Slow start to Big Horns snowmobile season - KOTA Territory News

Slow start to Big Horns snowmobile season

Snowmobiliers in the West are having some trouble finding areas with plenty of snow, as the snow pack is a little behind schedule in the big horn mountains.

Resort owners say the December snow was slow and steady, leading to a later than normal start to the snowmobiling season.

However, last week brought enough snow to the Big Horns that riders were willing to spend their entire New Years weekend exploring the trails.

The Bear Lodge Resort claims even though snow depth is about ten inches below normal most trails are usable.

"You can actually get out to where you have some pretty good riding.  It's still not as good as what most people would like.  At this time of the year most people would like to see all of the fences covered.  And right now they're only covered in a few areas," said resort co-owner, Rick Young.

One North Dakota rider says the big horns offered the only decent snowmobiling conditions he could find.

"With our shorter tracks, we got along real fine with them.  You got to really watch for the rocks.  Other than that, it was enjoyable for the days we were here," said Darin Naumann.

Young says near the resort the snow pack ranges from 0 to 12 inches, and a few miles away there are areas of up to 30 inches.