Snowmobile for skiing...

[ncskier81]

So I have a few questions to those who own sleds and use them to access backcountry skiing... Do you have any recommendations how many CCs it should be? How long the track should be? Or advice on particular sleds by brand or model? I'm interested in purchasing a used sled but have heard mixed things about different brands and models. Some people swear by one brand, others say that I have to have something else, etc... So in other words, what would I need to have successfully haul myself, my gear and possibly someone else around ski worthy areas...?

[buildakicker]

You can get a 00,01,02, ect... SkiDoo Summit 700 with a 144" track in good condition for around $3k here in NorCal. I have one. It's sick. Runs well, never overheats, and pulls skiers and snowboarders all the same. Just PIN IT!

PS - If you do get it, get the 6" risers for sure.

[backcountry-jibber]

Snowmobiles can be an awesome way to access some great backcountry. It is not as easy as it sounds though. If you have not spent a lot of time on a snowmobile I would suggest getting a sled and spending a couple of weeks learning to ride in various conditions before dragging your skis or boards out there. Learning to sidehill, hillclimb, and balance a snowmobile in deep powder should be your priority. As far a what type of sled to get that is largely a question of preference. Everyone has their favorites and some diehards say that their brand is the only brand. I would go with the one that has a snowmobile shop closest to your house and a good sales staff and service department.

Track length is somewhat important in the ski/snowboard arena because with a longtrack sled you will have better pulling in the deep powder. At times you will want to tow a buddy up a hill and the longer track will give increased traction.

All that said I ride a skidoo 800 154" track. I love the sled and it gets me where i need to go. I have friends that ride polaris, arctic cat, and yamaha and each sled has its pluses and minuses. Just get as nice of a sled as you can afford without breaking the bank and go have some fun. Oh yeah, if you can set aside a little $$ for a ski/snowboard rack it sure makes the trip a lot smoother.

[VC]

Search for fucks sake

[tahoe2stroker]

The biggest thing you will need besides a sled is patience. You will be digging yourself out alot your first year. The longer the track, the more to dig out.

[Dhelihiker]

Go as big as you can afford. Look for sleds with aftermarket shocks, exhaust, etc. Ski doo is pretty popular, most owners swear by them. I ride a Polaris and find the geometry a little weird on Ski Doos, but thats just preference. Just make sure it has not been rolled down a mountain, look at the body, does it look abused? Also check the local dealers, I got a 2 year old sled with 0 miles for cheep.

Now learn to ride it- Don't pack a bunch of shit on it- its not a wagon. Carry a full size snow shovel, that will you immensely. You will need a year of riding to feel good on the sled, its a lot harder than you would think. I would leave your skis behind a lot and just ride.

Remember this- A snowmobile is designed to have one person on it with nothing weighing down the ass end of the sled, the further you stray from that, the more you will fight it.

You want a buddy on a sled too, shit goes wrong a lot and towing out is a fairly common occurrence.

good luck and dont worry you will not regret this purchase!

[ACH]

Sleds are great,
and they are inherently expensive to own.
Purchase price + transportation/hauler rig/trailer + maintenance/up keep + gas. The less you pay for the sled in initial purchase is inverse to the amount you will spend on repair (OK, that's a generalization, but it has proven true for many people I know).

A couple things to keep in mind.
You will either need friends with sleds or you will need to own two.
All sleds break, it's not a mater of if, but when. The second sled is your back up plan and tow out.

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...ght=sled+stoke

amongst others on this board.

Also

http://www.snowest.com/forum/

SnoWest will help you figure out which models are the best pick or to stay away from.

[el penoso]

Another good forum is westcoastsledders.com they are almost all Tahoe dudes might be able to find a sled nearby and lots of good local info.

[ben_mtl]

Very interesting tips, thanks guys.
I just bougth a '97 Skandic SWT (didn't have much $$$ for a more recent or more powerfull sled and it has 2 places so it's good for me and my GF), it's mainly to go deeper in the valleys on groomed trails then go skiing from there as it's my first sled ever. Maybe with more confidence I'll try some powder, the super wide track (24") might not be too bad...
Hope I'll not regret it.

Ben