I'm moving from Maine to the Kitsap (Bremerton) area this summer and want to get up to speed on the local snowmobiling scene.
I currently have a 2006 Ski Doo MXZ Adrenaline 600 HO SDI, stock. Is there anyplace drivable from the Kitsap area (2 hours??) that I can get some good riding in on this sled? Or, do I just need to sell it here in Maine and use the $$ to buy a mountain sled in WA? I'd really like to keep the MXZ...it's a blast to ride but it's just not made for deep powder.
I've checked the WSSA website but it's a little confusing to figure out what the different areas have to offer and what the riding is like...groomed trails or powder mountains. I will be in the Bremerton, WA area and would be willing to drive up to 3 hours for some riding. What areas are good to go? Is there lodging near the "snowparks?" What is a "snowpark" anyway? What are the rules to ride...registration, club membership, etc. Are there any decent areas that have guide services?
I'm definitley interested in testing out the mountain riding but would really like to have the option to ride groomed trails too...the kids love it and it makes it easier to keep the ride as short as they can handle that day.
I'm used to hundreds of miles of connected trails systems (Maine ITS) where I can get on anywhere and pretty much go anywhere in the state as long as I have the energy and plan for gas stops.
Thanks.
Full Version: Moving to Kitsap area from Maine
Bremerton puts you about 2 hours from some good riding around the I-90 (Snoqualmie pass) area. Sno-Parks are just staging areas where you ride from. You are definately going to want to get some sort of a mountain type track or better yet, just buy a mountain sled. Around here, we live for deep snow and trail riding is only a necessary evil. Grooming has gotten alot better over the last few years depending on where you ride.
Put it this way, a 40-50 mile ride around here can take most of the day once you learn how to ride mountains. A good sled for around here is something with a track lenght of nothing less than a 144 with the mid 150's being the perfect length. The 800 XP 154 is by far the most popular sled for this area. On those epic days, a 600 just isn't enough
This year has not been a very good year. Last year was a banner year with guys riding into July up around Mt Baker. Typically, our sled season usually begins mid November thru late March early April. The other thing that is nice about this area is a 6-12 hour roadtrip to British Columbia can put youinto the best mounatin riding there is in the world
Put it this way, a 40-50 mile ride around here can take most of the day once you learn how to ride mountains. A good sled for around here is something with a track lenght of nothing less than a 144 with the mid 150's being the perfect length. The 800 XP 154 is by far the most popular sled for this area. On those epic days, a 600 just isn't enough
This year has not been a very good year. Last year was a banner year with guys riding into July up around Mt Baker. Typically, our sled season usually begins mid November thru late March early April. The other thing that is nice about this area is a 6-12 hour roadtrip to British Columbia can put youinto the best mounatin riding there is in the world
Diamond Dave,
Thanks for the info on your area. I've been checking the Seattle Craig's List for used Summit prices so I can have an idea what the market looks like. Where are the descent groomed trails systems in the area and where can I find out more about them? Are there local snowmobile clubs where I can check out their websites? I'd still like to take the kids out for some riding...REV with 1+1 seat. Thanks again.
Thanks for the info on your area. I've been checking the Seattle Craig's List for used Summit prices so I can have an idea what the market looks like. Where are the descent groomed trails systems in the area and where can I find out more about them? Are there local snowmobile clubs where I can check out their websites? I'd still like to take the kids out for some riding...REV with 1+1 seat. Thanks again.
Here is a link that will get you started
http://www.wssa.us/
Clubs
http://www.polarbearsnowmobile.com/
http://www.northwestglaciercruisers.com/news.html
There are a few more clubs. If you follow the WSSA site, you'll find maps for the groomed trail systems.
Good luck, Dave
http://www.wssa.us/
Clubs
http://www.polarbearsnowmobile.com/
http://www.northwestglaciercruisers.com/news.html
There are a few more clubs. If you follow the WSSA site, you'll find maps for the groomed trail systems.
Good luck, Dave
Also, the WSSA sponsors one of the largest swap-meets/expos in the country every October in Puyallup, Wa at the fair grounds (about 40 min. from Bremerton) You'll definately not want to miss that.
Old post but, I work over in that area for Centuytel and I'm moving over to port orchard ( soon as the house sells ) I don't know the area but enumclaw is closest, I mostly ride Randle around St. Helens since I'm from that area and all my buddies live down there... it's about 1 1/2 to randle and 30min to the snow park from there.
QUOTE (Rangeley Newbie @ Feb 5 2009, 04:40 PM) 
I'm moving from Maine to the Kitsap (Bremerton) area this summer and want to get up to speed on the local snowmobiling scene.
I currently have a 2006 Ski Doo MXZ Adrenaline 600 HO SDI, stock. Is there anyplace drivable from the Kitsap area (2 hours??) that I can get some good riding in on this sled? Or, do I just need to sell it here in Maine and use the $$ to buy a mountain sled in WA? I'd really like to keep the MXZ...it's a blast to ride but it's just not made for deep powder.
