30
Nov
2014
jloomis

A futile hunt for snow: snowmobiling near Little John SnoPark

Most of our mountain snow melted during the week, but some fresh snow fell this weekend. I found reports of snowfall amounts from a couple inches to almost a foot! I was excited to get out snowmobiling again, so I convinced my friend John to go up Sunday morning with me. Our plan was to head to Little John SnoPark and drive up road 44 as high as we needed to before unloading the snowmobiles.

We ended up pulling off to the side of the road at around 4,100' elevation where there was about 3-4 inches of fresh snow. The temperature was a chilly 18°F with moderate wind. The road was tracked up by other vehicles, but we found some snow on the side and snowmobiled up to Lookout Mountain Rd 4410.

Unloading Polaris snowmobiles near Lookout Mountain

As we gained elevation the snow became thinner with only about 2" on the ground. After stopping several times to let our snowmobiles cool down, we decided to turn back at about 5,700' elevation.

Not very much snow for a sled

It was a disappointing day, but at least we tried. On the way home we stopped at Frog Lake SnoPark to see if it was any better. We talked to a couple other snowmobilers who informed us it was only marginally better. Instead of giving it a try, we went home to wait for the next snowstorm.

Gear List

2014 Polaris 800 Pro RMK Snowmobile
2013 Polaris 800 Switchback Assault Snowmobile
HMK Summit V16 Pack
GMAX GM76X Helmet
Smith Phenom Turbo Fan Goggles
Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Max Electric Boots
HMK Hustler 2 Snowmobile Pants
Columbia Titanium Hightail II Softshell Jacket
HMK Cascade Snowmobile Jacket
Columbia Powerfly Down Puff Jacket
Head Digital Sport Liner Gloves
Outdoor Research Ambit Gloves
Columbia Men's Fast Trek Fleece Hat
Balaclava
Petzl TIKKA XP 2 Headlamp
Olympus Tough TG-1 Camera
Lifeline Aluminum Sport Utility Snow Shovel
First Aid Kit
SPOT Gen3
Samsung Galaxy S5 w/BackCountry Navigator
Suunto A-10 Compass

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Disclaimer: You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards of backcountry travel and taking the necessary precautions. Loomis Adventures may not be held liable.