Staying Safe on your Snowmobile

With the snow falling in sheets, it’s time to pull out the snowmobile. Whether you’re using it for fun afternoons or as a way to get around town or your property, snowmobiles can be a fun, useful way to explore the snow. But like any type of powersports equipment, you’ll want to make sure you’re being safe while you’re out on your snowmobile. Because of this, Peak Powersports has provided some of the basics for staying safe on a snowmobile. Make sure that you’re prepared for any potential disaster while you’re out in the snow. And if you’re still looking for the perfect snowmobile, then stop by our location in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Clothing & Equipment

Before you even get on a snowmobile, make sure you’re wearing and packing the right gear. Start with layers. Layering your clothes can help you better combat overheating and sweating too much. We suggest long underclothes, a thick shirt, and down vest. Then the coat doesn’t have to be heavily insulated unless it’s particularly cold out. It’s also best to wear riding boots that are good for the snow and insulated gloves to keep all your extremities warm. Finally, snow pants are a good idea as well as they’ll keep your legs dry and prevent moisture from dripping into your boots.

Beyond warming equipment, you’ll want to be wearing the right kind of safety equipment as well. The most important safety gear is proper head protection. Wearing a helmet is a must, no matter how far you’re going or out fast you’ll be traveling. Don’t expect the snow to cushion your fall, as it can be very difficult to see what’s lying just beneath the powder. If your helmet doesn’t come with a face shield, you’ll want to invest in goggles or some other way to protect your eyes from debris.

Bringing a basic tool kit and spare parts can be incredibly helpful. Sometimes you’ll have to buckle down and call a tow truck, but there are definitely times in which a quick tune up with basic equipment can at least get you closer to the road or even to a repair shop. And don’t forget to pack plenty of water.

Be Smart

An easy way to avoid an accident is to simply be smart about how you ride. If you’re not going to be totally focused on controlling your snowmobile or watching for hazards, then don’t ride. Always ride sober, which means no alcohol or recreational drugs, as well as any prescriptions that can impair your judgment. If there are external factors that might affect your ability to concentrate, such as particularly bad weather, then stay home. Because of this, you’ll want to check the forecast before you ride.

Watch for Ice

If you ride long enough, you’ll probably run into ice at least once. Once again, just be smart. Try to avoid it if at all possible, especially if the weather has been warming up recently. If you can’t, then find spots in the ice that have already been traveled over and proven safe for riding. If it’s a particularly large body of water, like a lake or pond, hug the sides, as the ice on the edge of the lake will be thicker than the ice in the middle.

Ice Breakthroughs

Even the most careful snowmobilers can break through the ice, so it’s important to know what to do if that happens. Firstly, remain calm and prioritize your life over the snowmobile. Get back to the surface if you’re completely submerged and find the nearest ice edge. Place both hands on the ice ledge and pull yourself up one leg at a time. Do not stand up. This will focus all your weight on a very small area and risk another breakthrough. Instead, stay on your hands and knees until you reach safety. Once you’re clear of the ice, remove your wet clothing and start to do calisthenics (push-ups, squats, jumping jacks, etc.). Also make a fire as soon as you can. The idea is to increase your body temperature, so never sit in cold, wet clothes.

As fun as it is to be out and about on your snowmobile, you should be prioritizing safety so make sure you know what to do in an emergency situation and that you’re set with all the right gear. You’ll also want to make sure your snowmobile is in peak working condition, so for all your regular maintenance and repairs, stop by Peak Powersports in Sheridan, Wyoming.