Snowmobiles.

That doesn't sound to bad, just looked up the prices in revy and it says 20bucks per day per sled but thats just for a couple areas where they groom the trails and stuff. Might be fun but sounds like it would be crowded and all tracked out, I'd rather just find my own way, hence getting a sled that can handle the deepitydeep.
 
ya i think your $20 just pays for grooming of the trail that takes you from the highway out to the fun shit.Some of them are 30-40min blasts up and out to the powder bowls and would be hellish if they weren't groomed regularly so its kinda worth it.

I suspect they mainly exist for calgarians who just want to get to the goods as easily + quickly as possible on a saturday morning

If you're based in revy you'll probs be able to find the locals spots with decent access and no trail fees. They must exist
 
You can beat trail fees by getting to the trail head early in the a.m. as well. The closer to the city centers you get The more you'll find you're battling sledders. For the most part a good rule of thumb is to stay clear of the marked "trail fee" areas thats where the general sledding population hangs out. the skiing is generally better in the lesser known areas, the kind that are just logging roads that the only the locals know. and don't get too discouraged if you spend a few days exploring, it is definetly worth it when you get multiple dick deep days in incredible terrain.

Oh, and be prepared to loose some enthusiasm for resort skiing.
 
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Yeee, Definitely like exploring. Half my days touring wind up just being, wow look at those sick pillows or check that chute out. Can definitely see myself getting into just loving sledding, just don't wanna get 2 gnarly and trash my sled investment lol. So basically you can just hit up any logging road or anything around the area and just go exploring. Sickk. Anyone know where somebody could get a map of all the logging roads in the area?
 


Not quite sure where to get a map of logging roads, locals are usually the best help, google earth works as well if you can print off the screens. gotta remember that there are caribou closures in some areas as well. Do you know others with sleds, I wouldn't suggest going alone or with just one sled. I feel like your going to miss out on a lot of shitty learning experiences now HaHa. anyways here are some pics of my setup to give you some ideas of something that works well.

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That looks like a nice setup. Nah don't really know many people with snowmobiles at all. Not to many people have um here in Lake Louise. I figure there will be a ton of people out in BC shouldn't be that hard to find people to ride with. Definitely going to check google earth out. Pretty cool tool that I never really use enough. I'm sure I'll be able to screw something up at the start hence why I'm trying to get as much info as I can before I jump right into this haha. Well really appreciate the help guys!
 
Well the summer job is almost done(hopefully!) So its time to start sled shopping. Well actually got to buy a vehicle first but sleds are 100* more fun to shop for. Budget is still around 4-5grand for a sled. Anyone on here selling or know of anyone selling in BC or Alberta.

Probably going to look mostly in the city because weekend warriors sled way less then most people on here I bet. Super stoked on the season and if anyone around here is keen to doing some sled skiing or any skiing around BC let me know going to be unemployed and living the dream all winter !!!.
 
not to be a downer debby, but do you have all the avy gear/training needed for sledding in the backcountry? if not add another 500sh bucks. with all the guys getting killed up in the BC backcountry the last couple years, you would be stupid not to go up there without at least your AST 1. its not as simple as just buying a sled and going skiing.

also beware of where you park your truck for the day, and dont leave any valuables in there, heard far too many stories of guys trucks getting broken into while they are up sledding.

 
Yup got all the gear. Taking my AST 2 this December and then probably getting MY CAA level one around march. Got out touring about 10 times last winter as well and know a few people with 10+ years experience to learn from. Yea going to have to be very careful with the vehicle definately going to get some tinted windows.

Another question for the people. It looks like I'm going to be getting some sort of off road ish suv ex a 4runner. Just for the ease of bringing the homies on road trips and sleeping in the back. This means I need a trailer, are most created equal anything to look at, should I have winter tires on my trailer yada yada yada.
 
Yea I know, worst is the slack country at ski hills, people with no gear heading out of bounds right after a big dump (In the Rockies) skiing right next to 2 day old slide paths. Shits ridiculous
 
Not sure where you're from, but this isn't close to what I pay.

It depends on where you're going, but I've only paid a trail fee one time, and it was $6 for three days. I already had an annual recreation pass that was $45 for the whole year, so I didn't pay that.

My insurance was $200 for the entire year. And it covered everything. Oil is expensive ($48 a gallon around here) but that will last you like eight days out.

As for a ski rack, you can get creative and make your own. Cheatah racks are tight, but expensive. I used ratchet straps off of snowboard bindings and it help my skis tight to my tunnel/gascan rack with no problems.

And, it's worth it to buy a better/newer sled. I had a 2001 Arctic Cat, mountain Cat 800 with a 144" track. The engine/track length are fine, but all the weight is forward. It really limits where you can go and how easy it is to double people.

