Snowmobile Safety

With a little proactivity, you can reduce the safety threats of riding snowmobiles. We created the following guide to snowmachine safety to help keep you safe on the snow. For all your snowmobile needs, visit Tri-City Cycle & Sport in Waterloo, Ontario.

Clothing

Snowmobiles embark on adventures in rugged terrain and plummeting temperatures - you'll need to adapt your clothing to suit this harsh environment. Adopt a strategy of layering, which is beneficial for two reasons. First, layering keeps you warmer than wearing one bulky coat. Second, layering allows you to remove layers if the temperatures rise. Sweating too much actually puts you at risk of hypothermia, so you will want a way to avoid sweating when you warm up (ie take off layers). 

For most environments, you will be fine riding snowmobiles with long underclothing, a thick shirt, and a down vest. You'll also want to throw on a pair of snow pants, snow boots, and heavily insulated gloves. Your outer layer should be windproof and waterproof. This should be enough to keep you warm, but if you are heading out in subzero temperatures you can add more layers.

Beyond the cold, you'll need to protect yourself from hazards on the road. You never know when you could get hit with (or hit) a log, branch, or rock. You'll need a sturdy, well-fitting helmet to protect you. You also need to shield your eyes. Get a pair of goggles. The strap keeps them secure on your face even in a crash. Make sure your model has anti-fog coating and ultraviolet spectrum protection. Riding sleds pose some risks and the right clothing protects you from them!

Equipment

Snow machines should be equipped with the right gear as well. You want to be prepared for the situations that can arise when riding snowmobiles. That way, road bumps won't derail your trip. Most sleds offer plenty of storage, so you can easily store your items. Bring along a medium-sized Phillips-head screwdriver, a crescent wrench, and an Allen wrench set so that you can handle minor repairs. Pack plenty of water as well since riding snowmobiles is a physical activity that will dehydrate you.

Take Precautions

You may not be able to eliminate every risk, but you can reduce them! First, always check the weather before heading out. Never ride sleds in a storm (or head out if there is the possibility of a storm). Second, tell someone where you are going. If something happens to you, they'll be able to direct rescuers to the correct area. Third, never ride under the influence of any substances. If you have any prescription medications, check with your doctor that you can use them and ride snow machines safely.

Watch the Ice

As much as you can, try to avoid riding over ice. Try to find a way around the ice. Only go over ice sections that have been tested by other riders and proven to be thick (and safe). Keep in mind that the ice in the middle of a body of water tends to be thinner. That's because edges tend to freeze first and thicker. You'll also want to keep in mind the weather of the past few days. If the temperature has been warming up, it increases the chances of thin (and dangerous) spots on the ice. Keep yourself off the ice and keep yourself safe.

If you're looking to buy, check out the range of snowmobiles at Tri-City Cycle & Sport. We carry new and used inventory for all budgets. We proudly serve those in Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Toronto, and all of the Tri-Cities in Ontario.