[Draug]

Thanks for the replies Tron.

Like I have said, we normally go on our annual trip to Fernie, but the snow appears to just be way too bad this year. We have always had such a great time there that we have never felt the need to go to Revelstoke or Golden.

The purpose of us hiring a guide is not because we fear getting lost. Rather, it is to have someone with us that is out many days per week and therefor knows the places with the best current conditions. Also, I expect a guide to be way better at assessing the safety level of any given area than I am, and that will help us stay safe (someday I want to get around to taking some avalanche courses). A local guide can also find us those 'hidden' areas that a foreigner will never find, and generally, that is where you can find untracked snow. In a guide, Im really looking for an exceptional rider, who is local, and can be a friend on the trip, rather than a 'business transaction'; know what I mean?

In Fernie, even though we now know the area well, we always hire the same guide, Keely. Awesome guy, amazing rider, and knows the area intimately. He always finds untracked and good snow, even when it seems like there shouldnt be any. It is well worth the money every time.

As far as skill goes, we arent newbies anymore. We have gone out every year, for 2-3 days, for at least the past 8-10 years. We arent expert riders, but we are competent. All 4 of us are very mechanically inclined and generally well coordinated and in good shape, which really helps. We know how to use machines, not just ride them. But, there are still places we look at and decide it just isnt worth the risk to test our skill to that extreme. We always want to get off the trails, and the beaten path, and get into the upper mountain bowls that offer some tame hill climbing, rolling hills, meadows, and trees. We always rent the best Skidoo Mountain sleds, so we always have more machine than courage ... this year, we have Summit XP 800's with a 154" track.

Would you recommend going to Revelstoke or Golden, next weekend? If the snow generally warrants the extra 2 hours of distance, plus another nights stay, then so be it.

As for guides, if we go to Golden, we'll use GSR, especially with your vote of confidence. For Revelstoke, I've ruled out Glacier House (too corporate, and I feel wont adapt the day as we want to). There was a second guide, named Mark, but he was busy. I have talked to a couple local 'Godlike' sledders, and one might travel with us, but of course that is a little more risky than a full time guide. Maybe you even know him, so I'll PM you.