So the wife & I are tired of the resort scene and are looking to get a snowmobile so we can access the backcountry in colorado. We have been doing some research and we are leaning towards either an older Bearcat WT 660 Turbo or the new Bearcat Z1. It would also be used to haul people and equipment to our in-laws cabin. My main question/concern is whether this machine is going to get us both into some decent areas. Any comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Backcountry snowboard access - 2up
- Thread starter RevHortonHeat
- Start date
well if you are trying to double up to the top without having to hike you are going to need a lot bigger machine than that, and you are going to have to know how to ride it. double ups work best side by side i have done in with 700s but works a lot better with 800s.
if you are just using them to access you cabin or parking at the bottom and skinning up those sled you were talking about would probably work but i have never heard of them they dont sound like mountain sleds
you want somthing at least 136 with 2 inch paddles for mountains and if you are doubling the longer the better 151 or bigger
if you are just using them to access you cabin or parking at the bottom and skinning up those sled you were talking about would probably work but i have never heard of them they dont sound like mountain sleds
you want somthing at least 136 with 2 inch paddles for mountains and if you are doubling the longer the better 151 or bigger
thanks for the quick reply, someone i spoke to recommended the skandics. maybe i can convince her that 2 machines would be best 
ya you want to minimize you 2 up riding it is a pain and you will both want to go ride you sleds a bit before the ski access stuff and probably ride your sleds by themselves a lot
i got my sled for skiing now mostly just ride the sed
i got my sled for skiing now mostly just ride the sed
Two machines. A 600 with a 155" and a 800 with a 162" these will cover most situtations. Don't but a 2-up touring sled because they are too heavy and mostly for trails. Its also nice to have 2 for any breakdowns.
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O
Ollie
ACCOUNT CLOSED
The machines you listed would be fine for trail, however, they would be boat anchors off trail.
As has been stated, i would get 2 machines.
I would go for a min of 700cc (depending on how much you want to spend).
By using 2 machines you can each ride your own in. Then once there you can "shuttle" up and down the hill.
Leave one machine at the bottom.
Double up, ride to the top.
One boards down, the other rides the sled.
Then switch.
Or, if you are one shotting the hill. leave the 2nd sled at the top, you both board down them double up on the sled at the bottom of the hill to go get the sled at the top of the hill. Repeat as you like.
The other part of the reason you want 2 machines is in case one breaks down you can tow it out with the second or go get help.
Be warned.
I have said this to a number of people and none believe me at first.
You will find yourselves using the snowmobiles more and more and the boards less and less till all you do is sled.
As has been stated, i would get 2 machines.
I would go for a min of 700cc (depending on how much you want to spend).
By using 2 machines you can each ride your own in. Then once there you can "shuttle" up and down the hill.
Leave one machine at the bottom.
Double up, ride to the top.
One boards down, the other rides the sled.
Then switch.
Or, if you are one shotting the hill. leave the 2nd sled at the top, you both board down them double up on the sled at the bottom of the hill to go get the sled at the top of the hill. Repeat as you like.
The other part of the reason you want 2 machines is in case one breaks down you can tow it out with the second or go get help.
Be warned.
I have said this to a number of people and none believe me at first.
You will find yourselves using the snowmobiles more and more and the boards less and less till all you do is sled.
My advice? Read whats in the link below.
http://www.biglines.com/msgbrd/viewtopic.php?t=11017
My one piece of advice:
Shuttling long runs blows. Don't think anyone is going to have fun doing this for any extended period of time. Better to skin these.
happy POW hunting
http://www.biglines.com/msgbrd/viewtopic.php?t=11017
My one piece of advice:
Shuttling long runs blows. Don't think anyone is going to have fun doing this for any extended period of time. Better to skin these.
happy POW hunting
Actually, there are a bunch of good threads you should read on this forum
http://www.biglines.com/msgbrd/viewforum.php?f=6
cheers
http://www.biglines.com/msgbrd/viewforum.php?f=6
cheers
Again, thanks everyone for the info. But, if you were to go with just one machine, would you go with the utility machines (bearcat, skandic, etc) or just a mountain machine? I am pretty sure if she enjoys the initial experience a second machine should be pretty easy.
a mountain machine for sure if you want to access anything.
go with a arctic cat if you want a long seat for two people
m7 or m8
go with a arctic cat if you want a long seat for two people
m7 or m8
Agree! Mountain machine; minimum 800 151" track. OK, so the m7 153 or 162(?) is a great choice as well. I've seen 06 M7's w/ low miles for sale here in WestWashington for $4500.