I've checked the WSSA website but it's a little confusing to figure out what the different areas have to offer and what the riding is like...groomed trails or powder mountains. I will be in the Bremerton, WA area and would be willing to drive up to 3 hours for some riding. What areas are good to go? Is there lodging near the "snowparks?" What is a "snowpark" anyway? What are the rules to ride...registration, club membership, etc. Are there any decent areas that have guide services?
I'm definitley interested in testing out the mountain riding but would really like to have the option to ride groomed trails too...the kids love it and it makes it easier to keep the ride as short as they can handle that day.
I'm used to hundreds of miles of connected trails systems (Maine ITS) where I can get on anywhere and pretty much go anywhere in the state as long as I have the energy and plan for gas stops.
Thanks.
I currently have a 2006 Ski Doo MXZ Adrenaline 600 HO SDI, stock. Is there anyplace drivable from the Kitsap area (2 hours??) that I can get some good riding in on this sled? Or, do I just need to sell it here in Maine and use the $$ to buy a mountain sled in WA? I'd really like to keep the MXZ...it's a blast to ride but it's just not made for deep powder.
I've checked the WSSA website but it's a little confusing to figure out what the different areas have to offer and what the riding is like...groomed trails or powder mountains. I will be in the Bremerton, WA area and would be willing to drive up to 3 hours for some riding. What areas are good to go? Is there lodging near the "snowparks?" What is a "snowpark" anyway? What are the rules to ride...registration, club membership, etc. Are there any decent areas that have guide services?
I'm definitley interested in testing out the mountain riding but would really like to have the option to ride groomed trails too...the kids love it and it makes it easier to keep the ride as short as they can handle that day.
I'm used to hundreds of miles of connected trails systems (Maine ITS) where I can get on anywhere and pretty much go anywhere in the state as long as I have the energy and plan for gas stops.
Thanks.
QUOTE (Rangeley Newbie @ Feb 5 2009, 04:40 PM)
I'm moving from Maine to the Kitsap (Bremerton) area this summer and want to get up to speed on the local snowmobiling scene.[font="Arial"][/font]
Rangeley Newbie.
Welcome fellow Maineiac, I live in Silverdale and we have a pretty good group that makes our way to the mountains. if you are looking for someone to ride with or direct you in some direction I am happy to help. I am originally from Vassalboro but after I retired from the Navy stayed here , reply if interested
I currently have a 2006 Ski Doo MXZ Adrenaline 600 HO SDI, stock. Is there anyplace drivable from the Kitsap area (2 hours??) that I can get some good riding in on this sled? Or, do I just need to sell it here in Maine and use the $$ to buy a mountain sled in WA? I'd really like to keep the MXZ...it's a blast to ride but it's just not made for deep powder.
I've checked the WSSA website but it's a little confusing to figure out what the different areas have to offer and what the riding is like...groomed trails or powder mountains. I will be in the Bremerton, WA area and would be willing to drive up to 3 hours for some riding. What areas are good to go? Is there lodging near the "snowparks?" What is a "snowpark" anyway? What are the rules to ride...registration, club membership, etc. Are there any decent areas that have guide services?
I'm definitley interested in testing out the mountain riding but would really like to have the option to ride groomed trails too...the kids love it and it makes it easier to keep the ride as short as they can handle that day.
I'm used to hundreds of miles of connected trails systems (Maine ITS) where I can get on anywhere and pretty much go anywhere in the state as long as I have the energy and plan for gas stops.
Thanks.
Rangeley Newbie.
Welcome fellow Maineiac, I live in Silverdale and we have a pretty good group that makes our way to the mountains. if you are looking for someone to ride with or direct you in some direction I am happy to help. I am originally from Vassalboro but after I retired from the Navy stayed here , reply if interested
I currently have a 2006 Ski Doo MXZ Adrenaline 600 HO SDI, stock. Is there anyplace drivable from the Kitsap area (2 hours??) that I can get some good riding in on this sled? Or, do I just need to sell it here in Maine and use the $$ to buy a mountain sled in WA? I'd really like to keep the MXZ...it's a blast to ride but it's just not made for deep powder.
I've checked the WSSA website but it's a little confusing to figure out what the different areas have to offer and what the riding is like...groomed trails or powder mountains. I will be in the Bremerton, WA area and would be willing to drive up to 3 hours for some riding. What areas are good to go? Is there lodging near the "snowparks?" What is a "snowpark" anyway? What are the rules to ride...registration, club membership, etc. Are there any decent areas that have guide services?
I'm definitley interested in testing out the mountain riding but would really like to have the option to ride groomed trails too...the kids love it and it makes it easier to keep the ride as short as they can handle that day.
I'm used to hundreds of miles of connected trails systems (Maine ITS) where I can get on anywhere and pretty much go anywhere in the state as long as I have the energy and plan for gas stops.
Thanks.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.