I upgraded to a 2005 Ski-doo Summit, 800. It made all the difference in the world in terms of the terrain I could access, and how easy it was to double people around.

I HIGHLY recommend getting good at doubling, and not towing. towing is hard on your sled and limits where you can go.

If you have an specific questions, PM me. and final word of advice... GET A HOTDOGGER. burritos, hot dogs, anything wrapped in foil. If you get one make sure to put it on a part of your can that does have the heatsheild. Put it on the gnarliest, rustiest part.

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Step 1, don't ask newschoolers. So many wrong things in this thread. Go to a snowmobile forum for real advice, like snowest.

I rode a polaris dragon like the guy posted earlier, most fun I've had on a sled. Crazy light and easy to control.
 
haha don't exactly get what mean about the hot dogger but thats a ton for the Advice. Probably will PM you with some questions once I think a bit more. Going to be an epic winter dumping snow here in Lake Louise right now!
 
Hotdogger is a device that wraps around the exhaust to keep food warm. What kind of oil are you buying that is $48 / gallon? Wal-Mart has 2 stroke / outboard oil for $12 / gallon.
 
What year Polaris Dragon? saw a 2008 on kijiji near me that looks pretty decent little above my price range but may be able to haggle.
 
I would suggest staying away from 08/09 polaris Dragons, they have been quite notorious for problems, even the 2010's (I have one). The problem lies in the ECU with the fule mapping being too rich/lean at some points of the power curve usually causing the engine to crater prematurely. I have a few friends that had them and they were constantly blowing engines. Apparently there is a solution in a better fuel map so make sure it has been updated, Ive also heard that a power commander has repaired the problem. I blew my ECU in 200kms on my 2010 Dragon.

They are a dream to ride though.

Arctic Cat and Ski-Doo seem to be more relliable pre 2011 (RMK PRO)

Honestly an 05 barely ridden M7/M8 or an 05 Summit Rev are you're best bets.

If you are interested in a Rack set up like mine I would be willing to Build you one for a small cost $150ish plus shipping
 
I still think my estimate wasn't far off for sledding when you live in calgary. (200km ish from the good sledding spots)

I worked hard all year and could buy any sled i want but i'm struggling for somewhere to keep it and would have to trade the wrx for a truck to haul it about. Got a lot going around in my mind right now!

One more season riding the resorts or just trade the car for a truck, buy a sled and change everything?

 
was kind of bored at work last night so I looked up some sleds on Kijiji calgary for you.

Would have to feel out the owner on this one, garage looks tidy and he's got some other toys that he looks like he takes care of so it might be O.K. Find out where the motor came from. Offer $4500 to $4800 http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-ATVs-snowmobiles-snowmobiles-2005-Summit-Highmark-W0QQAdIdZ423262002

Here is a decent sled, only a 600 but that might be best if its your first sled, The thing about a 600 is it's going to be harder to sell in a year or two. ask where he rod it, might have been a ditch banger which can be a bit hard on mountain sleds. Could be a rich old farmer by the looks of the picture. might get it for 4gs. would be very reliable http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-ATVs-snowmobiles-snowmobiles-2006-M6-ARCTIC-CAT-MINT-CONDITION-W0QQAdIdZ421003668

See if this one has low KM's, and of course feel out the owner, ask what maintenace has been done http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-ATVs-snowmobiles-snowmobiles-Arctic-cat-M8-2007-W0QQAdIdZ422183801

This looks very promising! Decently Low kms for the year. http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-ATVs-snowmobiles-snowmobiles-2004-Skidoo-Rev-Summit-800-151x2-track-W0QQAdIdZ422107210

 
please please please don't go ANY lower than a 700. even then I would recommend getting an 800, because after a season you will be looking to upgrade from a 700 to an 800. get something older (05-07) ride it for a couple years to see if you're into it, then upgrade to something a couple years old. but you will not have nearly as much fun on a 700, especially if you're trying to double friends out.
 
All good 2-stroke, synthetic sled oil is expensive. I used to use this Arctic Cat APV stuff. The price jumped to like $58 per gallon right before I sold my sled and went to Ski-Doo.

I'm sure if you go with a Non-sled brand you can find a substitute... I just try to be consistent and always use the same oil.

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About the hotdogger, it's really simple and really is worth it.
 
Damn. We definitely have it made in Utah. I never drive more than an hour to any of the main sled spots, and no trail fees for all but one.

I did the opposite of you. I had a sled and a big Dodge, then sold both to buy a 2012 Impreza.

