How much snow is needed to ride?

[robgoggins]

Yes, I know it's a generic title/question.

My son and I are new to snowmobiling and live in the metro Twin Cities area. We're willing to drive 3-4 hours in any direction to find good snow and trails for a day or two of riding. I'm starting to navigate all the various ways to find snow depth information, trail info, club info, rider updates, etc. From what I can tell there's no good, central clearinghouse for all of this information - you have to seek it out piecemeal.

At a minimum I'd like to hear what you all look for in terms of the minimum amount of snow on the ground (per John's maps) before deciding you'll ride in that area. Based on other threads I've read on this board I totally understand "it depends", as there are many variables involved. But assuming all other variables are "typical" for a normal winter season, how many inches of snow would you like to see on the ground?

I'm trying to decide if we need to head all the way to Houghton/Hancock (well past our 4 hour target range) where there might be 30", or if we can make north/central MN work if there's 10" of snow on the ground. Again, just looking for a general answer to that particular question, although I'm sure it's tough. Thanks in advance.

 

[jr37]

Early in the season like this, snow depth really has nothing to do with riding conditions. You can have 10" on the ground in an area that has frozen ground/swamps and riding will be good. You can have 30" on the ground and the area doesn't have frozen ground/swamps, and the riding will be poor. This time of season it will really vary. As for me, I'd rather ride on a thin snow base before riding in mud.

 

[Tracker]

yes piece meal is how....what you do and u don't say how old yer son is cause that will matter in "THE TARGET AREA"....is this...you pick an area you know has snow more than anywhere else within your range you want....let say...and this area is always a hoot and has snow....is PRESQUE ISLE FOREST....theres the sub continental divide sign and area....theres trails and off trail...twisty and straight...snow always deeper than most...etc,....you use http://www.fishweb.com/recreation/snowmobile/trails/ and SKYVIEW SUPPER CLUB use as a base and use the cams...not working yet http://www.skyviewlodge.com/ and use JD cam

http://johndee.com/webcams/northwoods-cam-network/

which is called carlin now...name change maybe of skyview...

http://www.carlinclublodge.com/webcam/CarlinWebCam000.jpg

and as you see...its very rideable today...and no one goes there...then focus on cams of schools and colleges and whatnot in the target area....don't rely on any one here or online unless you get to know them personally....way too many wads these days....no one will give a straight answer....always vague...like Jr37 above....no dig JR...not dishing you.....personally I buy drinks in a target area at a local establishment and make friends with an old timer WHO I KNOW knows how to measure snow depth and probably doesn't ride any more...that's THE BEST way IMO...if you rely on one source you WILL get burned

PS another area that's sweet is by TOMOHAWK...the black river forest....its an absolute hoot to ride on groomed trails with ATVs and MOTORCYCLES in the winter and as you approach the forest each vehicle has a different groomed trail to take off on


as far as how low....patch to patch...just for lube....LOL

 

[whitedust]

Amount of snow on the ground not the way to do it. You can have 3 feet of snow in the woods & trails can be burned down to snirt. Check JD Area Conditions once the season gets rolling and you will get real time area trail reports. Snowtracks & others ok sites but only as good as reporter updates. Best source is real time feet on the ground which will happen here soon. For right now you have good snow in ND with grooming and the Keewee is going to get bombed this week but prolly needs time to work trail base. In WI Price, Iron and Vilas will be open by the 15th but not in great shape as JR37 said limited snow cover & swamps still setting up. You will get a feel for trail conditions with experience and riding trips you just know what to expect after awhile with traffic patterns and current weather conditions.

 

[groomerdriver]

Yes, I know it's a generic title/question.

My son and I are new to snowmobiling and live in the metro Twin Cities area. We're willing to drive 3-4 hours in any direction to find good snow and trails for a day or two of riding. I'm starting to navigate all the various ways to find snow depth information, trail info, club info, rider updates, etc. From what I can tell there's no good, central clearinghouse for all of this information - you have to seek it out piecemeal.

At a minimum I'd like to hear what you all look for in terms of the minimum amount of snow on the ground (per John's maps) before deciding you'll ride in that area. Based on other threads I've read on this board I totally understand "it depends", as there are many variables involved. But assuming all other variables are "typical" for a normal winter season, how many inches of snow would you like to see on the ground?

I'm trying to decide if we need to head all the way to Houghton/Hancock (well past our 4 hour target range) where there might be 30", or if we can make north/central MN work if there's 10" of snow on the ground. Again, just looking for a general answer to that particular question, although I'm sure it's tough. Thanks in advance.

