Togwotee Lodge reservations...
- Thread starter techsledder
- Start date
Firecatguy
New member
oh ya
Olsman,
we all still hit the UP when the BIG snow hits-- makes time passs between trips!!!lol
Olsman,
we all still hit the UP when the BIG snow hits-- makes time passs between trips!!!lol
Green Bay:
Date: November 13th Friday or November 14th Saturday
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Green Bay 1015 Lombardi Ave Green Bay, WI 54304
920-405-0400
Wolf Meeting Room
**Within a block of the Snowmobile USA Show in Shopko Hall Nov 13 &14.
Time: Friday 6-10pm, Saturday 9am-1pm
To sign up: Email Mike Duffy: duffyww1@aol.com or call 970-390-9433
Madison:
Date: November 12th Thursday
Location: The Engelhart Center. 1589 Greenway Cross Madison, WI 53713. www.engelhart.com
Time: Thursday 6-10pm
To sign up: Email Shawn Kelly: shawn@engelhart.com or call 608-204-0149
Four hour avalanche awareness, avoidance and rescue class.
Date: November 13th Friday or November 14th Saturday
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Green Bay 1015 Lombardi Ave Green Bay, WI 54304
920-405-0400
Wolf Meeting Room
**Within a block of the Snowmobile USA Show in Shopko Hall Nov 13 &14.
Time: Friday 6-10pm, Saturday 9am-1pm
To sign up: Email Mike Duffy: duffyww1@aol.com or call 970-390-9433
Madison:
Date: November 12th Thursday
Location: The Engelhart Center. 1589 Greenway Cross Madison, WI 53713. www.engelhart.com
Time: Thursday 6-10pm
To sign up: Email Shawn Kelly: shawn@engelhart.com or call 608-204-0149
Four hour avalanche awareness, avoidance and rescue class.
techsledder
Member
We're all set for Tog! Pat, thanks again for all your help.
A good tip for all of you guys that are thinking about going out to Togwotte this year is to go to one of the snowmobile shows they are at. They usually give a 10% discount to show people. I don't know there full schedule but I know they are going to be at Milwaukee this year. 10% may not seam like all that much but if you get the package and stay for a week or more it can add up to a good savings!!
http://www.snowmobileusa.com/shows.shtml#milwaukee
http://www.snowmobileusa.com/shows.shtml#milwaukee
polarisrider1
New member
Also join Sledheads thru www.Snowest.com You can get a 10% Tog. discount by being a member. The Magazine alone is worth joining.
ok---just got back from out west with my wife and we stopped at Togwotee so I could show her the place. Have not read this entire post (not even unpacked yet!) but just to let everyone know that Ben has apparantly accepted another position and will not be at Togwotee this year.This comes from the gal at the desk at the lodge---no more info than that. He was apparantly there this week but this is his last week. I was there on Wednesday. They were shut down so we did not stay there. Hope they get a good replacement and soon as Ben was always the best guy to deal with.
Firecatguy
New member
wow that suks he nice guy!!didnt say anything at Haydays told us to call him this winter if we needed anything...
techsledder
Member
driftjumper
New member
Ben is now the GM at Electric Mountain Lodge in Colorado on the Grand Mesa.
I rode there last year and I can tell you there is a HUGE area of almost endless boondocking. The terrain is overall not as extreme as places like Togwotee, the Snowies, or Cooke City, but there are definitely some nice big pulls to be found and cliff lines to be dropped. I think the most appealing quality of the area though is that there is such a large area to explore and there is a very well established trail system to parallel while doing your boondocking. Plus it's nowhere near as crowded as other popular places. The Grand Mesa gets a few hundred inches of snow on average.
I'm actually building the website for EML, there is just a temp page now. I'm also suggesting to them to become a supporter of this site and a few others since I know so many of us "flatlanders" talk about the places we stay on them.
If you're interested in more info on EML or riding on the Grand Mesa, here is Ben's email - [email]ben@electricmountainlodge.com[/email] or call 970-929-5522.
I'll likely post a new thread on here when the EMl website goes live.
I rode there last year and I can tell you there is a HUGE area of almost endless boondocking. The terrain is overall not as extreme as places like Togwotee, the Snowies, or Cooke City, but there are definitely some nice big pulls to be found and cliff lines to be dropped. I think the most appealing quality of the area though is that there is such a large area to explore and there is a very well established trail system to parallel while doing your boondocking. Plus it's nowhere near as crowded as other popular places. The Grand Mesa gets a few hundred inches of snow on average.