Nice work on saving up and buying a sled though. A season with a sled is really fun. It's expensive, but fun. You'll ski less than you think, and sometimes will just sled all day looking at zones.
 
Oh yeah, I forgot about the power valves on the newer sleds. I race stand up jet skis, so the engines I use don't have power valves. You're definitely going to want to use a higher quality oil for the valves on a sled. $58 is a bit high, but you could definitely find some nice synthetic oils for $25-$35 a gallon.
 
go and get a summit. they are easy to ride light and most reliable sled on the market. the e-tec engines are so great to run and cheap. the chassis are very light and the ski stance is perfect for riding. if you are a die hard rider go with the long track but the 155" is plenty for casual.
 
View attachment 735818View attachment 735817Well, little late just a couple years though. went to get milk or somethin. Anyways finally got my shit together and picked up a sled.

2011 arctic cat 3800 kms warranty until February. Words do not do my excitement justice(o it also has a muffpot already woooo) should have it out in a few weeks just have to finish working.!!!
 
13204360:ShredMasterPlus said:
View attachment 735818View attachment 735817Well, little late just a couple years though. went to get milk or somethin. Anyways finally got my shit together and picked up a sled.

2011 arctic cat 3800 kms warranty until February. Words do not do my excitement justice(o it also has a muffpot already woooo) should have it out in a few weeks just have to finish working.!!!
Click to expand...

Nice sled.

One thing I have to say about Arctic Cat though is they are not easy on belts so I would recommend you pick up another one and have it as a spare. Also make sure to clean the residue off the secondary clutch rollers so it doesn't stick and wear on the sides of the belt. Infact, just keep both the primary and secondary clutch clean both inside and outside. I am also a huge fan of Sea Foam, so when you plan on putting it away for an extended period of time or over the summer make sure you run some through it.
 
13204396:ShredMasterPlus said:
^^ She came with2 spare belts and a clutch tool! wooooo!
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You're all set! Just don't be a rock magnet like me though or you might need some spare A-Arms as well.
 
ahahaha, yea probably eh. well i have a warranty till feb but doubt that counts for running into trees/rocks but still if that motor goes i get new one!!!!
 
13204410:ShredMasterPlus said:
ahahaha, yea probably eh. well i have a warranty till feb but doubt that counts for running into trees/rocks but still if that motor goes i get new one!!!!
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You will have trouble with structural damages such as the shock system, A-Arms, skis when it comes to the warranty. I don't know if you are new to snowmobiling or not but it is important to keep in mind that things can and will break. When we go out west, I bring a $1000 for the trip and another $1000 for sled damages and expect to spend it (I normally don't). Just remember that regular maintenance and servicing is key if you want it to last.
 
11671855:ShredMasterPlus said:
It looks like I'm going to be getting some sort of off road ish suv ex a 4runner. Just for the ease of bringing the homies on road trips and sleeping in the back. This means I need a trailer, are most created equal anything to look at, should I have winter tires on my trailer yada yada yada.
Click to expand...

Dude, you just go a sled ... what you need is a truck. Pick up an older extended cab, with front and rear bench's, that will sleep 2 easy. You can then save cash you would dump on a trailer for more important things ... like a nicer tuck,winter tires and CFR rack ....

But, if you opt the trailer, you just want a narrow tire. Be sure to bring a spare and do your wheel bearings at the beginning of the season. If you get a shit box trailer, you may want to re-do the trailer wiring, or at the least make sure the ground has a good connection.
 
13204852:Beetle_Kill said:
Dude, you just go a sled ... what you need is a truck. Pick up an older extended cab, with front and rear bench's, that will sleep 2 easy. You can then save cash you would dump on a trailer for more important things ... like a nicer tuck,winter tires and CFR rack ....

But, if you opt the trailer, you just want a narrow tire. Be sure to bring a spare and do your wheel bearings at the beginning of the season. If you get a shit box trailer, you may want to re-do the trailer wiring, or at the least make sure the ground has a good connection.
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listen to this guy, i agree with every point.
 
13204410:ShredMasterPlus said:
ahahaha, yea probably eh. well i have a warranty till feb but doubt that counts for running into trees/rocks but still if that motor goes i get new one!!!!
Click to expand...

13204419:JustGoWithIt said:
You will have trouble with structural damages such as the shock system, A-Arms, skis when it comes to the warranty. I don't know if you are new to snowmobiling or not but it is important to keep in mind that things can and will break. When we go out west, I bring a $1000 for the trip and another $1000 for sled damages and expect to spend it (I normally don't). Just remember that regular maintenance and servicing is key if you want it to last.
Click to expand...

Warranty will not cover physical damage. Very few warranty's extend beyond the engine, and obvious defects.
 
