We rode in the West once - a few years back - and stayed at the Turpin Meadow Lodge, which is 8 miles by trail from the Togwotee Lodge. That's the only area I know. We had such a great time I don't even know if I'd consider going anywhere else, but what are the other choices available for riding in the mountains? I could name a few but don't know anything about them. We would like to go out again possible this year or more likely next and would like to do the trip as cheaply as possible, however we will be renting sleds (don't think it's worth it to extend our 121" sleds for a 4-5 day trip) and it seems like a guide is a necessity, at least with our experience level. There will likely be three of us, and we will likely drive from the greater Chicagoland area and ride for 4 days and drive back. Would like to go someplace where 3 guys can drive to in 18-20 hours (say leave after work, drive through the night and get there in the early evening the next day). We don't mind taking shortcuts on lodging or food, or stay someplace where we need to drive a short distance in the car each day to get to the snow if some money can be saved, but don't want to sacrifice on the riding experience. Perhaps the all inclusive packages at Turpin or Togwotee can't be beat, but I'm interested in everyone's thoughts.
Pros and Cons and Comparisons of different places to ride in the West
- Thread starter Hoosier
- Start date
wyoming
Went out to tog 2 years ago and stayed at heart 6 guest ranch. It was cheaper than the other 2 but still offered rentals and guides.Couldn't ride from door but was only 1 or 2 mile drive to where the sleds were parked. We had are own sleds , so i don't know the cost for rentals.
Last year went to bear lodge in the big horns. they offer rentals and guides and have a hotel ,cabins and duplexes. The lodging was very reasonable and conditions were great. You ride right from the lodge here.
I have went to the snowys before and stayed in centennial. I know rentals are availible, just not shure of the buisnesses names.Here you have to trailer a little ways to be close to the best snow. Getting gas on the mountain can also be a problem so you have to plan ahead. The snowys are the closest and probably the cheapest place to go.
I would go back to all 3, but bear lodge is my favorite right now.
Went out to tog 2 years ago and stayed at heart 6 guest ranch. It was cheaper than the other 2 but still offered rentals and guides.Couldn't ride from door but was only 1 or 2 mile drive to where the sleds were parked. We had are own sleds , so i don't know the cost for rentals.
Last year went to bear lodge in the big horns. they offer rentals and guides and have a hotel ,cabins and duplexes. The lodging was very reasonable and conditions were great. You ride right from the lodge here.
I have went to the snowys before and stayed in centennial. I know rentals are availible, just not shure of the buisnesses names.Here you have to trailer a little ways to be close to the best snow. Getting gas on the mountain can also be a problem so you have to plan ahead. The snowys are the closest and probably the cheapest place to go.
I would go back to all 3, but bear lodge is my favorite right now.
My in-laws have a cabin in Southern Utah near Brian Head Ski Resort. We have an absolute blast every time we ride there. There is all kinds of lodging and Thunder Mountain rentals seem fair to deal with..(they service my father-in-laws machines)
http://www.brianheadthunder.com/index.aspx
http://www.brianheadthunder.com/index.aspx
polarisrider1
New member
Pros and Cons? That is tough to do. Every place has something for someone. I could care less about taking pics or riding trails. I guess those places would be cons to me. Riding within minutes from your room without trailering with a "True" off trail guide to me is a major plus. Gas, good food and a back up plan is a plus. It all depends on what you want. Your Pros can be someone elses cons. Tough question. To some the cost is a con. It is a vacation after all and you get what you pay for in the western riding scene. It is how well you can turn a con into a pro that matters.
Firecatguy
New member
very well said..........I agree 100%......
cuzzinolaf
Well-known member
I have never had a guide and have always had a blast. Some say it is a must and I will say I disagree. Not that I don't mind having one but if I can do a trip for less than half without a guide I'm all in for an additional trip. We figured it out and can do a COMPLETE trip to the Snowies for under $450... gas for truck and sleds, cabin, food, etc.
polarisrider1
New member
Cuzz, both you and I know that you would have a blast on a snow pile in the middle of a plowed parking lot. That's how you roll and that's great. But I will get you on a guided trip with Say........ Carter. and you would have a whole different view. You get what you pay for. The problem with the $450 trip is it takes me 2 days truck travel each way to ride sleds for 3 days, that is a con for me. If I ever get you guys to Togwotee ,Smurfrider and I will pay for the guide. It is like the NAPA commercial says, "Get the good stuff". and that's why I believe in a guide. If "wintertime" didn't take you and I into his "backyard" to play at the JD ride in, I would not of had a clue where to start in the Keewenaw. I do stand on my post of 7-30-10 as a pretty good answer.
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Firecatguy
New member
he dont know what he is missing........carter for President!!!!!!
cuzzinolaf
Well-known member
Beginners!
Firecatguy
New member
man you have a great opportunity i think Wayne said he would pay.......I will go Wayne if Keith dont.....LOL
polarisrider1
New member
I think he thinks that a "Guide" is more like the guides you get on a bus trip to Disney land. Far from it. I find it a ton more fun if you are not worried about getting lost. The guides are trained in servival, first aid,etc. and know the areas very well. I will pay for Keith. (His bride won't release him the money!) lol. Well, I am off to get 4 more stamps in my HD Passport, gotta run!
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cuzzinolaf
Well-known member
I am not saying a having a guide wouldn't be great. I know it takes away from the stress of finding good places to play, safety, etc. I know because I'm usually the one out front.
I am saying that it isn't a must to have a good time. We have never had a problem finding awesome riding and untracked snow without a guide.
I am saying that it isn't a must to have a good time. We have never had a problem finding awesome riding and untracked snow without a guide.
cuzzinolaf
Well-known member
46 more times
Ohh, a count! Where's indy?
Cuzz, how many people is that based on?
cuzzinolaf
Well-known member
It is an estimate... but based on 4.
These are Andy's figures in a recent email about our Snowies trip.
$150.00 travel fuel (2000 miles/10 miles per gal = 200 gal x $3.00/gal = $600/4 = $150.00)
$150.00 lodging ($120/night + tax = $150.00? x 4 nights = $600/4 people per cabin = $150.00 each)
$ 50.00 food (meals in, and budgeted)
$ 90.00 sled fuel (10 gal/day x $3.00/gal x 3 days = $90.00)