Riding Next Week (Horns or Snowies)

[sledhead1125]

So a group of four of us from Wisconsin have a trip planned next week (our 1st day to ride is the 8th). We usually ride the Snowies but the snow isn't looking to real good so we were thinking of changing it up and going to the Horns. We have never ridden there before so is there a decent guide service around or would anybody be willing to take us around? Not looking for all of you secret places just don't wanna get lost or spend all of our time looking for decent riding. Two of us have been riding the mountains for the last 5 years or so and two are newbies (one guy would need a rental). We will be bringing a Pro RMK, Supercharged Nytro and a Nytro XTX.

Is the norther part of the big horns better than the south? To cut down on driving probably would like to stay on the east side of the hill unless there is a better option.

Open to suggestions.

Thanks guys.

 

[shelbwyo]

The last weeks weather has made the horns pretty poor riding for now... A big storm is suppose to roll through wednesday and thursday with a foot and a half forcasted, with lots of wind. Beyond that more snow is forcasted, what we get between now and when you get here is going to make or break the trip imo. If you are looking for guide services bear lodge has a guide service, and is a great place to stay as well. They are about a mile from burgess junction. Im sure that someone would be able to show you around as well if you want to take that route. I will be up that weekend to so might run into you. As far as north/south horns, the south is good to ride, but as far as i know there is not enough snow there yet.

 

[polaris dude]

Whats all open in the south as far as food, gas, and places to stay?

 

[deep_doo]

your ghoing to want to stay away from the south horns the snow is almost always better on the north end and the lodging is also better . i dont think yhou can even get gas on the south end . I could be wrong about that though.

 

[shelbwyo]

The south end does have two places to stay, but i would recommend Deer Haven lodge because you can ride right from the lodge. YES there is fuel at Meadowlark, across the lake from the ski resort which is also going to be open this year. Stayed once at last year with a group of friends and i had a good time, got a little cabin that wasnt to pricy and the food was good, they also have a bar there. The owners own both the lodges on that side of the mountain including the ski resort. Here is there website http://www.lodgesofthebighorns.com/...

As far as riding the south end, i dont think its quite ready yet. I would rather ride the north end this early.

 

[Big D rmk700]

If you are going to the big horns pretty sure if you have riden in the mountains before you are not going to need a guide service, pretty open compared to a lot of other places!!!

 

[t30mg]

If you are going to the big horns pretty sure if you have riden in the mountains before you are not going to need a guide service, pretty open compared to a lot of other places!!!

I don't think a guide is specifically to keep you from getting lost, a $80 gps can do that.

What your cheap GPS cant do though is take you to the sweet spots were the deep powder is. This is were the guide or local boy earns his money.

Time and time again I have heard people say they road the Horns and the snow was beat down and blown hard. That same day, some local will post pics of powder carving an un-tracked meadow, or trenched out thigh to waist deep in some trees.

So you pay 600-1000 bucks for fuel, lodging, food, ect, to come from flatland to ride early season. What's another 150-200 bucks to have someone show you were the good snow is so you don't get home and say "Snow sucked, we should have waited!"

 

[Big D rmk700]

I know what you are saying about a guide being able to take you to the sweet spots and can get you to the best snow, however I believe that you can find some pretty good riding in the horns by yourself if you take the time to explore a little. I am not agaisnt a guide in fact I guided out of west yellowstone for three years!

 

[sledhead1125]

usually I am all for exploring but with only three days to ride this trip I just want to get to the "good" snow right away. We aren't going to decide where we are headed until probably monday but if we do head to the big horns and somebody would like to show us around just shoot me a pm and let me know. Does anybody know if the RV hook up sites at Bear Lodge are available during the winter? we are thinking of bringing my buddy's rv.

 

[shelbwyo]

Ya i think they are pretty easy to navigate also, but i see what your saying about wanting to get to the good right away. I think a guide service would be good, unless you can find someone from around here to show you the area... I know bear lodge has hook ups for campers, but not sure how it works, i would call them and ask them about it. I know a couple people on here have a camper they leave up there all winter.