Riding in the Snow

For those who already own a snowmobile, you already know how fun and helpful they can be. Not only are they a great way to spend an afternoon outing on the trails, but they also get you around town when your other vehicles can’t. But riding in the snow can get a little tricky. Sure, flat, open landscapes with perfect snow conditions are easy enough to maneuver, but you won’t always be so lucky. Here at Atlantic Motoplex, we’ve provided some basic snowmobiling techniques to get you started and to help you know what to do in difficult situations. We recommend practicing in easier areas before trying out the hardest trails. And if you need your snowmobile serviced, stop by our location in Moncton, New Brunswick, serving the areas of Charlottetown, Fredericton, Saint John, and Bathurst.

The Basics

There are certain basic skills you should have before hitting the trails. Practicing in a snow-filled parking lot or easy terrain is a great way to hone your skills.

Before you leave, make sure you’re wearing the appropriate safety gear. This includes lots of layers, visible reflective gear, and a helmet. Always carry avalanche equipment and other safety gear in case you get stuck or find yourself in a bad situation (talk to your friendly neighbors at Atlantic Motoplex for what kinds of gear you should have with you whenever you ride your snowmobile).

Getting used to the throttle is probably one of the most difficult parts of riding your snowmobile. With the snow conditions changing moment by moment, you’ll want to know how your snowmobile reacts to varying degrees of packed snow. If you’re ever in a tricky situation, you’ll generally want to use the throttle in order to maintain control, but only practice can help you decide how much throttle to use.

One skill you’ll want to have is countersteering. This means when you turn, you’re going to throw your weight into the turn and lean your sled that way, but turn the skis in the opposite direction. This helps maintain control and balance. Just remember to constantly adjust your skis and your weight throughout the turn.

Hills

Hills pose a particularly tricky problem and you’ll need a slightly different set of skills. For uphill travel, start by getting in the kneeling position and lean forward, up the hill. Increase your throttle to maintain your speed (note: the deeper the snow, the more speed you’ll need). Don’t stop until you’ve successfully reached the top. Keep in mind, part of what’s keeping you going is momentum, so if you stop too early, you may not be able to finish the climb.

As you go downhill, you’ll want to be sitting. In fact, sit as far back as you can. Stay in a low gear and don’t release the clutch. This will help your snowmobile slow down. Pump the brakes and avoid slamming on the them at any point. This can cause your snowmobile to start sliding. Stay at a slow speed so that if you do need to stop, it won’t require too much violent braking.

If you’re “side hilling” or riding perpendicular to a slope, start in the kneeling position. Lean into the hill, sitting on that side of the seat. Consider also countersteering to help you stay balanced and in control. If you feel yourself sliding, it may be because the snow is too hard-packed and therefore you should avoid the slope altogether.

Help! I’m Stuck!

Don’t panic! Even the most experienced snowmobilers get stuck. It’s almost impossible to avoid so you’ll want to be ready when it happens. Odds are you haven’t been training to lift a snowmobile out of packed snow, so you’ll have to dig it out. Start by stamping on the snow with your feet. Make sure you’re clearing a path for your ride. Then, dig out the snow in front of the snowmobile. If you need to, you can also create a path by wading through the snow, just in front of your skis. After that, your snowmobile should get back on track.

Hopefully, these few suggestions get you started with your snowmobile. It’s not an easy powersport vehicle to master so here at Atlantic Motoplex, we want to make sure you’re being safe and smart out there. Not to mention, you should look cool while you’re doing it. If you need help getting prepared for your next outing or if you need your snowmobile serviced, stop by our location in Moncton, New Brunswick, today. We also proudly serve the areas of Charlottetown, Fredericton, Saint John, and Bathurst.