Having spent my entire life in Wyoming riding the mountains, I have multiple thoughts on the subject. I ride an M8 bone stock. You definately need the proper clutching. So go back to that.
But having owned all but polaris, the major difference is in rider experience. Having seen many flatlanders come ride ( no offense flatlanders) and having swapped sleds on the hill, the difference comes in experience.
So if you want to lead the pack, pin the throttle! When you are about to hit something, pin the throttle( and lean hard). And when you definately are out of control, pin the throttle and most of the time you will ride right through it!
I have found the more you make mods, the more time you spend tinkering and less time ridin! I like to pull the rope once and ride all day with no tinkering.
Have fun on the hill!
