Snowmobile safety is no joke—thousands of accidents occur each year, most often caused by natural obstacles, excessive speed, and alcohol.

There’s nothing better than the thrill of cruising on your snowmobile across the snow, enjoying the picturesque winter landscape, but it needs to be done safely. Nature is certainly a winter wonderland, but it’s also chock-full of dangers, such as ice, wildlife, fallen tree branches, and uneven terrain.

How much do you know about snowmobile safety, and are you teaching your kids the right habits when it comes to how to ride?

We can all use a reminder, on occasion, of how to ride safely. Before heading out this winter, keep reading to find ten snowmobile safety tips useful for new and experienced riders.

Then, we’ll see you out on the trails!

1. Check the Forecast Before Heading Out

Snowmobiling through snow flurries sounds awesome. Not so fast—a few romantic snowflakes can quickly turn into a blizzard, creating unsafe conditions for riding.

Always check a detailed, hourly weather forecast before heading out. If high winds, fog, or storms are forecast, it’s not safe to be out on the trails.

Poor visibility makes it tough to see the trail, leaving you open to veering off the track, getting lost, or having an accident. Although you’re sure to be looking forward to a day out on the snowmobile, if the weather’s looking grim, then the best thing to do is reschedule.

It can also be helpful to download a weather app on your phone, so you can keep an eye on the forecast while you’re out.

2. Snowmobile Safety Means Always Wearing Safety Gear

You know that you and the kids should always wear snowmobile helmets, but there’s so much more to safety gear than just protecting your head.

Temperatures regularly drop below freezing, leaving you exposed not only to chills but to something more serious—frostbite. Plus, you want protection from the wind, rain, and snow.

You’ll want to dress in layers, keeping you dry and warm. Although cotton seems the obvious choice, it can actually trap moisture and sweat, making you colder—materials like polyesters and wools are better for wicking moisture away.

Your exterior layer should be wind and water-proof, with plenty of insulation for warmth. Finish it off with gloves, thick socks, and goggles, protecting your eyes.

When it comes to snowmobile safety, you want to make sure both you and your snowmobile are prepared for the elements. Regular snowmobile servicing ensures your sweet winter ride is in the best possible shape, ready to face another winter.

3. Ride With a Friend

Another top safety tip is to always ride with a friend. One of the beautiful things about snowmobiles is cruising through the remote, untouched countryside—often without cell service.

What happens if you have engine trouble, or even worse, an accident? If you don’t have reception, you’re in big trouble if you’re out riding alone.

The safest way to ride is with a buddy (or, even better, several) so that you can all look out for each other. It’s more fun to ride with friends too, as it’s a social hobby best enjoyed with a cup of chocolate by the fire after a long ride!

4. Follow the Road Rules

To stay safe on the trails, it’s smart to always follow all the signposted road rules. Snowmobiling accidents are more common than you might think, often caused by drivers speeding or disobeying the rules.

If caught, you may be subject to fines, but it’s also just a bad idea to put the safety of yourself and those around you at risk.

Always take note of posted speed limits, right of way signs, and yield to other drivers. If you’re riding with kids, ensure they understand the importance of following the rules too.

5. Stay on the Trail

It can be tempting to take shortcuts, pass other drivers, or enjoy some sweet off-roading, but this is illegal and a recipe for disaster.

Trails often run through private property, so by cutting off the trail, you’re technically trespassing. Plus, trails are smooth and maintained, making it safe to ride on.

If you go off the trail, there’s no way of knowing if there’s debris, animal holes, or tree roots hidden under snow, which could cause a serious crash.

6. Don’t Drink and Ride

Drinking and driving is deadly not only for drivers but also for snowmobilers. While snowmobiling is a fun hobby, especially when you’re on vacation, always wait until the snowmobile is safely parked for the night before cracking a beer.

Drink driving limits apply to snowmobiles, too, so be aware of the legal limits for the states you’ll be riding in.

Drinking impairs your judgment and concentration, and you need 100% focus to pay attention to your surroundings when snowmobiling. It also slows down your reflexes, meaning you may not react to an oncoming obstacle until it’s too late.

7. Inspect Your Snowmobile Before Each Ride

It’s helpful to get into the routine of always inspecting your snowmobile before each ride. Check to see that you have enough gas for the ride, visually check for any damage, and go over the planned route with your fellow riders.

We also recommend keeping a first-aid kit on your ride, so check regularly that it’s fully stocked.

If you’re going to be riding at night, you’ll always want to check your headlights and reduce speed while riding, keeping your eyes peeled for ice and wildlife.

There’s plenty of fun to be had snowmobiling, but if you find that you just don’t have time to ride anymore, you may want to sell your snowmobile for quick cash.

8. Stay Clear of Frozen Lakes

There’s always a risk when it comes to frozen lakes and creeks—they are never 100% safe to ride on, so don’t take the risk. Even if you’re sure a lake is totally frozen, there’s always the risk that the ice is thinner in certain places and not capable of supporting a heavy snowmobile.

Drowning does happen to snowmobilers who ride on frozen bodies of water, so don’t chance it. If you’re ever unsure about the safety of riding in certain areas, it’s a good idea to ask the locals for their advice.

9. Be Familiar With Local Laws

Snowmobile laws vary by state, so take the time to familiarize yourself with them before heading out in a new area. In some parts of the country, like Lake Tahoe, you may even be riding between state borders, so you’ll want to be aware of the laws for both states.

Note that some states require riders to purchase a permit to ride legally in that state. Generally, state laws regulate things such as helmet use, speed, where you can ride, and the maximum weight of your snowmobile.

10. Use Common Sense

They say that common sense isn’t so common, but we don’t think that’s true for snowmobilers! Give your hobby a good reputation by always following common sense when riding—when in doubt, don’t do it.

Always ride with safety in mind and avoid excessive speeds. Please keep your eyes ahead on the trail, scanning for obstacles and debris, and make safe choices when it comes to navigation.

If you’re new to the sport, it’s a great idea to take a few safety courses to learn the ropes or at least ride with someone more experienced. However, with most new hobbies, it takes practice and time to help you feel fully comfortable out on your snowmobile.

Contact Us for All of Your Snowmobile Needs

With these snowmobile safety tips, you can stay safe and continue to enjoy this awesome sport. Use the tips above to develop a set of safety guidelines that you can use each time you head out riding—even better, be a role model and encourage others, especially kids, to ride safely too!

Are you looking to start snowmobiling or ready to embrace winter by purchasing your own snowmobile? If so, Westshore Marine & Leisure can help.

We have one of the largest selections of snowmobiles in the Winnipeg, Manitoba area and over 85 years of experience, so our knowledgeable staff are sure to help you find what you need.

From new and secondhand snowmobiles, servicing, and spare parts, we’re here to help you stay safe out on the trails!

Contact us today for all of your snowmobile needs–we can’t wait to hear from you.