You can’t get much more winter excitement than when you’re riding a snowmobile. These vehicles are ideal for snow adventures since they’re thrilling, fun, and fast. But riding in cold temperatures over uneven, icy, and sometimes fragile terrain presents some risk, so it’s important that you take the right precautions. Keeping your cool in the cold aboard your snowmobile will be easy when you’ve got the best safety practices under your belt.
Your local snowmobile dealership is Bright PowerSports, located in Lincoln Park, Michigan. We’re extreme winter sports enthusiasts, so we know what it takes to stay safe and ride smart whether you’re on the trails or in the backcountry. Follow these safety guidelines as you ride your snowmobile this winter and you’ll have a great time without incident!
The best way to stay warm in the cold without sweating is to layer your clothes. One big layer might seem like the easiest way to fight frostbite, but it will impede your movement and can cause you to sweat, which makes you more vulnerable to the cold. Wear thin, insulating layers with a windproof and waterproof outer layer to keep you dry and shielded from mountain winds. Snow pants, snow boots, wool socks, and insulated gloves are all ideal, as well as a hat underneath your helmet. Anti-fog goggles are important to protect your eyes from ice and snow, and you may want to get a pair with UV protection to prevent you from being blinded by sun glare on white snow.
Whenever you’re operating any type of motorized vehicle, you should be alert and focused. This means getting adequate rest first, and it also means not drinking or using drugs before your ride because this will make you more likely to have an accident or crash. Being intoxicated impairs your judgment, making you prone to take risks, which is especially dangerous on a mountain trail. Alcohol can also decrease blood flow to your extremities which can make you more susceptible to hypothermia. Remember that some prescription medications and health conditions may preclude you from safely operating a snowmobile, so you’ll want to check with your doctor to make sure you’re good to go.
Ice is a big risk in snowy conditions. You don’t want to ride your snowmobile over patches of ice unless they’ve been vetted by professional riders or trail maintainers who can ensure that they’re thick enough to hold the weight of your vehicle. The ice in the middle of any pond or lake will be thinner than the edges, so stick close to shore if you ride over water. If temperatures have been over freezing, avoid ice entirely so you don’t fall through.
If you do fall through, try not to panic. Swim to the surface and kick your legs to the edge of the ice so you can get out quickly. Put your hands on the edge of the ice and swing a leg up, then roll onto the ice and crawl away from the hole. You don’t want to walk because you might break through again. Once you’re safe on solid ground, get your wet clothes off and change into dry clothes. Get yourself indoors to warm up as soon as possible.
Ready to climb aboard a snowmobile for some winter thrills? Visit our dealership in Lincoln Park to see our wide selection of new and used snowmobiles for sale. We also provide financing, trading, parts, and services. Plus! Nothing beats Bright's Certified Pre-Owned Service Protection Plan! Check out our exclusive 90 Day, 1,500 miles or 30 Hours (whichever comes first) Service Protection Plan you receive when you buy a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle from Bright PowerSports! We serve the whole Detroit metro area as well as Wayne County, Oakland County, Livingston County, and Macomb, Michigan.
