Planning next years trip big horns or yellowstone/island park again?

[hoytshooter]

We've been going annually to yellowstone and riding there and island park for a few years now and I love it there but the drive from here in minn is taking away alot of riding time. Im thinking the bighorns will be approx. 3 hours closer for us but is it worth it? We know the yellowstone area well enough to always find good powder so question is how easy is it to find there on an average year?
We usually go the last week in feb. so I know the snow can be iffy probably anywhere but which place has the best opportunity for riding the powder?
Some of us like hill climbing but most prefer big bowls and meadows so lets hear some advice from some that have ridden either or both.
Thanks in advance!

 

[880summitxrs]

Really Fn really? Your planning a trip a year in advance and want to know the snow conditions? Come on spend less time hear on SW and actullly head west!

 

[shelbwyo]

after riding the bighorns for two years never bank on there being powder. If i were you i would go to the snowies because even tho they have not had a recent storm there will be good riding and there is a lot of area up there with about everything to make your group happy. This year is a good year in the bighorns and it hasnt snowed good here in like 2-3 weeks atleast so its always unpredictable

 

[hoytshooter]

Really Fn really? Your planning a trip a year in advance and want to know the snow conditions? Come on spend less time hear on SW and actullly head west!

read the post man! im not asking for the conditions next year and I did just get back from out there...see where it says "been goin out there anually"? wtf? im asking which has a better chance and how easy it is to find in the big horns...basically im wanting some comparisions to the two places sorry to confuse you but thanks so much for the reply.

O and btw ...yea planning for next year! 2 of the guys that come with have to request vacation time 6 months prior to the time so we have to have a plan soon.

 

[hoytshooter]

Thanks for the reply shelbwyo....thats basically the answer I was looking for. Even last year the snow was terrible in west yellowstone but we were still able to find some good riding both north and south...heard its pretty hit and miss in the horns. My son went last year to the horns and said it was awesome but that was his 1st time out west so???

 

[benandmoose]

What about Togwotee? Not as close as the Horns are to you, but closer than West and Island. If the Horns are gettin snow you know Togwotee is tits deep, well at least thats how it was this year... Snowies are good as well... so many choices.. do you like lodges or do you just trailer? If you ski or board as well, Togwotee has lots of great terrain for that as well. Maybe try the Horns one trip then Tog the next, I would say its like apples and oranges, but then again if Togwotee/Union pass is getting snow like it did this year then screw the Horns come up here! Remember the continental divide stradles the wind river range/absarokas not the Big horn mountains, and continental divide means serious consistant snow... Hope this helps ya out, have fun out there!

 

[hoytshooter]

Yea your right benandmoose too many places to choose from. Im thinking wyoming next year, west gets so packed with sleds and I think its time for a change. Togwotee lodge looks nice but then the distance is the same for us...any ideas where 5 of us could stay for a week, weve been renting a very nice cabin just outside of west for years now but anything with a kitchen will work.

 

[w2bridin]

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I would say try a new place for sure! We have been trying new places for a few years and West yellowsone is my last choice only thing I like there is good night life. Tog and Island Park are both nice lots of area. If I were you coming from MN I would try Tog mtn. lodge i am sure it would be closer for you and get a guide for ATLEAST one day and you will have a great trip. I have been out there 3 times and still get a guide they just know where the powder is worth every penny! (MY OPINION) O and nothing wrong with the horns if you got some fresh snow to run on.

 

[CANNONMAN]

Time to expand your horizons and try Colorado. The Grand Mesa has the most perfect snow you will find, tons better thanthe Snowies It is a little farther, but you can leave your sleds with us and come out a few times. We have just what you are asking for. Been riding everyday for the last 3 weeks. Conditions are still perfect. You won't be disappointed here. Thanks