Snowmobile Basics
Staying “on the trail” OR riding “off trail”
These are two distinct options. Trails are typically maintained, are mapped, and take you to beautiful places. Riding “off trail” in the powder is for experienced snowmobilers. If you enjoy your initial trail riding experiences, the lure of the powder will become irresistible. But in the beginning, trail riding is definitely the way to start out unless you are lucky enough to have experienced friends or a guide along. For most people who rent a snowmobile you will want to stay on the trial.
Getting Stuck
Beginners and advanced snowmobilers have in common that their snowmobiles can get buried in deep snow or simply get stuck by straying from a packed trail.
Getting “unstuck” is physically strenuous due to a lack of good footing, weight of the snowmobile, and effects of high altitude. A guide, some helpers, and a high level of personal physical fitness will make the process just part of your great memories.
Avalanche Risks
Avalanches are a serious life-threatening matter. The easiest way to avoid these risks is by selecting a route that avoids known slide areas. An experienced guide represents another way to stay out of harm's way.
Serious snowmobilers should develop specific knowledge about how avalanches occur, how to avoid them, and how to respond if caught in one. Some quick knowledge is available on the internet by searching under “avalanche.”
Essentially an avalanche is snow sliding down a slope caused by a complex interaction of snowpack, gravity, slope steepness, weather, and terrain. A heightened awareness is required whenever your route travels across or adjacent to a snow-covered slope with a significant degree of steepness.
Rules of the Road and accident prevention
Knowing the rules of the road and how to prevent common accidents will make your snowmobiling trip safe and more fun:
On trails
- Stay to the right .
- Use hand signals for turns and stopping and to signal approaching snowmobilers there are other members of your party behind you.
- Stop at intersections. Wait for your group to reassemble before turning.
- Yield the right of way to oncoming traffic.
- Cross highways and roads carrying cars carefully.
- Driving defensively – especially maintain a safe distance from snowmobiles in front of you.
- Obey posted speed limits.
- Take your trash out – avoid litter.
- Lend a helping a hand to someone in distress
Accident Prevention
- Learn how to brake, how to control acceleration and speed, and how to steer.
- Stay under control. Don't go too fast for your ability or for conditions.
- Make certain your group does not exceed the abilities of any member.
- Curves and ruts, depressions and bumps require lower speeds and more caution.
- Be ready to stop at any time.
- Avoid hitting trees, stumps, rocks.
- Avoid open water.
- Avoid collisions.
- Be aware that getting tired and worn out requires adjustments.
- Avoid Alcohol/drugs.
- Be aware that flat light diminishes visibility.
- Avoid traveling with parking brake on
With all this preparation – your first snowmobiling adventure will the start of a lifetime of fun with your friends and family.