How to Learn To Ride A Snowmobile

During the Winter thousands of people worldwide are excited about the upcoming opportunity to go snowmobiling. If you have never tried this exciting winter sport, perhaps this is the year that you will. As with all sports associated with the cold and snowy season, there are certain risks involved in snowmobiling. But if you take the time to learn how to do it, and are content to gradually master it, you will find that it is one of the more enjoyable activities that take place during this season.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. One of the most enjoyable sports of the winter season is snowmobiling. There is nothing like zipping along a wooded trail covered in fresh snow on a cold day. All around the world in northern climates, people excitedly await that first good snowfall. As with all sports though, there is much to learn before you hop on that sled and fire it up. These skills can't be learned overnight and practice is the key to mastery. However, if you are diligent and pay attention, you will discover that it is one of the most enjoyable sports of the winter season.
2. Riding a snowmobile is no different than riding a motorcycle - except, of course, you have skis instead of wheels. You may think that snow would be softer than asphalt should you fall off, but the packed trail and ice can leave you with bruises. Make sure that you wear your helmet and always secure the strap under your chin for a snug fit. The helmet shouldn't be so loose that you can wiggle it on your head, but it shouldn't be so tight either that it isn't comfortable. Next, sit down on the sled. The best way to figure out how far from the handle bars you should be is to close your eyes and raise your hands. Bring them down slowly; if they fall naturally onto the grips, then you have the proper distance. You should be comfortable enough that you are neither over-reaching or feeling cramped. Next, place your feet under the stirrups located on the lower front section of the vehicle. Having your feet in this secured position will allow you better control on the turns and help to keep you on the sled. Now go ahead and turn that engine on!
3. After you have properly positioned yourself on the machine, find the throttle. It will be on the right side of the handlebar. You will be able to control the speed of the snowmobile by using the thumb on your right hand. Of course, just as you want to go, you'll eventually want to stop. You will be able to achieve this by using the brake lever, located on the left side of the handlebar.
4. It is helpful to know that stopping on hard-packed, more solid snow is more difficult than lighter, softer snow. Just as you do while driving a car on ice, gently pump your brakes. Be sure to give the motor a good amount of gas to get moving. From that point on, control the snowmobile in much the same way that you would command a bicycle. Use your handlebars to move left and right, keeping in mind that the ease with which you turn is based primarily on the speed at which you are traveling. Turns are always easier when moving at a higher speed. Remember to always lean to the inside of a turn, as this will help the sled stay on both skis.
5. Ever hear the expression you have to learn to walk before you run? You were probably too young to remember how many times you fell when learning to walk, or maybe you remember the first time you fell when trying to learn how to ride your bike. Falls happen, and riding a snowmobile is no different. If you do find yourself in a situation where you know you are going to fall, let go and let it happen. Fighting the sled could only make things worse. Most of the time, accidents happen when people try to go faster than they should be. Take your time and gradually work up to those higher speeds. Never bite off more than you can chew and stay within your own personal limits. Be aware of other riders, too, and be sure to keep a distance of at least 150 feet between you and other snowmobiler.

Tips & Warnings

• If you follow these simple precautions, you should ride away with a memorable and enjoyable experience.
• Snowmobile Safety Tips: Avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thickness or water currents. Rapidly changing weather and moving water in streams and lake inlets also affect the thickness and strength of ice on lakes and ponds. Snow cover can act as a blanket and prevents thick strong ice from forming. Dress appropriately. Always wear a helmet with goggles or a face shield to prevent injuries from twigs and flying debris. Wear layers of water-repellent clothing and make sure you have no loose ends that might catch in the machine or tangle in equipment. Stay on marked trails or, where allowed, on the right shoulder of the road. Be alert for fences, tree stumps and stretched wire that may be concealed by snow.