Check your private messages....

- - - Updated - - -

Early in the season like this, snow depth really has nothing to do with riding conditions. You can have 10" on the ground in an area that has frozen ground/swamps and riding will be good. You can have 30" on the ground and the area doesn't have frozen ground/swamps, and the riding will be poor. This time of season it will really vary. As for me, I'd rather ride on a thin snow base before riding in mud.

OMG JR you are so vague!!! LOL!!

Your post is spot on JR.

 

[Modman440]

Going off snow alone is a horrible idea in my opionion. I have a cabin in trout lake MI and we've have 2 or 3 ft in the woods and fields and trails will be junk always remember swamps and low areas need to set up first. Im very lucky my aunt and uncle live in DA YOOP. Full time so I can get daily updates on trails from them. However find a local buisness that isn't pestered by you calling ask them what the riders are saying gas stations hotels. All those businesses are good ways to find out. Also you will see more people reporting on here soon!!!!

MOD

 

[GTL]

Seeing as how you live in the southwest metro-----------please don't overlook the areas south of you. Minnesota river valley areas can be sooooooooooooooooooo fun to ride and frequently have more snow/rideable area than some of the rest of the state.

 

[jr37]

Check your private messages....

- - - Updated - - -



OMG JR you are so vague!!! LOL!!

Your post is spot on JR.

I have been told before to elaborate a little. My answers are just short and to the point. Sorry, it's just who I am. But, I'm working on it.

 

[G]

You didn't say what kind of riders you were. Do you like trail or off trail. If I were just starting out I sure would not go to the zoo that is the UP of Mich on any winter weekend. Just too much trail traffic and you won't know any of the hidden good places. Hayward is within your range and there are endless miles to be ridden from there. John has several cams on this site to view that area. If there are sleds in the pics at the Lakewoods there is enough snow to ride. It will be a much quieter place to learn the ropes. A weekend in Houghton might be enough for you to sell the sleds and take up knitting.

 

[favoritos]

Freeze first, then snow makes a big difference. It takes much less snow once things freeze well.
These cold temps will help with riding.

We ride trails most of the time. I have seen some terrible conditions with lots of snow but higher temps.

Groomer operators can tell some amazing stories based on barely freezing conditions early in the season.

 

[zltim]

Yes, I know it's a generic title/question.

My son and I are new to snowmobiling and live in the metro Twin Cities area. We're willing to drive 3-4 hours in any direction to find good snow and trails for a day or two of riding. I'm starting to navigate all the various ways to find snow depth information, trail info, club info, rider updates, etc. From what I can tell there's no good, central clearinghouse for all of this information - you have to seek it out piecemeal.

At a minimum I'd like to hear what you all look for in terms of the minimum amount of snow on the ground (per John's maps) before deciding you'll ride in that area. Based on other threads I've read on this board I totally understand "it depends", as there are many variables involved. But assuming all other variables are "typical" for a normal winter season, how many inches of snow would you like to see on the ground?

I'm trying to decide if we need to head all the way to Houghton/Hancock (well past our 4 hour target range) where there might be 30", or if we can make north/central MN work if there's 10" of snow on the ground. Again, just looking for a general answer to that particular question, although I'm sure it's tough. Thanks in advance.

Here is a good Wi trail site. http://www.travelwisconsin.com/snowreport/snowmobile#/Report

 

[POLARISDAN]

You didn't say what kind of riders you were. Do you like trail or off trail. If I were just starting out I sure would not go to the zoo that is the UP of Mich on any winter weekend. Just too much trail traffic and you won't know any of the hidden good places. Hayward is within your range and there are endless miles to be ridden from there. John has several cams on this site to view that area. If there are sleds in the pics at the Lakewoods there is enough snow to ride. It will be a much quieter place to learn the ropes. A weekend in Houghton might be enough for you to sell the sleds and take up knitting.

hahahahhaha..grub..now dat der is funny

 

[POLARISDAN]

prob not a good idea to ride pile to pile like tracker, as he will ride on concrete also..

but like they said depends on how old your kid is..u can hit the hwy 7 ditch trail from st bonnie west very safely with not alot of snow, because it blows the ditches full..just good practice for newbs in ditch riding..remember mn ditches have huge farm culverts if you are riding non trail ditches, they wont be marked, so get some experience reading them first(they can kill)..also dont forget about driveway culverts..

