West Yellowstone or Togwotee Lodge

jlombard · Dec 4, 2018

I know it is really early in the season but with current snow levels at half the average in the west Yellowstone area I am getting concerned. We are scheduled to go on January 31- feb 4. I have been thinking about changing plans and going to Togwotee instead because they have a lot more snow currently. We have already bought airline tickets into Salt Lake and will drive up, we did this last year, so it isn’t to much further to get to WY. We have to cancel our reservations in West Yellowstone by the end of the month to get a full refund. There are no major storms projected through Dec 18 th right now.

Question is what do you all think? Will there be good snow by the end of January to do some backcountry riding in West Yellowstone area or do we book rooms in Togwotee?

Thanks for your opinions

OsborneReady · Dec 4, 2018

The snow levels up there are pretty good. You'll be good to ride up there in January.

The snow in Utah is staking up pretty nicely as well. We start guiding and renting sleds here in Northern Utah next week.

jlombard · Dec 4, 2018

Thank for the reply. The wife and I went last year same time and had a great time and good snow. We are counting the days....

christopher · Dec 4, 2018

Tog is probably your better "BET" as they simply tend to get MORE snow than West/Island Park does.

But that doesn't mean you might not land on a GREAT Week in West....

iluv2fly · Dec 8, 2018

Island park will be fine by than

gonehuntnpowder · Dec 9, 2018

Do you want a variety of restaurants and night life? If so I would go to West. If it is all about the snow togwotee probably is the safer bet, but it's hard to say.

christopher · Dec 9, 2018

gonehuntnpowder said:
Do you want a variety of restaurants and night life? If so I would go to West. If it is all about the snow togwotee probably is the safer bet, but it's hard to say.

Unless they are willing to make the drive down off the mountain back into jackson..

Long drive.
OUTSTANDING NIGHT LIFE...

jlombard · Dec 11, 2018

We love West last year, had a great time going to different places in town and watching Superbowl so night life is on the list, but primarily we want good snow. This year we are bring our 3 boys (25, 22, 19) with us and they want to do more off trail riding. Being that we have have only 3 days of riding we want to make the most of it.

Looks like more snow is on the way so for now we will stick with our WY reservations, we have to make a change by January 1 to get a full refund.

Thanks everyone for replies and suggestions

Big D rmk700 · Dec 11, 2018

christopher said:
Tog is probably your better "BET" as they simply tend to get MORE snow than West/Island Park does.

But that doesn't mean you might not land on a GREAT Week in West....

There should be snow in west by then Tog will cost you double for almost everything!!!

christopher · Dec 11, 2018

Big D rmk700 said:
There should be snow in west by then Tog will cost you double for almost everything!!!

That is a FACT!!

plumnuts · Dec 11, 2018

We have ridden and stayed both areas... Tog usually better snow but not any choices for meals and drinks... West good to great snow but a lot more riders (we find if you go South you can get away from most people)... and if you are riding with kids check out the groomer schedule..

The one problem we have had with Tog is altitude sickness when you stay up there (but we live close to sea level)... West you stay in town or Island Park and the elevation is lower...

We go again... it is Tog just because it is a super cool area to ride!

christopher · Dec 11, 2018

One note about Tog for those that have visited it in the past.
They did a MAJOR rebuild of the main lodge level this summer.
New Dining room, new bar, new rec area.

Spoke with the general manager today and he SWEARS up and down that the food menu is WILDLY DIFFERENT than last year and VASTLY BETTER.

Have not been up this year to verify in person.
But will be there on January 3rd to check it out.

HOPE HOPE HOPE he is telling the truth on the FOOD.
it was NOT up to snuff last season.

jlombard · Dec 13, 2018

SO, with the recent snow there appears to be about 1.5-2 feet in most elevations above 6500ft and 30 plus inches in the higher elevations, but with Black Bear snotel not giving updates it is hard to tell. This is in the West area.

In Tog there is now 3 feet and 2 feet in lower elevations to the south.

How much snow do we need to have safe and enjoyable off trail riding?

christopher · Dec 13, 2018

jlombard said:
SO, with the recent snow there appears to be about 1.5-2 feet in most elevations above 6500ft and 30 plus inches in the higher elevations, but with Black Bear snotel not giving updates it is hard to tell. This is in the West area.

In Tog there is now 3 feet and 2 feet in lower elevations to the south.

How much snow do we need to have safe and enjoyable off trail riding?

In Island Park, 36 inches is usually enough to be SAFE in NOT hitting any of the Fallen Timber.. Less than 36" and there is always a chance you might slam into a tree.

Big D rmk700 · Dec 14, 2018

i feel safe at 50" base

wwracer · Dec 14, 2018

Carrot Basin (385) will give similar reports as Black Bear.... I.P. at this time could use a little help. On the bright side, they started grooming this morning

jlombard · Dec 14, 2018

That is good news the groomers are working now, hopefully it starts to pill up. Well, we have decided to stick with West again this year after some discussion. We have 5 RMK's reserved for 2 days and then taking the old person tour to Old Faithful..... the boys all wanted to see the park...

So, last year the wife and I played off south plateau and black bear trail, couldn't get up Two Top because of visibility, hit a wall once we turned off the groomed trail toward the top. We want to stay away from avalanche terrain for the most part any other places you suggest? We aren't looking for too extreme, but good places to play and explore.

christopher · Dec 14, 2018

jlombard said:
Well, we have decided to stick with West again this year after some discussion. We have 5 RMK's reserved for 2 days and then taking the old person tour to Old Faithful..... the boys all wanted to see the park...

May the great Snow Gods SMILE down upon you and SHOWER you with their love!!!:face-icon-small-hap:face-icon-small-hap

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West Yellowstone or Togwotee Lodge

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