When riding a snowmobile, you need to know the top snowmobile safety tips to ensure you’re safe on your ride. You need to know how to prepare before you start riding, what to do or don’t do during your ride, and what to wear. In this guide, we’ll break down the top 10 snowmobile safety tips.
Social media series #snowmobilesafetysunday
Our social media series #snowmobilesafetysunday highlighted the top four snowmobile tips on Instagram and Facebook:
1. Check the weather forecast and the trail conditions
Before you hit the trails, be sure to check the weather forecast and the trail conditions. You don’t want to ride in adverse weather conditions, such as the wind chill being too low or the trail being frozen. Checking the weather will also allow you to wear the proper clothing.
2. Bring a buddy
Riding with a friend or a group of friends is fun and also safer. Remember, there is safety in numbers! If your snowmobile breaks down or if an accident occurs, you’ll have someone there to help you.
3. Carry a first-aid kit, emergency kit, and repair kit
Always have a first aid kit, an emergency kit, and a repair kit on your snowmobile, so that if anything happens, you’re equipped to handle it. Before going on your ride, be sure that each kit has the essential safety supplies you’d need in case of an emergency.
4. Wear appropriate clothing and protective gear
This one is a no-brainer, but staying warm and dry during your ride will not only make it enjoyable, but you’ll also be safer. Here’s a list of the clothes/gear that’ll keep you warm and safe, head to toe:
- A snow helmet, which is typically a full-face helmet, will both keep your head protected and keep it warm. Check out this GMax AT-21S Adventure Snow Helmet that has an electric shield to keep it warm and a removable interior made with COOLMAX® CORE Technology that wicks moisture away from the body and is designed to keep you dry and comfortable.
- You will need to wear goggles if you do not wear a full-face helmet. The goggles will help protect your eyes from the wind, snow/precipitation, or any debris while riding. You can up your game with roll-off lenses or this awesome Risk Racing Automatic Roll-Off System which allows you to hit a trigger button near the controls that will progress the roll-off.
- A facemask, like the Zan Full Face Mask, will protect you from the cold with its thermal insulation and water resistance. And it comes it cool designs!
- Snowmobile Suit, which usually consists of a pair of snow bibs and a snow jacket, will work to keep your whole body warm. You can also grab some insulated pants for an extra layer.
- Base garments such as leg warmers will help with the cold as well.
- Cold weather gloves or heated gloves to help keep your hands from getting cold while out in the open on the throttle.
- Snow boots and liners will keep your feet warm and dry during your adventure.
Other Snowmobile Safety Tips:
Although we only chose 4 tips to highlight in our series, there are more snowmobile safety tips that are equally important:
5. Take a snowmobile safety course
Taking a course to teach you the basics (or even advanced) skills of riding a snowmobile will provide you with safety and riding knowledge. You’ll also learn trail rules, such as the correct snowmobile hand signals. Some states may require certifications based on age.
6. Inspect your snowmobile before you ride
Make sure your ride is running and performing properly before heading out on the trails. Be sure you are following the recommended service schedule to keep your ride running smoothly and maintained well. Confirm that the fuel and oil levels are good, and that your brakes, headlights, and taillights are working properly.
7. Do not ride on frozen lakes & rivers
You never know how thick ice is. It could look very thick, but in reality, be very thin. This means as soon as you ride on it, you will break the ice and fall into the extremely cold water.
8. Stay on the trail
Do not stray off the trails. Marked trails are specifically designed for riders and are less likely to have threats. When going off trails, you put yourself in danger because you’d be in unfamiliar terrain. It can be more difficult to be found if something were to happen to you when off the main trail.
9. Don’t speed
You want to go at a moderate speed so that you can react quickly enough to unexpected occurrences on the trail.
10. Don’t drink and ride
Just like with any type of vehicle, do not drink and drive! It can lead to delayed response times and can cause serious accidents.
Riding snowmobiles is a lot of fun, but you do need to be prepared and know how to be safe while riding. There are safety equipment and accessories you should take with you as well. Read our "Top Snowmobile Accessories" blog to learn more.
