Need Advice on Western Trip

[Mopar21277]

I'm doing some homework on setting up a western riding trip for this winter. My wife and I spent our honeymoon in late May traveling thru Yellowstone, Jackson, Steamboat and the Silverthorne area and thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I've got the itch to do some mountain riding!

My two scenarios are: 1) fly to Denver and do the area near Silverthrone-Vail etc. Probably a mid-late week deal for 2 or 3 days. I like what Burandt offers, with the airport shuttle, lodging etc and I prefer Polaris sleds.

2) fly to SLC for a similar deal

Please advise me on outfits to contact and any general advice. It would be preferable to be within 1-2 hrs of a major airport, so that we don't spend a ton of time commuting. My riding level would likely be average for the mtns, as I do a fair amount of backwoods riding in the Adirondack Mountains of NY and have a tremendous respect for dangerous situations. Thanks a lot!

 

[tudizzle]

If you are looking for full service (airport pick up/ldoging/sleds/guide) THE choice would be Burandt's set up.

Plus you may just learn a thing or two

 

[BackCountryBob]

You and your wife---Burandt is probably a bit extreme with no other activities to fall back on if altitude sickness hits you. It generally takes 2 days to get somewhat acclimated at 8,000' at winter with the low humidity.

Grand Lake offers alot of riding variety--excellent groomed trails with meadows and high mark stuff at 11,000'. On the Trail Rentals is a top notch operation at reasonable prices and the town has alot to offer. You can rent sleds right in town as well. Rental car from DIA is about 2.5 hrs drive.

Vail is also a good choice. I have seen rental sleds there but don't know the particulars--nightly lodging is about 1/2 hr away--drive time from DIA is about 2 hrs. Check out NOVA Guides.

Drive time varies as no mater where you go you will have at least one mtn pass to deal with and it usually snows at night.

BCB

 

[XC700116]

Honestly in the CO area I'm not sure but if you go to West Yellowstone (since you mentioned it) contact Jeff Watt with Ace Powder guides/Hi country snowmobiles and he can hook you up with everything, lodging, rental, and the best back country guides for the area. http://hicountrysnowmobiles.com

 

[Ituksum]

My third year to Grand Lake, fly to Denver, rental car, rental sleds daily, great scenery, pretty laid back. Thurs.-Mon. Best if you could swing it during the week. We are doing a Condo rental this year in Winterpark. Feel free to pm me with any questions, hope i could help. I live in Mich. Looking forward to another great trip. Have fun.

 

[fireworkswi]

Does this work? Fly into Steamboat, go north 25 miles stay at steamboat lake outfitters and rent polaris sleds that will be delivered to your door. I am staying there in FEB, but I am driving not flying. Good luck with your choice.