Yellowstone advice and recommendations needed....

[daraidz]

Planning a trip for Feb 2013 with my wife where we will fly into Bozeman and will need to rent sleds. I've searched and found a couple choices (Jackson hole, and two top). Anybody have experience with either? I need to be able to rent a RMK 600 since we're thinking about buying one.

What about riding areas? Since its our first trip is the Park a "must see" experience? Wife has never ridden so I need to keep it easy...but I have to have at least 1-2 days outside the park so I can play a little. Are there areas that have beginner and intermediate riding so I can play while she still can watch and feel safe?

Any ideas or recommendations would be appreciated. Also trying to keep the cost down somewhat...the shuttle is $300 round trip. Might just rent a car. Thanks ahead of time for your input...also we're coming in from NorCal, are there other things to see/do in West Yellowstone that are worth it? How cold should we expect it? Sorry for rambling....

 

[Montana powderhound]

If youve never been to west there are trails all around west and you can ride in town just not on the two main highways in and out of west. there are plenty of easy riding areas just get a map and ask the locals at the sled shops, they even rent avy gear. which is very important any where you ride. just practice if you dont already know how to use it. The park is ok if youve never done it. I live in Bozeman and Ive never ridden a sled in the park and probably never will as they are anti snowmobile and I refuse to help keep the park open just so the greenies can enjoy it on their skis!! The fist day out just hit two top with your wife it has a little of everything. Im single now and if I dont have my kids I could play tour guide and show you more just send me a pm when your headed this way. Like I said I live in Bozeman. oh and Polaris west rents Polaris sleds tell Brandy , Rob in Bozeman sent you. good luck

 

[rilesman5]

I agree......two top is a great all around place to ride. Views are great and the snow generally is too. Can get a little crowded once in awhile but oh well. Also hit up wild west pizza in west Yellowstone its delicious. My two cents anyway. Oh and for a good place to check out on sleds hit up big springs on the island park side. Its cool to see.

 

[Team Wild]

Rental places to check out.

http://highmarkrentals.com/ These guys treated us good when I needed some repair work done.

http://winteryellowstone.com/

http://backcountry-adventures.com/

Of course in the park requires 4 stroke sleds (best available technology) and a guide.

http://www.karststage.com/ Maybe call this company to see if they have a shuttle to West from Bozeman.

Have fun.

 

[Pro-8250]

If youve never been to west there are trails all around west and you can ride in town just not on the two main highways in and out of west. there are plenty of easy riding areas just get a map and ask the locals at the sled shops, they even rent avy gear. which is very important any where you ride. just practice if you dont already know how to use it. The park is ok if youve never done it. I live in Bozeman and Ive never ridden a sled in the park and probably never will as they are anti snowmobile and I refuse to help keep the park open just so the greenies can enjoy it on their skis!! The fist day out just hit two top with your wife it has a little of everything. Im single now and if I dont have my kids I could play tour guide and show you more just send me a pm when your headed this way. Like I said I live in Bozeman. oh and Polaris west rents Polaris sleds tell Brandy , Rob in Bozeman sent you. good luck

My thoughts exactly on the park. daraidz if you take the snow coach through the park make sure to wear a disguise. You don't want to take a chance on being recognized and being labeled as A Dork.
OK seriously now. Another thought is, if your renting a 600 try renting an 800 for a day also. I think it would be fun to compare the two.

 

[jthussey]

West is a great place to take the wife sledding. So much riding to satisfy both your needs. There is all sorts of places to stay in West. If I'm staying there I usually stay at grey wolf inn. Free continental breakfast, hot tub, pool, sauna, good rates and ok bedrooms.

Like powderhound said, stop in polaris west and talk to brandy about rentals, but dont bring your wife in there because when she see's your boner, shes not going to be happy. My wife saw mine through my hmk pants.

 

[dtm8119]

Me and 2 other buddies will be using High Mark Rentals this Spring, mainly because we can rent 1 AC, 1 Polaris and 1 Ski-doo so we can compare/contrast this years 2013's!

 

[dtm8119]

Me and 2 other buddies will be using High Mark Rentals this Spring, mainly because we can rent 1 AC, 1 Polaris and 1 Ski-doo so we can compare/contrast this years 2013's!

Another place I've rented from 3 times without any issues..

http://www.twotopsnowmobile.com/rentals.htm

 

[RMKMAN44]

Hi mark rentals is the way to go. You wont find nicer people.

 

[1oldfart]

Yellowstone Trip

Not sure if you still looking for info, my 2 cents is: Hi Mark rentals is the way to go, I don't rent but I have set up rentals for lots of people and they are good to work with and will take care of you if you have a problem while out.

I also agree with other posts, I have never done the Park and don't plan on it as they are anti snowmobile, plus guides and rental 4 stroke sleds are required. If you really want to see the park consider doing it in a snow coach.

I carry avalanche gear, but if your sticking to, and on, the main trials there is plenty of safe riding. The trail system is well marked.

February is a great month to to make the trip, but can be very busy around Presidents weekend. There are lots of good places to stay, all snowmobile friendly, and lot of places to eat. If your planning on being there around Presidents weekend make your reservations early.

My wife and I will also be there in February for a week, followed by a week in Togwotee. I have made this trip many times and I still get excited talking about it.

 

[rmscustom]

Hi mark rentals is the way to go. You wont find nicer people.

Yep these guys in West Yellowstone.

 

[MT rydn]

I've rented out of W Yellowstone for 20 years. In my opinion you can't go wrong renting from all the rental places - I'm sure there are stories but overall a very well run / respectful snowmobile renters in WY.
If you are with your wife, a rookie, then trail system right there all you need. Head from town to Two Top and at the "Two Top" sign there are areas all around there, close to trail. And if not there during peak traffic weeks you can usually have decent fresh powder even close to trails. In the trees - people usually blow right past lots of fresh powder.
If is just going to be you and your wife, and you will be getting yourself unstuck, then maybe even consider a snowmobile jack. While some of these kits are meant to be mounted with hardware and you will be on rentals you can also use kwiktwists to hold them on the sled - this may be a pain as you are coming in by plane/ etc. At very least be sure you are packing shovel and consider a snow bungie - so you can pull your stuck sled out while she is throttling.
Then the obvious - have extra dry gloves / disposable heat peaks / water / snacks. You can rent all of your clothes there, sled from hotel to trails, good experience for wife and you. Consider lunch at Meadow Creek when out riding. Consider a day of skiing Big Sky.
Take snowcoach for trip in Park for sightseeing - yes it is a must see if you have never been. Snowmobiling in park is with guides.