Cooke City or Colorado??

[mvedepo]

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!

[gigakessler]

If you guys live in Madison, WI have you considered Wyoming: Snowies, Big Horns, Togwotee? Snowies are the closest at about 15 hours of non stop driving for you to get there.

In February we drove to the Snowies from Milwaukee. Read about our trip here: http://www.johndee.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=16694

Video:
http://www.johndee.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=17115

[mvedepo]

Good call. That looks like what we are looking for! Thanks!

[mvedepo]

Ok its official. We are heading to the Snowies!

Thanks for the input!

[cuzzinolaf]

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.

[cuzzinolaf]

Ok its official. We are heading to the Snowies!

Thanks for the input!

Where ya thinkin' of staying?

Alpine is great but you're 25+ miles from the good stuff. Snowy Mountain Lodge is closed again this season. Mountain Meadows is great but you gotta bring in all your food/gear/stuff by toboggan (provided by Chis at Mountain Meadows) and will need to get gas in Centennial.

[mvedepo]

Do you like Rabbit Ears or Snowies better?

Its on hour drive difference.

[cuzzinolaf]

Do you like Rabbit Ears or Snowies better?

Its on hour drive difference.

Basically it is the same range. It was 60 miles straight line from the Rabbit Ears parking lot to Greenrock.

I have always had a blast in the Snowies. I wouldn't even consider Rabbit Ears if there was a choice between it or the Snowies.

[mvedepo]

Thats what I figured. Looks like Snowies it is! Any month better than the rest? I was think March since the season is winding down around here.

[cuzzinolaf]

Thats what I figured. Looks like Snowies it is! Any month better than the rest? I was think March since the season is winding down around here.

I'm going this year in January but two times I rode there it was the middle of April. Chris at MMC will tell you April is the best month to ride. If I don't hit Tog in late March or April I'll be going back to the Snowies. I had a friend ride there around Memorial Day and he said it was fun....