For snowmobile fans, winter is the most wonderful time of the year. If you’re new to the sport, we know you’re going to love it.
At Canvasworks in Cokato, we love manufacturing SnoCaps Trailer Enclosures to help snowmobile owners make the most of their time on their sled. In this post, we’re sharing our most helpful mountain riding tips for beginners. Check out our advice and have fun out on the snow this winter!
1. Dress the Part
Before you take off on your mountain riding adventure, make sure you’re dressed properly. Dressing for safety can mean the difference between a fun day out on the trails or a dangerous one.
Although it may be tempting to wear a cotton underlayer due to its breathability, cotton will eventually become wet from your sweat or the snow. Instead, begin with a layer of polyester, silk, or a synthetic blend. It’s better to start with extra layers because it’s easier to remove them if it warms up than to add them in the cold.
Next, add an insulated snow suit, boots, gloves, and a balaclava. Finally, don’t forget your DOT-approved protective gear.
2. Stay in Touch
Before you leave for your snowmobiling adventure, make sure someone knows when to expect you back. Map out your plan ahead of time and make sure someone knows where you’ll be at all times. And always keep your friends in sight. Finally, be sure the batteries in your avalanche transceiver are good and make sure you know how to use it.
3. Carry Emergency Equipment
Be sure to pack everything you need in case of an emergency. Make sure to bring waterproof matches, an emergency blanket, a knife and other overnight essentials. You should also pack plenty of food and water. Bring your tool kit and a spare belt as well. Most importantly, you should always have an avalanche transceiver, a probe and a shovel. Those items can literally make the difference between life and death if you or your friends are caught in an avalanche.
4. Be Cautious
Know where avalanche paths are ahead of time and never park beneath one for any reason. Even if things look fine, that doesn’t mean they are. Avoid highmarking, a term that means trying to ride up a steep mountain slope as far as possible. Highmarking is an extremely dangerous activity, especially for a beginner. Due to highmarking, snowmobilers are the group of individuals that are most likely to be killed in an avalanche.
5. Consider Taking an Avalanche Safety or Mountain Riding Course
Mountain riding is completely different than most trail riding and avalanches are a very real danger. You can find avalanche safety classes online. Mountain riding classes can easily be found using Google. Taking these courses before your backcountry adventure will ensure you’re prepared for the dangers and unique challenges of backcountry riding.
Call About SnoCaps Trailer Enclosures
Now that you know how to be safe while mountain riding, it’s time to talk about protecting your sled. Our Canvasworks founder first developed SnoCap Trailer Enclosures for his own snowmobile using a soft-sided trailer enclosure that is durable enough to haul cars and airplanes.
To check out our trailer enclosures, stop by our online gallery. Then give us a call at 320-559-0165 or contact us online to connect with a member of our team and order your custom trailer enclosure today!