Snowmobile Safety: All You Need to Know

Know your
capabilities and limitations

Tips First of all know snowmobile safety and use common sense and good judgment. This sport is so exhilarating that the loss of these capabilities can be rather dangerous. Hence use the “buddy system”.

Most of all don’t go alone and be prepared for your ride.

Come Prepared:

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Know the area, the weather, your route and the condition of your own body and equipment.

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Start with a sensible check list of proper clothing, equipment and safety gear.
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Also know how to repair your machine and carry a repair kit along with extra spark plugs, drive belt, a roll of twine and a knife. The last two items can be life savers if you need to improvise snowshoes or a shelter with branches.
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Take light, high calorie foods and layers of high quality, insulated clothing that can be adapted to all weather changes. Remember your boots and helmet.
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Know the basic principles of map and compass reading and use them. Drive only until you have a half a tank of gas left, then GO BACK. Gas stations don’t come by very often.
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Let a friend or relative know you are taking a snowmobile trip, then inform them of your planned route as well as departure and return times. Stick with the plan. If it changes, let them know and also always check in upon return.
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If traveling avalanche prone areas, include a collapsible pole for probing and plastic shovel.
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Stay on the right side of the trail because snowmobile trail rules are similar to highway rules.
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Do not drink alcohol and ride. Please remember the time to have a drink is when you are safely back at the trail-head after a fantastic day of breaking Wyoming powder.
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Do not speed on the trail. Drive responsibly. Let’s all do everything we can to keep snowmobiling safe for everyone.

Safety Issues

Dressing Right

Wear layers of clothing so that you can add or remove a layer or two to match changing conditions. Remember, Wyoming weather can change several times a day!

Therefore be prepared. Wear a helmet and eye protection. Because wind, snow, and sun can be hard on your eyes without a face shield or sunglasses.

Avalanche

There is little danger of avalanches on the marked trails. However, for off-trail travel, be aware of the topographic features and snow and weather conditions that increase sliding potential.

Please visit the Bridger-Teton avalanche hotline on the web or call 307-733-2664 for the latest avalanche report. Also, you may visit the Forest Service Avalanche Forecast List for other areas of interest.

Alcohol and Snowmobiling Simply Do Not Mix

Forget the myth that alcohol warms up a chilled person. It opens up the blood vessels and removes the feeling of chill but it does nothing to increase body heat. Instead, it can increase the risk of hypothermia, a dangerous lowering of the body’s core temperature.

Finally, alcohol increases fatigue, fogs your ability to make good decisions, and slows your reaction time.

Therefore it’s part of the formula for disaster, and drinking and driving are against the law!

Hypothermia

Exposure could be a substitute word for “hypothermia” and is associated with winter. Also, problems caused by exposure, however, occur during times when the weather is not extremely cold.

Four primary factors contribute to hypothermia:
1. Cold (not necessarily severe).
2. Wetness (rain, snow, water immersion or condensed precipitation).
3. Wind (chill factor).
4. Exhaustion and/or lack of preparedness.

Symptoms include uncontrolled shivering, vague or slurred speech, fumbling hands or stumbling gait, memory lapses, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. In addition combat hypothermia by being prepared with high quality, insulated clothing (wool or synthetic fibers), adequate knowledge, and emergency rations.

Wind Chill

Source: windy.com

Ice Follies

Drowning is a leading cause of snowmobile fatalities. Therefore wherever possible, avoid riding on frozen lakes and rivers because ice conditions are never a safe bet. If you must cross-ice, check it out first on foot. Stay on the packed or marked trail. Don’t stop until you reach the shore. If you hit slush, don’t let off on the throttle. If you are following someone who hit slush, veer off to make your own path.

As a rule of thumb, “If you don’t know, don’t go”.

Whiteout Conditions

Whiteout can occur when a sudden snowstorm hits you. The snowfall is so heavy that visibility is zero. Most of all experience cannot prevent you from getting lost during a whiteout.

If you are caught in the middle of one, the best bet is to stop and STAY WITH YOUR MACHINE. Wait until the condition lessens.

Flat Light

The white-against-white situation makes it difficult to judge distances and changes in the terrain, particularly when traveling on a rapidly moving vehicle. Reduce your speed, and keep a sharp eye out for abrupt drop-offs or other changes in the terrain.

Stay on the trail. Wear amber lens glasses or a face shield to increase the contrast and improve visibility.

Frostbite

Frostbite is caused by exposure of inadequately protected flesh to subfreezing conditions. Tissue damage occurs because of reduced blood flow to the extremities. Symptoms include loss of feeling and a dead-white appearance of the skin. Treatment: restore body temperature rapidly as possible by providing external heat.

Immerse affected body parts in water less than 110 degrees, use a hot water bottle or heat from a campfire. Affected parts should be covered. Do not rub or apply pressure to affected areas and not apply snow or attempt to thaw in cold water.

Take a Friend!

In conclusion, don’t snowmobile alone.
Not only is snowmobiling more fun with family and friends, but it’s also safer too.

Online Training & Resources

Resources & Guidelines
Safe Rider – Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program – Interactive Training
Avalanche Training
"IASA" Members