I'm actually building the website for EML, there is just a temp page now. I'm also suggesting to them to become a supporter of this site and a few others since I know so many of us "flatlanders" talk about the places we stay on them.
If you're interested in more info on EML or riding on the Grand Mesa, here is Ben's email - [email]ben@electricmountainlodge.com[/email] or call 970-929-5522.
I'll likely post a new thread on here when the EMl website goes live.
driftjumper
New member
They don't right now, but as soon as they can they will have rentals and hopefully guides available as well.
It's just a matter of getting all of the proper licensing, etc.
It's just a matter of getting all of the proper licensing, etc.
minnesotagirl
New member
I wanted to clear up some information about the guys that had to spend the night in the backcountry out at Togwotee. I'm not going to mention any names but the "leader" is a wonderful guy and yes he does know what he is doing and where he is going out there. Anybody that has ever rode with him will tell you that. They did not have to spend the night out there because of the "leader" not knowing where they were or not being able to get them out. They spent the night because an unexpected white-out storm rolled in within a matter of minutes. There was no warning - one minute the sun was shining over the tops of the hills, then next it was snowing so hard you couldn't see the front of your snowmobile. They did attempt to get back out but with how hard it was snowing the "leader" decided they had better stay put and not risk the chance of losing someone in the whiteout. So they built themselves a shelter and started a fire - just in case the storm lasted a long time. They had called back to the lodge shortly after dark and told us their GPS coordinates, that they were all ok, nobody was hurt, and they were prepared to spend the night if the snow didn't let up.
We checked it out on a map, found out where they were and decided to try and get to them even though it was still snowing so hard you couldn't see 15 feet in front of you. The snow once again hindered "rescue" efforts, same reason the chopper didn't go out that night to "save" them. The decision was made that as soon as the sun came up they would go out again.
Next morning they all went out again, I think there was one guide from TML that went along. If my memory serves me right he got to a certain point and told the rest of the guys that under company policy he couldn't go any further. Good thing these guys had friends trying to help them and not the lodge. Anyways, they got to them and yes the guys were thrilled to see them - mainly because they were thirsty and wanted some gatorade. That was the only thing they didn't have enough of to go around. They had a few sleds stuck from attempts made when the snowstorm hit that they gladly accepted the help of getting unstuck. The helicopter only landed to make sure nobody needed medical assistance. Guess your in pretty good hands when you ride with a surgeon and an EMT as part of your group.
They did come back to the lodge looking pretty horrible - I think we all would if we had to sleep on pine tree branches. But just out of curiosity how many people would actually have been prepared to sleep out in the woods - they were. How many people carry a satellite phone? There is no cell reception anywhere out there unless you're at the lodge. How many people have enough food and supplies to take care of not only themselves but others who may be a little underequipped? How many carry a GPS so if you break-down you can let someone know exactly where you are?
This is becoming quite a long post but I felt the need to defend my friends actions and explain the real story. If you talk to them about this now - they would do it again, I've heard a few of them say it was a neat experience, only this time they would make sure they have a deck of cards to keep them entertained.
As for the "leader" I'm bummed I have to wait till next winter to ride with him and everyone else in that group - they are truly wonderful people and amazing snowmobilers.
We checked it out on a map, found out where they were and decided to try and get to them even though it was still snowing so hard you couldn't see 15 feet in front of you. The snow once again hindered "rescue" efforts, same reason the chopper didn't go out that night to "save" them. The decision was made that as soon as the sun came up they would go out again.
Next morning they all went out again, I think there was one guide from TML that went along. If my memory serves me right he got to a certain point and told the rest of the guys that under company policy he couldn't go any further. Good thing these guys had friends trying to help them and not the lodge. Anyways, they got to them and yes the guys were thrilled to see them - mainly because they were thirsty and wanted some gatorade. That was the only thing they didn't have enough of to go around. They had a few sleds stuck from attempts made when the snowstorm hit that they gladly accepted the help of getting unstuck. The helicopter only landed to make sure nobody needed medical assistance. Guess your in pretty good hands when you ride with a surgeon and an EMT as part of your group.
They did come back to the lodge looking pretty horrible - I think we all would if we had to sleep on pine tree branches. But just out of curiosity how many people would actually have been prepared to sleep out in the woods - they were. How many people carry a satellite phone? There is no cell reception anywhere out there unless you're at the lodge. How many people have enough food and supplies to take care of not only themselves but others who may be a little underequipped? How many carry a GPS so if you break-down you can let someone know exactly where you are?
