Snowmobile Safety Tips

Riding a snowmobile is one of the most thrilling winter sports out there. Kicking up powder in your wake as you race across slopes, you’ll feel a huge adrenaline rush on board your snowmobile. However, there are some dangers to snowmobile riding that you’ll want to be aware of, and you should ensure you’re adequately prepared to deal with the cold temperatures and for any emergency situations that might arise. 

Richardson’s Boat Yard, conveniently located in Windham, Maine, has the low-down on snowmobile safety to make sure you have an incident-free ride on the trails. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to have an incredible time while keeping yourself and those around you safe.

Dress Appropriately

Anytime you’re out in subzero temperatures, you’ll need to dress against the cold. The best way to stay warm is to layer your clothes. While it might seem practical and easy to wear a large coat, it is often better to put on several thin layers to fully insulate yourself against the cold. Also, layers in lieu of a heavy coat will allow you much more freedom of movement, which is important to anyone participating in winter sports.

Your outermost layer should be both wind and waterproof to keep you dry and insulated against harsh wind conditions. Don’t dress in a way that will make you sweat, since this can increase your likelihood of contracting hypothermia. Wear snow pants, snow boots, thick wool socks and insulated gloves because your appendages will be the first part of your body to show signs of frostbite. Make sure to have a hat on under your helmet or that your helmet has an insulating lining to reduce heat loss. Wear goggles to protect your eyes from ice and snow and other debris while you ride. You can find goggles with UV protection and anti-fog coatings to improve your visibility, too.

Equip Yourself

You want to be properly equipped when you head out into the snowy wilderness far from town. Pack some repair tools to help you take care of your snowmobile if there’s an issue. Bring a first aid kit to tend to minor injuries and illness. Take along water and snacks to stay hydrated and sated on the trail. An emergency radio is useful in case your phone doesn’t get a signal and you need to call for help. Some bright flares or other way to distinguish yourself in the snow will help rescue crews to find you faster.

Check The Forecast

Look up the forecast before you head out on your trip. You want to go on a reasonably clear day when your visibility will be high and your path won’t be impeded. Don’t go out in blizzard or whiteout conditions, and avoid very cold temperatures since your body can’t tolerate these for long, even with insulated gear.

Ice Awareness

You’ll want to remain vigilant when riding over ice. Don’t go over any ice that isn’t on a well-maintained trail since you don’t know how thin it might be. Ice in the middle of any body of water will be thinner than ice on the edges, so ride close to the edge to be safe. If temperatures have been warm, you want to avoid ice completely.

If, despite your best efforts, you fall through the ice, you’ll want to remain as calm as you can. Swim up to the surface and kick out your legs at the ice’s edge to help you get up and out of the cold water quickly. Plant your hands on the edge and swing up one leg, then roll onto the ice and away from the hole. Don’t crawl or stand up as this could break the ice further.

Once on stable ground, remove your wet layers and do some exercises to warm yourself up. You’ll want to put on dry clothes as soon as you can and preferably get indoors to warm up. Riding with others will give you someone who can call for help, so never ride alone. 

If you want to get a snowmobile before the season starts, visit one of our dealerships today. We carry a vast inventory of Ski-Doo snowmobiles for sale, in both new and used models. As your premier Ski-Doo snowmobile dealer in Maine, Richardson’s Boat Yard serves the greater Portland area as well as the city of Auburn, Maine.