Two, three week vacations to go snowmobilling - Which weeks? - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

boyblue · 08-10-2006, 08:11 PM

DW & I take six weeks of vacation each year - two 3 week trips. We arrange our vacations one year out and choose the locations randomly. We hope to eventually visit all of the northern states & southern provinces.

This past March we did Northern Wisconsin (Eagle River). This coming December (actually Last week in November and first two weeks in December) we’re heading up to Ontario.

We're trying to space the time between our Early December trip & the following March trip out as much as possible.

As far as the December trip, as long as I get the wife back home by mid December she's happy. It gives her 10 days to get ready for Christmas. That trip runs for the three weeks preceding December 15.

Because the December trip if iffy, I plan our other trip during a time when most places will have snow - Mid March. That trip Runs for 3 weeks beginning with the first full week in March.

Right now there is an eleven week period between our December and March trips. That is a bit close. In order to space the two trips out more evenly, should I move the Nov/Dec trip more into November and/or should I move the March trip partially into April?

Are we missing the best stuff going so early & Late?

**smallengineguy** · 08-10-2006, 08:42 PM

It all depends on where you go, of course. The earlier you want to go, the more north you need to go (ie; Canada, etc.). If the season treats right you shouldn't have a problem. By the way welcome to the site. You MUST be the furthest south on this site!!

boyblue · 08-10-2006, 11:21 PM

I appreciate the welcome.

Yea the only thing we do as far as choosing locations is Higher elevations and more northern locations get November. Places like Northern NY & PA would get March.

As far as the Fartherst south I'm sure there're probably a few members from places like Chile that has that July winter thing going. I wonder how the sledding is down there?

**smallengineguy** · 08-11-2006, 06:43 AM

Come to mention it we do have a member here from Chile who was having a sled issue in July.... Have you looked into Newfoundland/Quebec? Check out www.snowtours.com

PolarisINDY500 · 08-11-2006, 09:40 AM

i see you've got multiple posts on the same topic. if you post it, we'll find it.

brown435 · 08-11-2006, 05:13 PM

If you want California I would take vacation in Januaryfor fresh powdwer and March April for very deep packed powder.. Two years ago we had enough snow in October. Last year you had to wait until December. Also depends on what face of the mountain. North face of course has the least sun but the best is usually Northwest face from the jet stream. I would look at at the SNOPARK http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/snopark/ system sponsored by the state of California. For trail specifics I would go to the local snow clubs. They are http://www.cnsa.net/cnsa_clubs.htm . Some have videos out on the trails. Of course if you want luxury go Mammoth Lakes or Tahoe ...heated toilets on the trails ... need I say more? For me the local clubs are awesome and very happy to have a guest or ride buddy.

IndianRvrShiver · 08-11-2006, 05:35 PM

What about Yellowstone?? I've never been there, but that is one trip that would be unforgetable!!

boyblue · 08-11-2006, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolarisINDY500

i see you've got multiple posts on the same topic. if you post it, we'll find it.

I'm Sorry I thought that was sort of an intro thing. I guess I could have asked this follow up question there.

As I've posted here though I'm trying to nail down the when, so that the only question each year will be the where.

rgoers · 08-13-2006, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boyblue

I'm Sorry I thought that was sort of an intro thing. I guess I could have asked this follow up question there.

As I've posted here though I'm trying to nail down the when, so that the only question each year will be the where.

Welcome to the forum. If SEG hadn't mentioned it, I may have missed your location. It just happens to be my *favorite* place to vacation with my wife!!! We've been there (Cable Beach) 3 times. Love it!!!

Back to your question - like others have said, it depends on the weather and location. Here in upstate NY, your start date is dictated by when hunting season ends. That means mid December is the earliest. We're pretty much done with rideable snow by the end of March. Short season here...

boyblue · 08-16-2006, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgoers

Welcome to the forum. If SEG hadn't mentioned it, I may have missed your location. It just happens to be my *favorite* place to vacation with my wife!!! We've been there (Cable Beach) 3 times. Love it!!!

Back to your question - like others have said, it depends on the weather and location. Here in upstate NY, your start date is dictated by when hunting season ends. That means mid December is the earliest. We're pretty much done with rideable snow by the end of March. Short season here...

If you're near down town next time you're in Nassau, stop by. We can grab a beer at Hard Rock Cafe. It'll give me an excuse to have a cigar.

