How to go about planning a trip out west

[Polarice]

I've been contemplating doing this for a while now. The way that I would like to do it is to fly and rent a car and sleds.

I live in Ohio and it takes us about 22 hours to get to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, so flying would be much more practical for only riding a couple of days.

I was thinking of just doing like 2 days of riding. I'll have to hire a guide too.

Has anyone done something like this before? I really am not sure where to start. How much are sleds to rent and guides? What is the best state to ride in? The best place to stay?

Thanks

 

[pez]

I am not saying that my way was the best way.....but here is what I did.

talked about it for 3 years with friends, family and riding buddies

talked about it again and read the Johndee.com web site

looked at pictures on the Johndee.com website

visited the Togwotee booth at the snowmobile show for two years

talked about it again until the wife said, " why don't you just do it"

called 866.278.4245 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting**************866.278.4245******end_of_the_skype_highlighting asked a bunch of questions.

called 866.278.4245 the next day and booked.

since last week, all I can do is think about what to pack now....what helmet do I bring, am I going to be challenged enough, what do I do at night....etc.

So my advice, just take the plunge, fly out there, rent from them and do the all inclusive. At least the first time.

 

[Admin]

Togwotee is a great place to go if you want to fly in, rent sleds and have a guide. You fly into Jackson (direct flights in from all over the country), the lodge sends down a courtesy van to pick you up (just have to tip the driver) and bring you to the lodge (40 minute trip). Then the lodge has a rental fleet that includes trail sleds and mountain sleds. They also have guides that will take you out. You can pay extra for your own guide or go out with other groups for free. There is food and drink at the lodge and then when your trip is over, they take you back to the airport (again, no charge but for the driver's tip) and you fly home.

If you are looking for an easy to book, all inclusive out-west snowmobile trip, I don't think you can do better than this. There are many other options for western riding, some that are less expensive, but will require a lot more leg work on your part to coordinate lodging, food, transportation, sled rental, guide, etc.

-John

 

[Dave_B]

Jason
Talk to polarisrider1. He has been out there many times and could also offer you some options similar to those John suggested. He is going this weekend on an all inclusive and tried to con me into going with but I can't make it. He had two spots open last time I talked to him if you want to do a last minute up and go trip.
Dave

 

[cuzzinolaf]

Like John said, do Tog. No stress and everything is taken care of for you. If you like it you can then buy a mountain sled, trailer all over the US and be a freak like the rest of us.

 

[Polarice]

I ended up calling Togwotee. It would cost $831 for three nights in the lodge with breakfast and dinner. That includes the transportation to and from the airport. Airfare for me would be about $250.

I was thinking of going on the March 9-11.

So are you in Dave?

 

[Dave_B]

I ended up calling Togwotee. It would cost $831 for three nights in the lodge with breakfast and dinner. That includes the transportation to and from the airport. Airfare for me would be about $250.

I was thinking of going on the March 9-11.

So are you in Dave?

LOL

I think I will wait till next year. I got the sled and ability, just need more rubber. 1.25" wouldn't cut it. PR1 seems to have some prices a smidge lower than those too!

Have fun if you go! Hopefully, I'll be in the UP. If you don't go west, let me know!

Dave

 

[raco_guy]

I did it!

I did exactly as cuzzinloaf said. Went out West for the first time with my Renegade last year....went with a group of "experienced" people who at least knew what they were doing. This year I'm heading out with my new Summit. Way I figure it, I'm becoming more of a "specialized" rider, meaning with all the competing things for my time like family, work, limited vacation, etc, coupled with the variable snow conditions throughout the course of the year, I've concluded that it makes sense for me to plan on 3 or 4 "special" trips out West or to the UP vs. trying to ride more times, but have to settle for mediocre conditions- this is coming from a guy who owns the perfect setup in the eastern UP. Bottomline is, I tried it once, and have jumped in both feet to change my thought process on what I want to get out of my snowmobile experience... quantity or quality? You will love the "out west" experience!

 

[Polarice]

LOL

I think I will wait till next year. I got the sled and ability, just need more rubber. 1.25" wouldn't cut it. PR1 seems to have some prices a smidge lower than those too!

Have fun if you go! Hopefully, I'll be in the UP. If you don't go west, let me know!

Dave

I think I forgot to mention that those prices included sled rental for 2 days. That could be why it's a bit higher.

It takes up so much time to drive there that I think it would save a lot of time to play more renting sleds and flying there.

Although when I eventually get a long track sled that may change

 

[polarisrider1]

I ended up calling Togwotee. It would cost $831 for three nights in the lodge with breakfast and dinner. That includes the transportation to and from the airport. Airfare for me would be about $250.

I was thinking of going on the March 9-11.

So are you in Dave?

You and Dave put it on your to do list. I will set it up for you. Sounds like you 2 will want to rent sleds. We can fly in like "Rock stars", drink the mimosa's and have James run us up to the lodge. I will ship my sled out. Let me know when you guys are thinking. Polarice you want to do Island Park? leaving this Friday. you can rent a 600 summit for $165 a day or a 800 summit for $185 a day. we got room. One money, ride with smurfrider and I. get your own bed and meals included. We have a very nice newer Chalet rented with hot tub and 3 flat screen tv's. (really roughing it). lol If you want to bring your sled no extra charge. we will be gone from this Friday afternoon until the following Saturday. We have Mrs. Mom cooking and she is a great cook.

