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Just give it gas and go: Snowmobiling in Utah's back country By
Curtis McInelly
The sun is glistening across the snow covered mountain, there is a slight breeze and the loud hum of an engine breaks the silence as Vern McInelly comes out of the trees and starts across the open meadow. He loves the thrill that he gets from plowing through two feet of pure, white, fluffy powder while straddling a 151-inch track that is being spun by a 70-horsepower engine, with nothing to hold on to but a set of handlebars and a throttle. He takes a brief look around to enjoy the beautiful scenery of tall, green pine trees and the sparkling, untouched snow that is calling his name. Then he grips the handlebars tighter and squeezes the throttle wide open, roaring across the meadow, his skis are slicing through the snow and throwing it out to the sides of his snowmobile, and his track is throwing a rooster tail of white dust into the air. He has left a four foot wide ditch in the snow, letting everyone else know that he has been there.
He is a truck owner/operator who hauled logs into the Escalante sawmill. He has driven a logging truck on just about every back road ever made on the Escalante and Boulder mountains in southern Utah. This was the perfect job, because in the winter when the snow got too deep for his truck, it gave him the opportunity to enjoy his favorite sport. Snowmobiling has become a popular sport in Utah. Although most people travel from far distances to ski "the greatest snow on earth," there are also many who come to ride "the greatest snow on earth. According to Utah's website, www.utah.com , "with more than 850 miles of groomed snowmobile trails traversing from the red rock canyons of southern Utah to the rugged mountains of northern Utah, whether you are a beginner, intermediate or expert rider, there are plenty of groomed trails to match your riding skills." If you are not one for staying on the trails, there are also thousands of acres of high mountain bowls and open hillsides covered with famous Utah powder snow. The website also says, "If your adrenaline doesn't leave you breathless, the scenery will." One of the more scenic and diversified snowmobiling areas is the Bridgerland snowmobile complex, which is made up of the Wasatch-Cache Forest, Logan Canyon, Monte Cristo and Hardware Ranch. Most of the trails also extend into Idaho. The greatest thing about snowmobiling in Bridgerland is there are no crowds and no fences. Bridgerland has a variety of connecting groomed trails, wide open spaces and plenty of hillclimbing. The best part of snowmobiling is that you can go cross country exploring, and never run out of places to ride. Brigerland also offers great accommodations. Beaver Creek Lodge is located in Logan Canyon, 27 miles east of Logan along Highway 89. Beaver Creek Lodge offers 10 rooms with jet tubs and alpine decor. It also offers full meals and onsite snowmobile rentals with instruction and assistance. They offer guided tours to Hardware Ranch elk refuge, which is 39 miles south of the lodge. It offers plenty of opportunity to see scenery and play on the powder. "This area is rated in the top 15 in the United States," said Bryan Lundahl owner of Beaver Creek Lodge. There are 250 miles of groomed trails in the area. "You can ride 100 miles north or ride 100 miles south, you can almost ride to Powder Mountain ski resort," said Lundahl. There are many great trails in the Beaver Creek area. Tony Grove is for extreme highmarkers and advanced snowmobile enthusiasts. Franklin Basin has a more open road system with some hills, with trails leading to St.Charles, Idaho and Bear Lake. Hardware Ranch is a trail head for many trails leading south to Monte Cristo, which is a great area for playing in deep bowls. "I could spend four days going to a different place each day and finding something new, and we have many people who do that," said Lundahl. With such a great variety of areas everyone is bound to find what makes them happy. There are also many places to get information about trails, snow conditions, regulations and dangers. The Forest Service and Chamber of Commerce have many informative brochures. There are also a number of snowmobile dealerships who can give advice. One of the first matters of business would be to get a snowmobile. Snowmobiles will usually cost $6,000 to buy, so it may be wiser to rent. Beaver Creek Lodge offers all day rentals for $140 or half day rentals for $100. They also have 35 snowmobiles to choose from including touring sleds for two people, or high power engines for a more aggressive rider. There are also rentals available at Hardware Ranch or at the dealerships in Logan. Renting in Logan requires a trailer, a towing vehicle and extra travel time. The next thing you will need is clothing. Snowmobilers wear a heavy snow suit, boots, gloves and a helmet. To buy this equipment can cost from $600 to $1,500. You can rent a full outfit for $20. Renting is a lot cheaper, but snowmobiling is addictive and you will want to have your own so you can go whenever you want. "The snow settles and changes each week, so you have to go out every week or else you will miss the good one," said McInelly. If the snow is too deep and soft you get stuck all day, and it is not easy to get out. After the snow has compacted it will be a lot better, and it is always good to have a little soft stuff on top of the hard pack. Riding a snowmobile does take some skill to lean into the corners and keep from getting stuck. These will come with practice, but practically anyone can enjoy snowmobiling because the controls are simple, just give it gas and go. It is a great way to get out and see some scenery with the family. Snowmobiling is a great experience, but it also has many dangers both seen and unseen. The snow covers the ground and allows the snowmobile to float across meadows on snow, but lurking under the snow are rocks and stumps. They are covered and you cannot see them, but a snowmobile sinks into the snow, and when the ski or track hits them it can jerk the handle bars or throw you off. It also does damage to the snowmobile. It is also hard to turn sometimes and snowmobiles will often go off the trail and hit a tree. One of the most dangerous hazards is avalanches. When climbing hills snow will often break loose and slide down the hill. The forest service has an avalanche hotline which gives potential danger areas and conditions. There is also a hazard of getting lost or stuck, so it is wise to never go alone. A second snowmobile provides a way out if one breaks down, and more people can help dig out a stuck sled easier. Many people worry about getting cold when they go snowmobiling but actually the movement of leaning into corners and controlling the snowmobile keeps you plenty warm. "Snowmobiling is hard work to have fun, when snowmobiling season comes around I can lose 15 pounds in a month," said McInelly. McInelly is an advanced rider who owns a snowmobile and rides in powder a lot because Escalante does not have a groomer. He does not complain because it prevents the area from getting crowded. No matter where you live or what your skill level is, Utah has something for you.
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