What areas are known for long seasons, Colorado? Utah? Montana? Vernont? Of course I know there are no guarantees.

**smallengineguy** · 08-16-2006, 07:26 PM

Probably the longest is of course Alaska, but I hear Utah and Colorado are pretty long also.

boyblue · 08-16-2006, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smallengineguy

Probably the longest is of course Alaska, but I hear Utah and Colorado are pretty long also.

Thanks SEG, so outside of those three you would figure Dec 1st to Mar 31st would be the avg season.

rgoers · 08-16-2006, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boyblue

If you're near down town next time you're in Nassau, stop by. We can grab a beer at Hard Rock Cafe. It'll give me an excuse to have a cigar.

What areas are known for long seasons, Colorado? Utah? Montana? Vernont? Of course I know there are no guarantees.

Thanks for the invite. I have an anniversary coming up in a couple years. That's the usual excuse we use to head towards your home!!! If we make it down there, I'll try to let you know beforehand.

Like SEG said - Alaska. I understand Utah snow stays quite a while longer than where I live. Probably California as well. When I lived out there, I remember snow in the mountains (Yosemite, etc.) well into May, and even some in June.

Watch the forum here, and you'll be able to get a real good idea from the postings where the snow falls first and last.

boyblue · 08-16-2006, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgoers

Thanks for the invite. I have an anniversary coming up in a couple years. That's the usual excuse we use to head towards your home!!! If we make it down there, I'll try to let you know beforehand.

Like SEG said - Alaska. I understand Utah snow stays quite a while longer than where I live. Probably California as well. When I lived out there, I remember snow in the mountains (Yosemite, etc.) well into May, and even some in June.

Watch the forum here, and you'll be able to get a real good idea from the postings where the snow falls first and last.

I'll add Cali to our list of possibles for earlier than December or later than march trips.

As far as that anniversary trip, I'll be around here so just let me know.

**smallengineguy** · 08-17-2006, 06:53 AM

I'd go more on the later than March than on the earlier than Dec. I recall more western riders going later in the year last year.

Goldeneyes · 08-17-2006, 01:52 PM

If you're coming to Ontario in March it can be pretty iffy. I had to go as far as Temagami last March Break just to get some snow. My cottage in the Parry Sound Area was under heavy rain at the time. I'd recommend february. Although, that being said, in 2005 we were in the Muskokas during March break and the conditions were just fabulous.

boyblue · 08-18-2006, 01:40 AM

We're doing Onatrio last week of Nov through the first two weks of December this year. What do you think our chances are then?

Are there places in Canada where they have long seasons (like starting in November orending in April?

Goldeneyes · 08-19-2006, 02:20 PM

Ummm. End of November? I can't think of anywhere in Ontario that youd' have enough snow at the end of November. Certainly no where the trails would be open anyway. And the lakes wouldn't be safe for riding yet. You'd probably have to do some sort of Northern Quebec riding for that time of year. In the Muskokas, where most of the good riding is, the trails arent' usually open until the beginning of January, or the very end of December if you're lucky.

Sorry dude, but I think probably you'd be better postponing your trip.

IcePrincess · 08-19-2006, 02:32 PM

Hello,

I would have to say that if your looking for snow, then most Northern US States have it Dec, Jan, Feb... November and March we typically have snow but it is hit and miss. If you want nice fluffy new snow to play in I would travel in the first three months mentioned Dec, Jan, Feb...we pretty much gurantee you plenty of snow to play in, within those three months.

Take a look at some of the pics on our snowmobile club website....hope to see you in Vermont....

Welcome to Cabot Skylighters Homepage

boyblue · 08-20-2006, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goldeneyes

Ummm. End of November? I can't think of anywhere in Ontario that youd' have enough snow at the end of November. Certainly no where the trails would be open anyway. And the lakes wouldn't be safe for riding yet. You'd probably have to do some sort of Northern Quebec riding for that time of year. In the Muskokas, where most of the good riding is, the trails arent' usually open until the beginning of January, or the very end of December if you're lucky.

Sorry dude, but I think probably you'd be better postponing your trip.

Mid December has to be my cut off time – don’t forget we have the March trip 90 days later. I’m sure you're right about November but I am hopeful that December is good to us

I've been told that the last two seasons have started Dec 1 (around Chesley) but I get your point, it is definitely hit or miss.