If the only riding you do in MN is off trail, and yes there can be some deep snow, why buy a crossover?? I don't trail ride. I used to every now and then but I don't anymore. Plus, if you make two or three trips a year out West, the cost of renting a sled and buying a new one is a wash. Buy a new M800 for $11,000 this year, ride three times out west, sell for $8000. It's $3000 no matter how you slice it.
BTW... There are some very good riders from minnesota. In fact, there are a few in our group that could hang with any of the "top guys" that live out in the mountains on this forum.
I hate to start anything there but its like some people on here think that if you don't live in the mountains there is no possible way you know how to ride AND there is no possible way you can possibly know anything about how to judge a good snowmobile.
Anyway, these new Cats are going to be great sleds. I feel really sorry for those of you that know how to ride in the mountains that haven't gotten to ride the new Cats. Oh wait.. no I don't.
Joe