Well I have a 4unner, no complaints there. waaay better gas mileage the most any truck, kills it off road, has a double bed in the back raised with tons of storage. Trailer will be a pain in the ass sometimes unfortunately but thats a trade off I'm fine with.
 
I put mine up for sale this summer. Still for sale actually. Amazing how much interest but everyone just low balls. I have it a bit high priced, but the sled is mint. And I also don't need to sell it. I just don't use it enough, was thinking about selling it and just putting the money towards a 2ed home possibly.

Anyway, they are fun. Money pits. But super fun
 
13204862:Beetle_Kill said:
Warranty will not cover physical damage. Very few warranty's extend beyond the engine, and obvious defects.
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Thats what I thought.
 
As someone who just survived my first season of mountain sledding, let me start off by first saying...

Don't plan on doing a whole lot of skiing your first year out. Digging on the other hand... You'll get really good at it. My advice is to not even take your skis out with you until you really get really comfortable, especially if you don't have a proper rack. They will just get in the way and be a major annoyance.

Sled choice really depends on your budget. I'd recommending not emptying your bank account on a sled like I did. More than likely you'll put it into a tree at least once.

Most models older than 2004 you'll find in the $1000-2000 range. If you find one thats in good shape, these can be a good first sled. Try to get a 150 or greater track if possible. Low miles is key to reliability. Also, make sure the tunnel isn't bent.

My buddy got an 2003 RMK and honestly he got around without any troubles. It actually did really well doubling because it's less tippy than newer models.

I have a 2008 RMK IQ 700. $3000-5000 is the price range for 2008 RMK's and Summits. Stay clear of any 800's prior to 2009, both Polaris and Skidoo. These sleds typically require more maintenance and are less reliable. Unless you're really fat, a 600 will be enough for your first sled.

Good luck and have fun. Its definitely addictive. I think I'm more excited about sledding than skiing this winter.
 
13204852:Beetle_Kill said:
Dude, you just go a sled ... what you need is a truck. Pick up an older extended cab, with front and rear bench's, that will sleep 2 easy. You can then save cash you would dump on a trailer for more important things ... like a nicer tuck,winter tires and CFR rack ....

But, if you opt the trailer, you just want a narrow tire. Be sure to bring a spare and do your wheel bearings at the beginning of the season. If you get a shit box trailer, you may want to re-do the trailer wiring, or at the least make sure the ground has a good connection.
Click to expand...

13204933:ShredMasterPlus said:
Well I have a 4unner, no complaints there. waaay better gas mileage the most any truck, kills it off road, has a double bed in the back raised with tons of storage. Trailer will be a pain in the ass sometimes unfortunately but thats a trade off I'm fine with.
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Congrats on the Sled!!!! hopefully this advice has come in handy haha. Just got to get a nice rack set up now as well as a boot bag.

To add to this guys advice on the trailer, I would go with aluminium especially with a 4 runner. I had a 3 place aluminium for a number of years and really miss it now that I have a heavy ass 4 place metal trailer. The lightness is definitely worth the extra money in gas mileage and easy pulling also a good trailer doesn't depreciate too much. I had a 16ft aluminium and added some brackets so I could fit 3 sleds, downside is finding a good aluminium welder haha

Personally think trailers are the best for this, being in your neck of the woods you'll most likely be road tripping with at least one other sled and it can be a real pain in the ass to have to take multiple vehicles.

Another piece of advice, we've began hauling our fuel from "Berta" where it's cheaper plus its kinda nice to not have to stop for gas at night or if there isn't a gas station on our route.

Have fun, don't wreck your sled, and don't get frustrated if you find sledding fucking difficult at first haha
 
11673087:loganimlach said:
please please please don't go ANY lower than a 700. even then I would recommend getting an 800, because after a season you will be looking to upgrade from a 700 to an 800. get something older (05-07) ride it for a couple years to see if you're into it, then upgrade to something a couple years old. but you will not have nearly as much fun on a 700, especially if you're trying to double friends out.
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First off, I agree with you. After your first year you'll probably want to upgrade to something with more gusto. I do.

But I disagree with going for the 800 your first year for a couple reasons:

A: the older 800's are known for reliability issues, especially if it's got high miles.

B: You shouldn't spend too much on your first sled

C: a 600 is likely enough sled for your first season

That why I'd say just get a cheap 600 or 700 (
 
Que? Pretty much any Rev ('05-'08) is so DAMN reliable. They have their quirks (sticking reeds and cracked carb boots) but aside from that they're awesome sleds. the price difference between a 600 and an 800 that are both 10 years old isn't going to be nearly as substantial as the performance.

**This post was edited on Nov 5th 2014 at 2:44:06pm
 
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