all the carver snow runner trails run out by norwood, but in mn you have to have enough snow to get over the cornrows thru the fields, 8" minimum and they should start grooming to build the base

im in waconia so just west of you..dont waste time on the chaska trails..head further west and south to hwy 7..

thats the close stuff..3-4 hours can put you just about anywhere..trail cams, phone calls, and johns snow depth map..plus the area conditions thread should give you all the info you need..

pd

 

[robgoggins]

Hi everyone,

Thanks very much for all of the input. A few people asked what kind of riding we plan on doing. We are literally brand new to snowmobiling. About the only time I've spent any serious time on a sled was a few years ago out in Utah on a rental machine. It was a 2-3 hour guided ride in some great snow and hill/mountain areas. My son was with me on his own rental sled, and I think that was his first/only time on a machine. So we are true rookies. We are going out to Winter Park, CO in March and plan on doing some ~6 hour unguided snowmobile trips.

We purchased a new Ski-Doo MXZ 800 (2 stroke) for my son, and I purchased a new Ski-Doo Grand Touring 900 (4 stroke). I purchased the Grand Touring because: 1) I wanted a comfortable ride; and 2) my wife may go with us now and then and she wanted to be a passenger on a comfortable sled.

As for what kind of riding we plan on doing, in an ideal world I'd love to replicate the Utah experience around here...mountains, trees, hills, deep snow, less trail and more off-trail deep snow fun, etc. But I realize that may be a little optimistic in the Midwest. I'd be content to ride for ~3 hours in the morning on long and/or twisting trails (some scenery would be nice, but I'm not picky), hang out for a long lunch, then several hours of afternoon riding. I'd like to make sure we're off the trails at night as I hear the percentage of intoxicated riders goes up significantly after the sun goes down.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[chords]

Based on your orig question I didnt think you had any riding style yet and prob not interested in visiting local bars buying drinks. Just follow weather info available on here and NWS sites on an ongoing basis. . I've had best rides with 3 feet of snow, and other times with 3"

 

[whitedust]

Hi everyone,

Thanks very much for all of the input. A few people asked what kind of riding we plan on doing. We are literally brand new to snowmobiling. About the only time I've spent any serious time on a sled was a few years ago out in Utah on a rental machine. It was a 2-3 hour guided ride in some great snow and hill/mountain areas. My son was with me on his own rental sled, and I think that was his first/only time on a machine. So we are true rookies. We are going out to Winter Park, CO in March and plan on doing some ~6 hour unguided snowmobile trips.

We purchased a new Ski-Doo MXZ 800 (2 stroke) for my son, and I purchased a new Ski-Doo Grand Touring 900 (4 stroke). I purchased the Grand Touring because: 1) I wanted a comfortable ride; and 2) my wife may go with us now and then and she wanted to be a passenger on a comfortable sled.

As for what kind of riding we plan on doing, in an ideal world I'd love to replicate the Utah experience around here...mountains, trees, hills, deep snow, less trail and more off-trail deep snow fun, etc. But I realize that may be a little optimistic in the Midwest. I'd be content to ride for ~3 hours in the morning on long and/or twisting trails (some scenery would be nice, but I'm not picky), hang out for a long lunch, then several hours of afternoon riding. I'd like to make sure we're off the trails at night as I hear the percentage of intoxicated riders goes up significantly after the sun goes down.

Thanks again everyone!

Don't lsiten to tha BS if riders are going to drink they will drink day or night. Night riding can be difficult fixing anything in the dark & finding trail markers but some prefer night since they can see what is oncoming. You will have an adjustment to Midwest trails but nothing like groomed hard pack for a trail sled to perform on Twistys. You just need to visit multiple areas see what WI ,MN and UPMI have to offer from farm fields,groomed twistys to powder areas. Enjoy and have fun.

 

[1fujifilm]

yes piece meal is how....what you do and u don't say how old yer son is cause that will matter in "THE TARGET AREA"....is this...you pick an area you know has snow more than anywhere else within your range you want....let say...and this area is always a hoot and has snow....is PRESQUE ISLE FOREST....theres the sub continental divide sign and area....theres trails and off trail...twisty and straight...snow always deeper than most...etc,....you use http://www.fishweb.com/recreation/snowmobile/trails/ and SKYVIEW SUPPER CLUB use as a base and use the cams...not working yet http://www.skyviewlodge.com/ and use JD cam

http://johndee.com/webcams/northwoods-cam-network/

which is called carlin now...name change maybe of skyview...