This is becoming quite a long post but I felt the need to defend my friends actions and explain the real story. If you talk to them about this now - they would do it again, I've heard a few of them say it was a neat experience, only this time they would make sure they have a deck of cards to keep them entertained.
As for the "leader" I'm bummed I have to wait till next winter to ride with him and everyone else in that group - they are truly wonderful people and amazing snowmobilers.
lookin4snow
New member
Minnesotagirl,
Good clarification. I would like to comment on a few things that you said. First of all, there are many of us that are prepared to spend the night. Our group is prepared to spend the night and do what your friends did. We almost did it last year, with similar weather conditions, and decided to walk out because we were in radio communication with another group. If you are going to ride out west, you had better have the staples on your sled and in your backpack for emergencies.
Regarding cell service in the TML area, you are incorrect stating that the only place there is service is by the lodge. There is cell service many places, you just need to get high. But by no means is cell coverage great. I’ll explain by example. A few years ago we had an emergency with someone who tagged along with our group. He was highmarking a slope and rolled the sled on top of himself. We could see he was in trouble as his legs were flailing and then all movement stopped. We were trying to get to him but were having a hard time stopping our sleds on the steep slope. We finally got to him, unconscious, not breathing, sky blue in the face from the handlebars of the sled pinching off his airway. We immediately went into rescue mode and divided and concurred the situation. My job was to get GPS coordinates and call for a helicopter. Also called TML. I just had to get high. I can tell you that before the helicopter got there two guides from TML were there with a rescue sled, medical supplies, and additional assistance to help out. At the end of the day the story has a happy ending with the individual recovering and waiving the helicopter ride. We all learned a lot that day, including that the rental shop and guide staff from TML are your friends in the backcountry. I have other less dramatic examples that I have participated in with the guides, but they are your friends.
Glad everyone in your group was OK.
Good clarification. I would like to comment on a few things that you said. First of all, there are many of us that are prepared to spend the night. Our group is prepared to spend the night and do what your friends did. We almost did it last year, with similar weather conditions, and decided to walk out because we were in radio communication with another group. If you are going to ride out west, you had better have the staples on your sled and in your backpack for emergencies.
Regarding cell service in the TML area, you are incorrect stating that the only place there is service is by the lodge. There is cell service many places, you just need to get high. But by no means is cell coverage great. I’ll explain by example. A few years ago we had an emergency with someone who tagged along with our group. He was highmarking a slope and rolled the sled on top of himself. We could see he was in trouble as his legs were flailing and then all movement stopped. We were trying to get to him but were having a hard time stopping our sleds on the steep slope. We finally got to him, unconscious, not breathing, sky blue in the face from the handlebars of the sled pinching off his airway. We immediately went into rescue mode and divided and concurred the situation. My job was to get GPS coordinates and call for a helicopter. Also called TML. I just had to get high. I can tell you that before the helicopter got there two guides from TML were there with a rescue sled, medical supplies, and additional assistance to help out. At the end of the day the story has a happy ending with the individual recovering and waiving the helicopter ride. We all learned a lot that day, including that the rental shop and guide staff from TML are your friends in the backcountry. I have other less dramatic examples that I have participated in with the guides, but they are your friends.
Glad everyone in your group was OK.
minnesotagirl
New member
4snow - I'm glad to hear that you guys had what was needed to help the guy out and that you were able to get high enough to get a call put in. Could have been a lot worse situation.
I agree that the lodge is there to help you. They were the ones who took the call and found us to relay the message, they also called search and rescue for us. Thankfully it wasn't needed for our group. As for the guide, he left a pretty bad impression on those involved, but we realized he was concerned about his job and figured that all involved knew what to do so he felt it was ok to back down.
I didn't mean to rub anyone the wrong way by saying someone might be ill prepared - just giving examples of things these guys had that some people could overlook. You can never have too much survival gear when you are riding out there.
As for the photo - it's pretty amazing to watch that thing land and take off. Hopefully all of you that are planning trips out there don't get the chance to see it though. Not every story involving a helicopter has a happy ending.
Everyone be safe and have a blast - Togwotee will give you memories that last a lifetime.
