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Avoid
trails with inadequate snow cover.
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When
climbing a hill, approach the summit with caution.
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Do
not ride off cornices.
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Avoid
riding on frozen waterways when possible.
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When
approaching a corner, reduce your speed to avoid sliding.
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Lean
into turns with your upper body to enhance the sled’s
maneuverability.
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Cross
roadways at a 90-degree angle.
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Pump
your brake when going downhill to avoid locking the brakes.
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Be
aware of unmarked hazards or obstacles hidden beneath the snow.
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Travel
at reasonable speeds.
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When
riding at night, use extra caution. Wear reflective clothing
and reduce your speed.
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Do
not accommodate extra riders over the delineated limit.
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Comply
with signs and barriers.
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Buddy
up with two or three riders as riding solo can leave you vulnerable
if you have an accident or breakdown.
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Avoid
riding in potential avalanche areas. Use terrain to your advantage,
avoiding steep slopes, cornices, and gullies or depressions;
periodically check for clues to an unstable snowpack. Remember,
one rider at a time on slopes.
Respect
the rights of others including private property
owners and all recreational trail users, campers and others to
allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed.
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Be
considerate of others on the trail.
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Ride
single file, keep to the right and pass on the left only when
the trail is clear.
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When
stopping on the trail, pull your sled as far right and off
the trail as possible.
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Yield
the right-of-way to skiers, snowshoers and those passing or
traveling uphill.
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Use
common snowmobiling signals to communicate with your group
and other riders.
- If crossing private
property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner(s).
Educate
yourself by obtaining travel maps and regulations
from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking recreation
skills classes, and knowing how to use and operate your equipment
safely.
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Obtain
a map of your destination and determine which areas are open
to snowmobiles. Make a realistic plan, and stick to it. Always
tell someone of your travel plans.
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Contact
the land manager for area restrictions, closures, and permit
requirements.
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Always
check the weather forecast and avalanche conditions.
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Understand
how to operate your vehicle and its controls.
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Prepare
for the unexpected by packing a small backpack full of emergency
items.
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Wear
a helmet, eye protection, and other safety gear.
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Layer
clothing and wear a durable waterproof outer shell and footwear.
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If
you suffer a breakdown, stay with your sled, and stay on the
trail.
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Make
sure your snowmobile is mechanically up to task. Be prepared
with tools, supplies, spares and a spill kit for trailside
repairs.
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Take
an avalanche class. It provides skills on accessing snow conditions,
performing rescues and using safety equipment.
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An
avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe should be worn on
your body at all times.
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f
a person develops hypothermia, warm the person up by rubbing
them vigorously and getting them into dry clothes. Give them
warm non-alcoholic liquids.
Avoid
sensitive areas such as meadows, lakeshores,
wetlands and streams, unless on designated routes. This protects
wildlife habitat and sensitive soils from damage.
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Low
snow, don’t go. Riding in these conditions can damage
plants and soils just below the snows surface.
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Avoid
disturbing historical, archeological, and paleontological sites
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Be
respectful of wildlife’s wintering habitats.
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Avoid “spooking” livestock
and wildlife and keep your distance.
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Motorized
and mechanized vehicles are not allowed in areas designated
Wilderness.
Do
your part by leaving the area better than
you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use
of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring
degraded areas, and joining a local enthusiast organization.
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Carry
a trash bag on your snowmobile and pick up litter left by others.
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Pack
out what you pack in.
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Dispose
of all sanitary waste properly by packing it out or bury it
in a shallow hole in the snow.
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To
minimize harmful emissions, keep your engine in tune.
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Protect
the soundscape by preventing unnecessary noise created by a
poorly tuned vehicle or revving your engine without need.
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Don’t
mix riding with alcohol or drugs
