Buffalo, MN huh? I have a lot of relatives that live close to that area. Maple Lake -Howard Lake areas.
I manage a cabin between Lead and Deadwood. It's not on the trail, but very convenient. If you have a group it's a good bet. Let me know and I'll be happy to discuss in a pvt. message.
There are many available hotels in Deadwood, Lead and out in the Hills. Some on trail and many close.
Like I said, I have a little injury now so I haven't been out yet, but grooming has started. A good chance of snow tomorrow and it sounds like the Southern Hills might get hit a little harder which would be good. Just Google South Dakota Snowmobile Trail conditions and look for our GFP link. They also have a Twitter account.
The Black Hills is a bit of a mixed bag off trail. I know many good relatively safe meadows and areas... ones I have been playing in for about 30 years... been riding the Hills since I was 9, but it's also a place filled with rocks and stumps so early off trail riding without a base can lead to a land mine surprise! Although I've never totaled a sled here I have went through a couple A arms over the years. Off trail usually improves into a January and February. Also we get a lot of traffic so the play areas do get pretty tracked up quickly, but it's still a lot of fun. Trails are well marked and well maintained.
I will try and do a better job with local updates this winter. I sort of lost interest last year because it was such a poor winter. I still rode (you can always ride here, but some winters suck) but was way down on mileage. So far this year seems like a solid start.
