Black Hills or Grand Lake for New Years?

[Bladeguy]

I live in Milwaukee. A couple friends and I have a trip planned to the U.P. between Xmas and New Year. However, it is not looking great for the trails to be open then due to that bastard El Nino. As we have a week off it appears our only option is to head west. We all have crossover sleds and enjoy a mix of on and off trail. I realize the season is early . From what I can see now it appears Grand Lake is in better shape but S.D. could get up to a foot of snow. The Black Hills are four hours closer for us. So considering likely conditions and proximity - which area would you choose? Thanks!

 

[polaris dude]

not looking too good for the hills. As of right now they barely have enough to cover the grass. Hopefully this week and next brings more snow though.

http://www.snowest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=180557 This thread has a lot of details including pictures of around the area and a picture of 24 hour snow forecast

 

[snowho96]

The snowies are getting some snow and have somewhat of a base. Check Albany lodge Facebook page they have a lot more current updates. You should be able to get rooms on the west side or trailer up from Laramie. We will be at Albany between Christmas and new years.

 

[Pro-8250]

I have not snowmobiled in either of those areas, but if I had to choose it would be Grand Lake. Winter Park maybe another option. It looks like you have to drive through Denver which I would not care for. As snowho96 mentioned, Snowies. Good luck.

 

[Bladeguy]

not looking too good for the hills. As of right now they barely have enough to cover the grass. Hopefully this week and next brings more snow though.

http://www.snowest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=180557 This thread has a lot of details including pictures of around the area and a picture of 24 hour snow forecast

Thanks for the reply. Looks like the are going to get a foot, but then warm again. Not sure if this will be enough?

 

[sdsnocop]

Thanks for the reply. Looks like the are going to get a foot, but then warm again. Not sure if this will be enough?

A foot on top of the 4-8 inches currently in most places will go a long way to make trail riding decent. Also riding numerous logging road will be not too bad. it will not be enough to ride through the trees and the meadows will be risky. Typically off trail in the Black Hills does not get good until mid to late January. Day temps in the low 40's have little impact on snow conditions this time of year.

 

[Bladeguy]

The snowies are getting some snow and have somewhat of a base. Check Albany lodge Facebook page they have a lot more current updates. You should be able to get rooms on the west side or trailer up from Laramie. We will be at Albany between Christmas and new years.

Thanks for the tip! Yes Albany is booked - looks like a great spot. Maybe we will see you out there...

 

[Bladeguy]

Thanks all for the posts. Looks like we will skip SD. See you likely in the Snowies...