What to expect in Cooke city around beginning of january

[biggdaddy]

Myself and my riding group our going to Cooke city early in January for the Cooke city shoot out. Just wondering if there is anything that we should be making sure that we see and anything that don't worry about seeing. This is our first trip to Cooke and just trying to make sure we see and do everything we can we are going to be there for five days of riding. I know we don't know exactly what to expect weather wise but what is it traditionally like the first two weeks of january and we have riders in our group from beginner to excellent. Is there riding for all levels and is there ways around some of the hardest hill ect. Also we have a variety of sleds going the smallest being M7 162 track sleds will this be enough sled for riding back at Cooke. I just want to say thanks for all replys any info would be greatful.

 

[151Viper]

The snow is usually unstable early in the year so watch out for that. You should have no trouble getting around if a 162 is the smallest sled. We get around with a lot less than that. We usually head out in mid to late January and have had great snow many times.

 

[KSH]

If your going for 5 days of riding, you will be able to see every thing first timers can see. Try to hook up with someone if you want to see more.
Also try to see the Top Of The World Area.

KSH

 

[Impatientforsnow]

Avy danger is usually extreme this time of year so please make sure you have some type of avy trainning under your belt. and no one!//no one !!should be ridding without avy beacons..not to scare you but I ride cooke probably 60+ days a year and when we run into a group and start BSing and the avy thing comes up always about 1/2 of them dont have beacons..

 

[WYsteph]

This was the shootout two years ago. My riding partners didnt have there sleds ready so they had to use backups, not a good time for that. Visibility was about 20 feet. Powder seemed to be about the same

 

[biggdaddy]

Rider level ?

THank you for the imput but still have a question of will the beginner and intermediate riders be able to ride most places and get around or is this a area that is more for just experienced riders. Thanks again.

 

[WYrider]

I don't see why inexperianced riders can't ride cook. They may not be able to do the things others may do but they should be able to get to where they need to go. Almost anything you will be doing will be on a hill though. There are some lakes to play on if it snows good the night before.

 

[bobback]

My first trip to Cooke I had only been sledding about 5x and went with 5 others who were more experiences; needless to say I was a little intimidated/hesitant to go.

All went well for me as there is all types of riding. You get to a big play area, and there are all different levels of riding available, so I wouldn't worry about the level of riding...that is as long as someone somewhat knows the area.

 

[biggdaddy]

Just checking it out

I am asking this because my son who is 15 says he does not think he wants to go now and I think it is he has seen some hardcore videos on YouTube and such. He is a really good rider on a M7 162 I think he just needs to hear from people that have been so he feels better about going. Thanks for all replys.

 

[BIGGDAWG]

I don't think he will have a problem. like others have said there is all types of riding there and with a capable sled he shouldn't have any trouble. not saying if you look a little that you can't find a little trouble once in a while

 

[KSH]

I am asking this because my son who is 15 says he does not think he wants to go now and I think it is he has seen some hardcore videos on YouTube and such. He is a really good rider on a M7 162 I think he just needs to hear from people that have been so he feels better about going. Thanks for all replys.

If he likes to play on some smaller hills and in the tree's he will have lots of places to "have fun".

 

[146ev]

He will be fine we've rode out there with a couple of 15,16 year olds and they held their own one had only gone west once before this being his second trip the other very experienced so he will do fine.

 

[roughrider99]

if your son is fully capable of riding a 162 m7 then he's fully capable of riding out in cooke.

 

[powderbound]

Second that If he can ride a 162 m7 with moderate skill he will do fine.

 

[Scott]

Deeeep powder.

 

[BIGGDAWG]

Deeeep powder.

i second that. we always have good snow when we go that time of year

 

[007]

As of right now the Cooke City Shoot Out/Hillclimb is set for December 30th. Last year the snow and wind caused the visibilty to be so bad we canceled the show. It pretty much snows everyday that time of year just depends on if it lets up for day or so.

Carry a GPS and a map of the area, I know alot of people think it is a small riding area and they cant get turned around. Start out by checking out the trails and where they head and end and make loops from there always watching where you came from. Like once you go over daisy look over your shoulder now and again to keep direction.

Also don't know where your staying, but check in with a gas station or pretty much any place of business out there for the Avy conditions. They have a copy of the daily report on the counter.

As stated before proper Avy gear and awareness is the key.

One more thing and I will shut up, its not a bad idea to pick a area that you would like to ride or try and maybe tell your motel or who ever your staying with the direction that your heading for the day.

Be safe and have fun.

I will see you there!

 

[biggdaddy]

Thanks for the info

Just want to say thanks again we all have avy beacon, shovels, and probes. We are looking forward to going on this trip. Look forward to seeing everyone there. One last question what's the easiest gps to operate that would be good I am not a real computer savy guy so the easiest one to operate would be a great help. Thanks again.