Also, interested in a trip out west. Have been ditch banging here in Mn for a while but never been out west. Just picked up a 16 M800 Sno Pro 153 and am itching to see what this thing can do. I am in southern Mn and am looking at a possible late feb trip if theres a group with an extra seat available. I have clothes/helmet. Nothing for sled or avy gear as I just switched to this deep snow stuff. TOTAL newb to this. Im 43 within a week. Im probably an average/above average flatlander. Guess I will see how I fare in the steep and deep.