Learn the snowmobile traffic laws and regulations for the area. Many areas prohibit using snowmobiles on public roads. Some places have minimum age requirements for drivers. Follow all manufacturing requirements for maintenance of the snowmobile to ensure optimum results from the machine. Follow the speed limits as designated by the snowmobile manufacturer. Refer to your company’s policies prior to attempting to tow anyone or anything. Sit with your body midway back on the seat, and your feet firmly on the running boards. Keep your knees and hips released to absorb shock. When downhill, maintain light throttle pressure, ensure a low centre of gravity, and apply brakes lightly but frequently. When dismounting: turn off engine, assess snow conditions prior to dismount, anticipate stepping into deep soft or rotten snow, flex knees and lower body accordingly. Prepare to walk or stand on steep slope. Be sure to instruct passengers safe snowmobiling practices and orient them prior to riding. Never drive a snowmobile if you are not trained to do so or in unfamiliar terrain. Do not allow public snowmobiling on the mountain. Do not stop traversing a side hill as it will cause the vehicle to roll. Yield at merge points, be aware of potential skier traffic and control speed according to conditions. Be sensible about stopping at roads. Avoid tailgating. Control speed according to conditions. Never drive on un-established and unmarked trails or in banned areas. Use extra caution when driving in bad weather. Check warnings for snow, ice, and wind chill conditions before starting. Don’t up at the top of a hill. Slow down. A cliff, snow bank, or other unforeseen hazard could be on the other side. When driving at night, use extra caution because unseen obstacles could be fatal. Do not drive faster than your headlights will allow you to see. Wherever possible, avoid open water and known buried creeks, etc.
Learn the snowmobile traffic laws and regulations for the area. Many areas prohibit using snowmobiles on public roads. Some places have minimum age requirements for drivers. Follow all manufacturing requirements for maintenance of the snowmobile to ensure optimum results from the machine. Follow the speed limits as designated by the snowmobile manufacturer. Refer to your company’s policies prior to attempting to tow anyone or anything. Sit with your body midway back on the seat, and your feet firmly on the running boards. Keep your knees and hips released to absorb shock. When downhill, maintain light throttle pressure, ensure a low centre of gravity, and apply brakes lightly but frequently. When dismounting: turn off engine, assess snow conditions prior to dismount, anticipate stepping into deep soft or rotten snow, flex knees and lower body accordingly. Prepare to walk or stand on steep slope. Be sure to instruct passengers safe snowmobiling practices and orient them prior to riding. Never drive a snowmobile if you are not trained to do so or in unfamiliar terrain. Do not allow public snowmobiling on the mountain. Do not stop traversing a side hill as it will cause the vehicle to roll. Yield at merge points, be aware of potential skier traffic and control speed according to conditions. Be sensible about stopping at roads. Avoid tailgating. Control speed according to conditions. Never drive on un-established and unmarked trails or in banned areas. Use extra caution when driving in bad weather. Check warnings for snow, ice, and wind chill conditions before starting. Don’t up at the top of a hill. Slow down. A cliff, snow bank, or other unforeseen hazard could be on the other side. When driving at night, use extra caution because unseen obstacles could be fatal. Do not drive faster than your headlights will allow you to see. Wherever possible, avoid open water and known buried creeks, etc.
Ski_Safety-Talk_Safe-Snowmobiling.docx