Snowmobiling near western MA - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

misslady · 01-13-2003, 02:08 PM

Hello there. I am new to snowmobiling (actually, I've never done it) but my boyfriend has gone a lot, and wants to go this coming Feb. We are planning a weekend trip to the Berkshires in MA but I cannot seem to find any info about renting snowmobiles! I found one place that offers tours, Wet and Wild, but they are pretty pricey ($129 for a single rider, $89 for the second on a 2-man snowmobile). Is that a normal price for a tour? Does anyone know of any place I can rent snowmobiles in the Berkshires? Or a website that will give me info? I found a lot of state parks that allow it, but no info on where to GET them.

Thank you!

misslady · 01-13-2003, 02:17 PM

I have been reading a lot about joining a club - I read that to ride on the VAST trail system in VT you need to join a club. Does that mean visitors vcannot go riding in VT? Does anyone know anything about this in regards to MA?

Thanks!

dano · 01-26-2003, 04:31 PM

Unfortunatly, $130 is about the price you are going to find to rent sleds. They are really pricy. If you go out to the mountains, they run from $150-$200. $130 sounds like a decent price to me as far as renting goes. I am not sure of places to rent where you are going but the price wont differ much

dano

paintballaholic · 01-26-2003, 06:53 PM

130 is really cheap. around here it can be anywhere from 300 to 600 for a day

misslady · 01-27-2003, 07:27 AM

We have decided to go to NH where it is only $150 for 2 ppl (on a 2-person sled) for 4 hours. $130 was for a 2-hour tour. This is further, but a much better value.

Thanks for your help!

**Administrator** · 01-27-2003, 09:49 AM

Regarding your question about snowmobile clubs... No you do not have to be a member of the club to ride on their trail system. Snowmobile clubs are support groups usually respobsible for trail maintenance. Also, since you are renting, you shouldn't have to worry about a trail liscense.

From my experience, usually a fully day rental on a sled runs from $150 - $200, plus insurance if you want.

gossamerabba · 01-29-2003, 11:41 AM

Mislady, I'm new to sledding too. If you've never done it, batten down the hatches and give the throttle a shove. It's a blast especially if you're not skittish about speed. Being a passenger has its advantages, you can look at the scenery, etc. The disadvantages are that you have no control. DO NOT pass up the chance to drive.
Unless you have reservations for the Berkshires, check out www.colebrookcountryclub.com. It's only about 30 minutes from the Canadian border but rooms are about $50 per night, lounge next door has entertainment and a great menu. Might be worth the drive......
happy sledding, keep us posted on how you like it

gossamerabba · 02-04-2003, 12:50 PM

MISSLADY, an update on Colebrook Country Club. Just got back from there this past weekend. The rooms are simple yet spotless, staff is very friendly and helpful. Very easy to get to, Rte 93 north to Rte 3 north then to Rte 26, only about one mile off of Rte 3. We were disappointed to find the restaurant was closed but found 2 places to go for a delicious and cheap meal. You can sled downtown for fuel and Dunkin Donuts, and a mechanic if needed (ask for Arthur at LeMieux Garage, he was great). The trails were great, wide and well groomed. Worth the trip, keep us posted on where you go and how you like sledding!

misslady · 02-04-2003, 12:53 PM

We are going sledding in the White Mountains - northern NH would be a bit too far, I think, although it sounds beautiful - and staying in Concord. Not this weekend but next - Vday/pres. day weekend. I will definitely let you know how it went!

gossamerabba · 02-27-2003, 02:37 PM

so, how was your trip?

misslady · 02-28-2003, 07:15 AM

Lotsa snow in central NH. We rented a 2-man, and I would never do that again. I felt the bumps too much, and whnever I landed from a bump my back screamed.

My bf also likes to go a bit fast for my tastes. But it was very fun, I would definitely go again. Rangely, Maine is next

Thanks, everyone, for all your help!

**Administrator** · 02-28-2003, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by misslady
Lotsa snow in central NH. We rented a 2-man, and I would never do that again. I felt the bumps too much, and whnever I landed from a bump my back screamed. My bf also likes to go a bit fast for my tastes. But it was very fun, I would definitely go again. Rangely, Maine is next

Thanks, everyone, for all your help!

I think a trip to the snowmobile dealer is inorder before you go again.

Maybe a couple 2002 models are waiting for ya.

misslady · 02-28-2003, 11:03 AM

Cuz I certainly don't have it! If we move to NH, which we are considering (in 5-10 years), Matt (the bf) wants to buy some. At that point, maybe. But right now - I don't know what I would do with 2 huge snowmobiles in suburban Long Island. I would certainly look like a fish out of water!

**Administrator** · 03-02-2003, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by misslady
Cuz I certainly don't have it! If we move to NH, which we are considering (in 5-10 years), Matt (the bf) wants to buy some. At that point, maybe. But right now - I don't know what I would do with 2 huge snowmobiles in suburban Long Island. I would certainly look like a fish out of water!

Lol....

I thought you lived in the general area. I would wait on that idea too.

gossamerabba · 03-03-2003, 09:44 AM

Too bad about all the bumps, it can be tough to be the passenger when the trails aren't in good condition. When you graduate to driving your own machine, it makes it a lot easier on the back. You can lift yourself up and let the sled take the bumping.
We just got back from a weekend in Twin Mountain, NH and let me tell you the trails to Gorham (coridor 11) are OUTSTANDING. Smooth, wide, very well groomed and you can see so far ahead of you that going 80 or 85 is no problem. Did 100 miles Saturday, had a great day, with temps in the low 30s and lots of sun.

misslady · 03-03-2003, 01:55 PM

several weeks ago. We went to Bartlett, NH, to a place that had private trails (some of them met up with NH state trails). Everything was groomed very nicely, so I don't think that is why I hit the bumps so hard. Just don't think I was ready for them. It was much better when I drove.

gossamerabba · 03-03-2003, 02:00 PM

it's better when you drive because you're more in control and can avoid the big bumps..........I found the same thing when we only had one machine. He bought two machines before we went up again and that made a world of difference. It's getting to the point where buying a second hand machine in good condition might be easy, end of the season, economy not doing so well, etc....we actually have a 1990 Artic Cat Panther, 3000 miles on it, runs like a top; looking to sell but I know your not close to Boston, ma