Snowmobile Safety Tips

Hurtling through the snow on a snowmobile can be an exhilarating experience. But taking safety precautions is crucial to avoid accidents. After all you don’t want your harmless winter fun to end in a crash. As the leading powersports vehicle for wintry adventures, snowmobiles are thrilling, fast, and fun.

So when riding on slippery ice in freezing temperatures, it’s important to remain alert and know the best practices for riding your vehicle safely.

We have compiled a list of tips for riding snowmobiles that can help you stay safe and have fun this winter! To check out snowmobiles for sale, visit our dealerships in Winnipeg, Oak Bluff, Portage and Steinbach, Manitoba and Kenora, Ontario.

Clothing

When setting out on an adrenaline-pumping adventure in freezing temperatures, a great way to stay warm and comfortable is by layering your clothing. While it is more convenient to wear just one heavy coat, wearing several thinner, insulating layers is always a smarter idea. This will help you stay warm and allow you to move freely, which is important for any winter sport.

The outermost layer of your clothing should be windproof and waterproof and when in sub-zero temperatures, they should be well insulated as well. Be careful about what you wear as sweating in your woolens can cause hypothermia.

Snow pants, snow boots, thick wool socks, and gloves with insulation are a must in bitterly cold conditions. Also, carry a spare pair of socks and layers to change into in case you get wet. Wear goggles with anti-fog coatings and UV protection to protect your eyes from ice and improve your visibility as you ride.

Maintenance Tool Kit and First Aid Box

A little precaution never hurt anyone. It is always a great idea to carry a maintenance tool kit for your snowmobile and a first aid box with you when you are travelling far away from home, into the snowy mountains. The repair tool kit should include wrenches and screwdrivers along with a flashlight to help you see what you’re doing.

The first aid kit can be a lifesaver if you suffer from any minor injuries or illness during your journey. And most importantly, carry sufficient water and food to stay hydrated and nourished. An emergency radio is a great idea in case your phone can’t get a signal.

Check The Forecast

Even though you’re adventurous and enjoy taking on challenges, riding in the middle of a blizzard isn’t fun! Smart riders check the forecast before starting out. High winds and snow storms hamper visibility and lead you to crash your snowmobile. Even the sturdiest of snowmobiles can meet with accidents in a storm. So be cautious about when you head out for your adventure.

Watch For Ice

When making your way through snow, watch out for ice patches. Avoid creeks, lakes or rivers, unless you are absolutely certain that they are thick enough to ride over, like established trails that have been tested by professional riders. Also, avoid ice completely if temperatures have been above freezing for a long time. Since you don’t know how fast the snow is melting, there is always a risk of falling through.

Ice Breakthroughs

In case you do break through the ice and fall into frigid water, swim towards the surface and kick your legs out towards the edge of the ice instead of trying to tread water. Get out of the freeing water as fast as possible to avoid hypothermia.

Once you’re on safe, stable ground, take off your wet clothes and do calisthenics like push-ups or jumping jacks to warm yourself up. Head indoors (as soon as possible) and warm yourself in front of a fire. When riding a snowmobile, go with others, so that you can get help in case of an emergency.

Since winter is upon us, many of us are waiting eagerly to enjoy our favourite pastime, snowmobiling. If looking for snowmobiles for sale in Manitoba, drop by Enns Brothers in Winnipeg, Oak Bluff, Portage and Steinbach to check out some industry leading snowmobile brands. We proudly serve all of Manitoba.