive away from a slope that may be unsafe. Be sure those you ride with have enough self control to do the same. Exploring in the U.P. is not the same as exploring out West.
1. Take an Avy class!
2. Purchase or Rent Avy gear!
3. Shovel and Avy probe need to be in your backpack not on your sled.
4. Put together a decent tool kit to keep on the sled.
5. Put together a nice safety / first aid kit.
6. Get a decent set of two way radio's.
7. Get prepared for altitude!
8. HAVE A FREAKIN' BLAST...
Gear Rental: http://www.oerentals.com/
Going out west is truly humbling. Safety is key out West and you need to be able to drive away from a slope that may be unsafe. Be sure those you ride with have enough self control to do the same. Exploring in the U.P. is not the same as exploring out West.
1. Take an Avy class!
2. Purchase or Rent Avy gear!
3. Shovel and Avy probe need to be in your backpack not on your sled.
4. Put together a decent tool kit to keep on the sled.
5. Put together a nice safety / first aid kit.
6. Get a decent set of two way radio's.
7. Get prepared for altitude!
8. HAVE A FREAKIN' BLAST...
Gear Rental: http://www.oerentals.com/
Thanks for all the responses. Looks like ill figure out some elevation clutching and bring my own machine. Thanks to the guys that have offered to help personally. I just need to figure out a time frame and go for it.
I do believe both sleds only need a weight change. Togwotee, Snowies, Bighorns and so on you will need to throw some 60's in! Shoot me a PM if you need...
Having started going out west from the flatlands in 1988, and every year thereafter, I would first go to West Yellowstone.
Remember this is his first trip.
Yellowstone offers some good first year advantages:
1. Good off trail riding, that for the most part wont get you into too much trouble.
2. In-Town services: There are dealers for all the manufacturers there if something goes wrong
3. Guide services: several to choose from. I would hire a guide for the first and second days. They will show you stuff that you had no idea was there. Then for the rest of your trip, you can expand off of those areas
After your first year or so, as you get good at this backcountry thing, then find other places.
You absolutely cannot go wrong with Yellowstone starting out.
Remember this is his first trip.
Yellowstone offers some good first year advantages:
1. Good off trail riding, that for the most part wont get you into too much trouble.
2. In-Town services: There are dealers for all the manufacturers there if something goes wrong
3. Guide services: several to choose from. I would hire a guide for the first and second days. They will show you stuff that you had no idea was there. Then for the rest of your trip, you can expand off of those areas
After your first year or so, as you get good at this backcountry thing, then find other places.
You absolutely cannot go wrong with Yellowstone starting out.
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