 

[Polarice]

You and Dave put it on your to do list. I will set it up for you. Sounds like you 2 will want to rent sleds. We can fly in like "Rock stars", drink the mimosa's and have James run us up to the lodge. I will ship my sled out. Let me know when you guys are thinking. Polarice you want to do Island Park? leaving this Friday. you can rent a 600 summit for $165 a day or a 800 summit for $185 a day. we got room. One money, ride with smurfrider and I. get your own bed and meals included. We have a very nice newer Chalet rented with hot tub and 3 flat screen tv's. (really roughing it). lol If you want to bring your sled no extra charge. we will be gone from this Friday afternoon until the following Saturday. We have Mrs. Mom cooking and she is a great cook.

I would like to and appreciate the invite. I really do want to go, and this season. Give me some other dates. I just need some time to plan ahead and work out my schedule at work. Sometimes I wish that I could retire at 32 lol!

 

[snoluver1]

LOL

I think I will wait till next year. I got the sled and ability, just need more rubber. 1.25" wouldn't cut it. PR1 seems to have some prices a smidge lower than those too!

Have fun if you go! Hopefully, I'll be in the UP. If you don't go west, let me know!

Dave

I have ridden all over the west with a 136x1.25". I just upgraded to a massive 141x1.5". Put your big boy pants on and do it. Plenty of fun to be had on a shorty. (Actualy more fun if you ask me, but I'm a bit different than the average bear)

 

[Dave_B]

I have ridden all over the west with a 136x1.25". I just upgraded to a massive 141x1.5". Put your big boy pants on and do it. Plenty of fun to be had on a shorty. (Actualy more fun if you ask me, but I'm a bit different than the average bear)

That's what PR1 told me. I just can't make it this weekend and I would love to have more bite when I do go. I don't like to get left behind and/or hold up other people by getting stuck. If the UP doesn't get more snow soon, I may have to invest in an 1.5 and sign up for the next adventure. I do not want to rent a sled!

 

[Polarice]

That's what PR1 told me. I just can't make it this weekend and I would love to have more bite when I do go. I don't like to get left behind and/or hold up other people by getting stuck. If the UP doesn't get more snow soon, I may have to invest in an 1.5 and sign up for the next adventure. I do not want to rent a sled!

If you wouldn't rent a sled, how much would it cost to ship yours if you fly in? That is a heck of a drive to bring a sled. $200 per day (includes a topped off tank of gas and oil(all the oil you need when you're with the guide)) is worth it I'd say unless you're staying more than a few days.

 

[Dave_B]

If you wouldn't rent a sled, how much would it cost to ship yours if you fly in? That is a heck of a drive to bring a sled. $200 per day (includes a topped off tank of gas and oil(all the oil you need when you're with the guide)) is worth it I'd say unless you're staying more than a few days.

I would go with Wayne. He has the whole system set up. Sleds get hauled out via truck. You can ride in it, if there's room, or you can fly or drive. Plus he has the lodging all pre-arranged along with meals for a really good price. Like I said, maybe next year.

 

[RevKev]

I would go with Wayne. He has the whole system set up. Sleds get hauled out via truck. You can ride in it, if there's room, or you can fly or drive. Plus he has the lodging all pre-arranged along with meals for a really good price. Like I said, maybe next year.

Wayne, and myself haul our sleds and ourselves out Via http://www.momsmotorsports.com They are leaving the end of March for Togwotee, ride in the semi, or have them haul your sled and gear, and you fly out and meet up with your sled and gear. Price to haul a sled is around $375, round trip, thats just over the price of a days rental. Give Rick a call, for more info, his number is on their web site.

 

[polarisrider1]

Wayne, and myself haul our sleds and ourselves out Via http://www.momsmotorsports.com They are leaving the end of March for Togwotee, ride in the semi, or have them haul your sled and gear, and you fly out and meet up with your sled and gear. Price to haul a sled is around $375, round trip, thats just over the price of a days rental. Give Rick a call, for more info, his number is on their web site.

Nice part about riding in the semi is you get to sleep laying flat and you can stand up and move around. Hard to do either in a car, plane or pickup. Did I mention you don't have to do any of the driving either.

 

[ef6efi]

DON'T GO, it is way more addicting than crack. the first time I went I had an f6 with a 128x13.5x1.38, I spent alot of time stuck, but it was my riding more than the sled, and I still had alot of fun, one of the more experienced riders rode it one day and went everywhere he wanted to go. within a month of coming back I had a crossfire7, rode that last year with the 136x1.25 had a blast, this year it has a 2 inch paddle on it, leaving the 12th and I can't wait.

 

[polarisrider1]

We are "junkies" Kev was in denial until he got the RMK Pro. 155x2.4x15 is all you will ever need, and an 800 or larger, and a turbo, or NOS, and everything Klim, HMK or motorfist, and , and, and. The serious hardcore Mtn. junkies have a new mtn. sled in the back of their 20-25 yr. old truck and live on friends couches. Priorities.

 

[squirellchaser]

The part about the crack is very true. The first time i took a hit of the POW POW was a trip to visit a so called friend in the snowies, snoluver can vouch for this one. Rented for a week had some of the biggest pos mustard bottles on the mountain(guy we rented from didnt take care of his stuff) said id never go back because getting stuck sucked. But just like any good crack addict i went back for another hit this time with my own sled (05 summit 800 151) now its when ever i can go i go even if it means pissing the wife off and not talking for the week your gone. And even the weekend trip to the snowies with snoluver cause it was getting cold out and the throttle thumb was itching. YOU WILL DO WHAT EVER IT TAKES TO GET YOUR FIX ONCE IT GETS A HOLD OF YOU. Just a warning.