Where to go Dec 26th thru New Years

[chicagosledder]

I along with my buddy and our two teenage kids are planning on coming out there on Dec 26th thru New Years to ride. With that being said the million dollar question is where can you ride. The boys are new to the out west trip but have been riding for years. Is there anyone who can recommend a place with good off trail riding. I am not interested in riding trails unless they take us to the powder. I rode Hanhs Peak last year and it was great, the only problem is they are in dire need of snow. I want to keep the drive under 20 hours if possible. Obviously I am looking for conditions, any input is appreciated.

 

[capulin overdrive]

Really no weather on the horizon until this time next week, so that's adding a week just see if anywhere gets filled in more.




As is, Wolf Creek is probably the safest bet if You're ready to pull the trigger. Wolf will have skier competition for lodging, so there's that.




Other option is to ride it out and see what gets filled in by then. Run the risk of lodging trouble, but seems like you'd be able to make it work as long as you're not in a place with skiers?

 

[CO Powder]

That is three weeks away and still qualifies as "early season" around here. I don't think you stand a chance of making Wolf Creek in 20 hours from Chicago, it is a good 5-6 hours from Denver.


Nobody has enough snow yet to claim great pow riding. We are all waiting around to see the snow fall. I could have ridden nearly every day for the ;last couple of weeks but it would be strictly trail rides. Taking one Sunday though to break in my buddies new 154 T3.


I agree with the above, as long as you are not trying to stay in a ski town, you should be able to find lodging.

 

[chicagosledder]

I checked Wolf Creek on Google and it shows that I can make it in 18 hours. I would be willing to make the drive if the snow is there. I was looking at the Grand Mesa area as well anyone have input on that place this year? I could care less about staying where night life is, I am the only one that has an occasional beer and I barely drink. Thanks for the responses guys I appreciate it.

 

[glmtnapex]

I left the following post on another thread. Shorter drive than Wolf Creek. We have snow, snowing now as a matter of fact.


Grand Lake.

We have good snow for early December. You can legally ride your sled in town on the streets and to the trails, (although I'm not sure the town trail is open yet). 2 hour drive from Denver (normally). Very well groomed trails with plenty of off-trail ridding. Big rental fleet if you need a machine. Polaris dealer right outside of town, Skidoo/Artic Cat Dealer in Granby (15 miles). Good map with plenty of on-Trail Markers.

Look up Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce for places to stay, but if you have a larger group, we have lots of second home owners who rent nice houses, some right on the trail or easy access to it.

Snowest Magazine just picked Grand Lake as the best place to ride in Colorado.

If you do end up in Grand Lake, look me up at The Rapids Lodge/Restaurant, I'll buy you a Shirley Temple and maybe we can swap some riding stories. Max