21 FALL 2019 ISSUE 01 / VOL . 01
UTAH
SNOWGOER . COM
small hill . We all dutifully followed , not knowing that would be the last time we saw a snowmobile trail until the very end of the day .
“ We do have a good trail system and a good map of the system ,” Lundahl would later explain , “ but we ’ re all about the off-trail riding . Most of our riding is valleyafter-valley , ridge-after-ridge and mountain-top-aftermountain-top . The only time we like to be on the trail is when we cross it to get to something interesting on the other side .”
22
Whether picking your way through the trees , climbing amazing slopes or playing in meadows , the scenery in northern Utah is beautiful , and there truly is something special about the powdery snow that falls here .
BUILT FOR ADVENTURE
In fact , the area features about 300 miles of snowmobile trails that lead riders deep into the backcountry . Lundahl said some groups come into his lodge , rent sleds , stick to those trails and have a great time , soaking up the incredible scenery and logging fun-filled days . That ’ s not the primary draw to the area , however .
“ A lot of times , we ’ ll get groups of guys that will be here for four days , and they will get a guide for the first day to kind of show them around and then they plan to figure it out for themselves the rest of the week ,” Lundahl said . “ But after using a guide that first day , they almost always want to go with a guide for the rest of their stay because there is such a tremendous amount of variety of things they get to see and do . The guides know how to take you into those little powder holes and up the ridges and into the areas that you wouldn ’ t find on your own .”
Beaver Creek ’ s veteran crew guides in a 230-squaremile region , Lundahl explained , and that allows them to give a different experience each day . There is one primary trail ride – a cruise down to Hardware Ranch and visit to the country ’ s oldest elk refuge . It ’ s a beautiful ride that appeals to the less adventurous riders . Beyond that , however , each of the other primary guided rides focuses on varying levels of backcountry , powder-riding fun and adventure .