Both can get hammered by Christmas week riders. Expecting many riders this year over the holiday whereever there's snow - lots of new sleds to be ridden (if they get delivered). Snowies are much bigger area-wise, but the high points will be windswept, and you can get some days that are whiteouts in the open areas. You can get some massive dumps early season in the Snowies. If you're riding out of Albany, it's a big trip to the north side. You can also trailer/deck up 130 to where the plow stops, and unload. The Mullen burn area out of Albany may have changed riding, too - haven't ridden there since the Mullen fire. Not helping much with your decision, but letting you know what to expect.