Me and a few guys are looking to make our 1st trip out west. We've narrowed it down but driving time to Cooke City and Winter Park or Rabbit Ears, CO.
Any suggestions? Cooke looks like the epitome of mountain riding. However, we are looking for a good mix of hills and bowls. Not to interested in making a Slednecks film just some good riding.
Thanks!
I don't know anything about Winter Park but have been to both Rabbit Ears and Cooke. Here is what I know in a nutshell:
Cooke - Has a lot more steep than Rabbit Ears. You can also ride right from town in Cooke. I think the town of Cooke is one of the coolest snowmobile towns I have been in. It is in the middle of nowhere and the people are great. I highly recommend staying at Antlers if you go. There are also fully stocked dealers in town for all of your parts needs.
Rabbit Ears - If you go to Rabbit Ears plan to stay in Kremmling and trailer back and forth (30 miles each way) each day. I think some people stay in Steamboat but it is a bit more expensive. As good as the riding might be I won't go back because I hated trailering back and forth. It also gets pretty busy on the weekends and the snow can get tracked up pretty quickly. I would compare Rabbit Ears to the Snowies. Another option might be Vail Pass but you'll also have to trailer. If you decide to go here head towards Buffalo Pass (direction of Steamboat).
Snowies - Awesome and the closest. Stay at Mountain Meadow Cabins. They don't have gas and you can't drive to to the cabin... but my favorite place. Centennial is 9 miles down the hill and they have a bar, restaurant and gas.
Big Horns - Don't know too much about the Horns. I hear it can be hit or miss as far as conditions.
Togwotee - Still haven't made it yet but going this year. It is consistently one of the highest rated destinations in Snowest Magazine. Pricey but worth it I am told.