I agree that the lodge is there to help you. They were the ones who took the call and found us to relay the message, they also called search and rescue for us. Thankfully it wasn't needed for our group. As for the guide, he left a pretty bad impression on those involved, but we realized he was concerned about his job and figured that all involved knew what to do so he felt it was ok to back down.
I didn't mean to rub anyone the wrong way by saying someone might be ill prepared - just giving examples of things these guys had that some people could overlook. You can never have too much survival gear when you are riding out there.
As for the photo - it's pretty amazing to watch that thing land and take off. Hopefully all of you that are planning trips out there don't get the chance to see it though. Not every story involving a helicopter has a happy ending.
Everyone be safe and have a blast - Togwotee will give you memories that last a lifetime.
lookin4snow
New member
Your recommendations were spot on – no rubbing here. Each group needs to have ample safety gear. There are a few other threads out here regarding what to pack and have with you. The guides say, if you don’t have a beacon, shovel, probe and pack with safety gear, stay on the trail.
A guide is NOT a guarentee that any of that will not happen but know that guides do carry SPOTs and emergency gear and do have a window of check in time at the lodge. I have learned all of this from HIRING a guide. I am now more prepared myself(Hmm self responsibilty now there a concept). I would imagine that the guide had a good reason for not taking his rescue efforts a bit further, maybe cause you shouldnt have gone in there and its more danger than what he could deal with, just a thought. after all they are human not magicians. I dont fault these guys for going without a guide, thats why we live in the USA freedom of choice. I choose a guide because I believe it inhances my enjoyment of the trip and a little peice of mind is nice also.
minnesotagirl
New member
I don't know what his true reasons for not wanting to help were if they were not what he had told them. What I do know is that they hadn't even reached where the guys were at before he stated he COULDN'T go any further. There was nothing too dangerous at all about where they were. Same terrain you find almost everywhere out there - the only thing that kept them where they were was the lack of visibility. They had heard the sleds come out the previous night looking for them and they stayed put because they knew we would come back out in the morning.
Everyone has their own opinion on what is the best way to experience mountain riding Some like to ride with a guide and meet new people, others(like me)prefer to stick just to the group they are comfortable riding with. Being a girl it's pretty nerve racking riding with new people. I'm the one that sticks out like a sore thumb when were getting the sleds ready in the morning. Luckily I am able to prove myself and after the first couple climbs most of them forget they are riding with a girl. But for me that is one of the huge reasons why I stick to riding with the same people. We have gotten used to each others styles, abilities, and personalities. There's nothing right or wrong about either way, it's a personal choice. Who knows maybe some day I will try with a guide, just to see if there is something I'm missing out on
Everyone has their own opinion on what is the best way to experience mountain riding Some like to ride with a guide and meet new people, others(like me)prefer to stick just to the group they are comfortable riding with. Being a girl it's pretty nerve racking riding with new people. I'm the one that sticks out like a sore thumb when were getting the sleds ready in the morning. Luckily I am able to prove myself and after the first couple climbs most of them forget they are riding with a girl. But for me that is one of the huge reasons why I stick to riding with the same people. We have gotten used to each others styles, abilities, and personalities. There's nothing right or wrong about either way, it's a personal choice. Who knows maybe some day I will try with a guide, just to see if there is something I'm missing out on
Firecatguy
New member
I just like to give my 02.
so you guys are upset because? The guide that{you didn't hire} and right form your post {you didn't need} would not go out and get your friends?
in your words you didn't need any help!!
I'm not sure if I understand nor do I care too..
we rode that day and we also got back in just fine..
I'm not trying to start anything here but if your saying you don't hire a guide that OK!!never said you had too..BUT its another thing to come on an open forum and complain that the guides didn't save your friends or he turned back!!that is B.S....
the guides out there are a great group of guys!!!sounds to me like it was a hard situation to deal with..
Helicopter,search party and yet all they wanted was a deck of cards???sounds like alot people came to the rescue only to be turned back..
so you guys are upset because? The guide that{you didn't hire} and right form your post {you didn't need} would not go out and get your friends?
in your words you didn't need any help!!
I'm not sure if I understand nor do I care too..
we rode that day and we also got back in just fine..
I'm not trying to start anything here but if your saying you don't hire a guide that OK!!never said you had too..BUT its another thing to come on an open forum and complain that the guides didn't save your friends or he turned back!!that is B.S....
the guides out there are a great group of guys!!!sounds to me like it was a hard situation to deal with..
Helicopter,search party and yet all they wanted was a deck of cards???sounds like alot people came to the rescue only to be turned back..