http://www.carlinclublodge.com/webcam/CarlinWebCam000.jpg

and as you see...its very rideable today...and no one goes there...then focus on cams of schools and colleges and whatnot in the target area....don't rely on any one here or online unless you get to know them personally....way too many wads these days....no one will give a straight answer....always vague...like Jr37 above....no dig JR...not dishing you.....personally I buy drinks in a target area at a local establishment and make friends with an old timer WHO I KNOW knows how to measure snow depth and probably doesn't ride any more...that's THE BEST way IMO...if you rely on one source you WILL get burned

PS another area that's sweet is by TOMOHAWK...the black river forest....its an absolute hoot to ride on groomed trails with ATVs and MOTORCYCLES in the winter and as you approach the forest each vehicle has a different groomed trail to take off on


as far as how low....patch to patch...just for lube....LOL

Freekin classic, I remember when I was a youngster in the early spring I would point out to my parents any large areas of snow that did not melt yet and say "I could ride on that". It's all about cooling the slides.

Bear

 

[Tracker]

Hi everyone,

Thanks very much for all of the input. A few people asked what kind of riding we plan on doing. We are literally brand new to snowmobiling. About the only time I've spent any serious time on a sled was a few years ago out in Utah on a rental machine. It was a 2-3 hour guided ride in some great snow and hill/mountain areas. My son was with me on his own rental sled, and I think that was his first/only time on a machine. So we are true rookies. We are going out to Winter Park, CO in March and plan on doing some ~6 hour unguided snowmobile trips.

We purchased a new Ski-Doo MXZ 800 (2 stroke) for my son, and I purchased a new Ski-Doo Grand Touring 900 (4 stroke). I purchased the Grand Touring because: 1) I wanted a comfortable ride; and 2) my wife may go with us now and then and she wanted to be a passenger on a comfortable sled.

As for what kind of riding we plan on doing, in an ideal world I'd love to replicate the Utah experience around here...mountains, trees, hills, deep snow, less trail and more off-trail deep snow fun, etc. But I realize that may be a little optimistic in the Midwest. I'd be content to ride for ~3 hours in the morning on long and/or twisting trails (some scenery would be nice, but I'm not picky), hang out for a long lunch, then several hours of afternoon riding. I'd like to make sure we're off the trails at night as I hear the percentage of intoxicated riders goes up significantly after the sun goes down.

Thanks again everyone!

ok....out west...don't do unguided yet IMO....have you studied which faces develop avys more? do you know how to spot an avy hill? will you 2 ride with the avy bags? and having been both many times ....THERE IS NOTHING SIMILAR here like out west....2 totally different worlds and hazards....do guided out west until YOUR ABSOLUTELY SURE you have enough raisins to be like a mountain man on TV if any situation arises....IMO you need more practice before taking on MOUNT FUJI by youselves...and theres snow cookies can kill you....so can the animals....more than the Midwest...see it looks like a bunny hill don't it

and the riding you like....you would love the BWCA and the GUNFLINT TRAIL area....Presque isle area....and the area around the Mississippi from like MANLIUS ILLINOIS to ROCK RIVER and then northward riding the bluffs of the Mississippi likie someone else suggested....all lesser traveled and peoples...also another remote area....THE BACKWOODS MOTEL in NELMA and the forest its in....no one goes in there...they all skirt around it on trail 45 and 17...go play in there

 

[durphee]

First off, welcome to sleddin! Its great that you and your son have an activity that you guys can enjoy together. Everyone was a rookie at some point and asking questions is the way to go, heck even seasoned veterans can always use some good advice. Pick multiple areas and try them out. I like to ride all different kinds of terrain from twistys, to straight fast runs to unplowed loggin roads, there's no one best type of riding. Its your time and money, do what you like. Night time riding is actually really enjoyable, its also easier to see sleds coming. As far as the drunks there's plenty on the trail during the day! If you can get away during the week the trails are significantly less traveled. Have fun, be safe and enjoy!

 

[ezra]

but like they said depends on how old your kid is..u can hit the hwy 7 ditch trail from st bonnie west very safely with not alot of snow, because it blows the ditches full..just good practice for newbs in ditch riding..remember mn ditches have huge farm culverts if you are riding non trail ditches, they wont be marked, so get some experience reading them first(they can kill)..also dont forget about driveway culverts..


pd

lol I was going to tell him same thing prob always my first test spot of the season . but for first time riders did not want to get in to culvert warnings and crow crossings