tip - For the trail rides in and out DO NOT have your wife ride behind you holding onto your waist. When I double with my wife I have her sit down in front of me scooted up as far as she is comfortable and holding onto the risers. I stand up behind her and operate the sled from that position. Both of you will be able to see the trail, trees, and most importantly bumps! If the trail in is long be sure to stop every 5 miles or so and let her stretch her legs. AND... don't be afraid to take your turn sitting down and let her drive!! You want her to get the sledding bug you gotta let her feel the THROTTLE
braap braap
tip - For the trail rides in and out DO NOT have your wife ride behind you holding onto your waist. When I double with my wife I have her sit down in front of me scooted up as far as she is comfortable and holding onto the risers. I stand up behind her and operate the sled from that position. Both of you will be able to see the trail, trees, and most importantly bumps! If the trail in is long be sure to stop every 5 miles or so and let her stretch her legs. AND... don't be afraid to take your turn sitting down and let her drive!! You want her to get the sledding bug you gotta let her feel the THROTTLE
braap braap
E
Ex-Member
ACCOUNT CLOSED
Funny how a little horsepower makes anything more enjoyable.
D
dragon12
Well-known member
If you have time, stop by the parking lot at Vail Summit on a Saturday around 9 AM and just watch what the skimoboarders do. There are quite a few of them and I'm sure most would be happy to share their experience with you. Ask the Forest Service if you can park outside the lot and not pay (otherwise $6 a person). That being said, most up there use mountain sleds. The only 2 ups I have seen are rentals. If you get a newer mountain sled, you will be able to get into as much trouble as you can handle.
i found your sled
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=5680567&cat=146&lpid=4
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=5680567&cat=146&lpid=4
You may want to consider a Ski Doo rev 800 or xp 800 with the plus 1 seat. Basically they are a full mountain sled that you can attach and detach the second seat in a matter of minutes. You can find out more on ski doos website.
I agree with the last post though. It is always wise to ride with at least two sleds. You never know when one can break down or have some kind of problem.
Lastly, you may find yourself like me. I used to ski 3-6 times a week. I used to do many back country treks for more powder. When I first started to snowmobile we would always take our skis and try to double up the mountain. Wasn't long and we hung up our skis and just snowmobiled. Now when there is a powder day, we jump on our sleds and tear it up rather than even considering skiing.
Good luck.
I agree with the last post though. It is always wise to ride with at least two sleds. You never know when one can break down or have some kind of problem.
Lastly, you may find yourself like me. I used to ski 3-6 times a week. I used to do many back country treks for more powder. When I first started to snowmobile we would always take our skis and try to double up the mountain. Wasn't long and we hung up our skis and just snowmobiled. Now when there is a powder day, we jump on our sleds and tear it up rather than even considering skiing.
Good luck.
J
jaysonfreerider
Well-known member
speaking about takin boards into the backcountry, i just got an add from SNOWMOBOARDERUSA.COM on myspace and looks like they make some board carrier things to mount on your sled! i never checked out there site but give it a shot!
jayson
jayson
V
Vailguy
Well-known member
Welcome
Welcome to the club,
I was in your shoes about 4 years ago. 23 years of riding resorts and I needed something new. Along the way made almost every mistake in the book.
My recomendation.
Goto Vailpass. Specifically Camp Hale they do sled rentals. I believe the best they have is the 600 RMK. This will help get your feet wet and understand sleds a little better. Took me 2.5 years to learn how to mountain ride, and it is a art that I am still trying to master.
136" 600 will get you on the trails at the pass with tow rope dumps.
144" 800 will get you in a little powder, but 2up riding is still to difficult.
151" 800 can two up in about 1 foot of powder, but not on the steeps.
I have personally done all of these and would not recomend under a 151".
BTW check out weknowsnow.com and get a CFR (cheetah factory racing) double D rack with board mounts.
Good luck and have fun!
Welcome to the club,
I was in your shoes about 4 years ago. 23 years of riding resorts and I needed something new. Along the way made almost every mistake in the book.
My recomendation.
Goto Vailpass. Specifically Camp Hale they do sled rentals. I believe the best they have is the 600 RMK. This will help get your feet wet and understand sleds a little better. Took me 2.5 years to learn how to mountain ride, and it is a art that I am still trying to master.
136" 600 will get you on the trails at the pass with tow rope dumps.
144" 800 will get you in a little powder, but 2up riding is still to difficult.
151" 800 can two up in about 1 foot of powder, but not on the steeps.
I have personally done all of these and would not recomend under a 151".
BTW check out weknowsnow.com and get a CFR (cheetah factory racing) double D rack with board mounts.
Good luck and have fun!
M
mtnjunkie
Well-known member
Just be prepared to become addicted to sledding! Most of my guy friends got sleds to get access so they could board or ski. Now they hardly board and just ride sleds. Turns out to be much more fun and just as good of a work out if that's what you're after. I get in way better shape sledding than if I went to the gym everyday!
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