Clothing:

• Wear a full-face helmet with face shield.
• Make sure your helmet fits properly.
• Don’t try to save money when buying a helmet.
• Wear gloves that are flexible and warm - consider layering.
• Dress in layers.
• Choose boots that are weatherproof with warm linings & insulated.
• Wear flotation suits if riding on streams, rivers or lakes.
• Some riders use goggles rather than face shields.

Safety:

• Ride with a partner.
• A cellular phone is smart if there is coverage in the area you are riding in.
• Don’t drink and ride.
• Leave plenty of room to stop.
• Be aware of unmarked hazards or obstacles.
• Play it safe as the daylight changes.
• Don’t ride to the point of exhaustion.
• Ride defensively.
• Watch out for groomers on the trails.
• Watch out for oncoming traffic.

Trail Etiquette - Rules and Common Courtesy:

• Be a courteous rider.
• Keep to the right on the trails.
• It is especially essential to stay to the right when cornering.
• Pass on the left - but only if others are aware of your passing and have waved you on.
• Agree as a group on hand signals.
• Ride single file.
• When stopping along the trail, pull your sleds as far off the trail as possible.
• Ride only where permitted - be a responsible snowmobiler.
• Obey all gate closures.
• Show consideration for others - especially skiers and snowshoers who can't move as fast as you.
• Help keep areas clean by packing out all your trash.
• If you build a fire, pick a location that won’t leave a impact.
• Respect private land - ask permission & stay on the trail.
• Obey all trail signs.
• Park in designated areas at trail heads.

Snowmobiling and the Environment:

• It’s every rider’s responsibility to keep nature as unspoiled as possible by respecting the woods and wildlife.
• Ride only where permitted and not in off-trail areas where you may harm wildlife or vegetation - check your local rules.
• Be aware of wildlife you encounter during your ride - don’t approach or hinder as they move about.
• If you seem animals on the trail, remain a safe distance away - they will move off the trail.
• Don’t scare or chase them away, which will force them to expend precious energy.
• Be respectful of animal habitat where they feed in winter or seek shelter.
• Excessive noise is bothersome to some people and to wildlife.
• Minimize harmful emissions - keep your machine tuned.
• Riding in marginal snow conditions and on exposed soil can cause damage to plants and the soil.
• Ride only where there is adequate snow cover, where young trees and plants are not visible.

Negotiating Terrain:

• Approach summits with caution
• Don’t ride off cornices
• Avoid riding on frozen waterways
• On lakes and waterways, ride at reduced speeds to optimize your view of potential hazards
• Always cross roadways at a 90-degree angle
• Reduce your speed on the trail when approaching a corner - keep to the right side - don’t slide the sled through the corner
• When a snowmobile takes on a tree, the tree wins - be aware of trees, stumps & branches
• Respect fence boundaries and landowners’ rights - even when the fences are snow-covered

Riding Tips:

• Keep your feet on the sled when going downhill or riding on wooded trails.
• Don’t lock up your brake when going downhill.
• Lean into turns slightly with your upper body to enhance the sled’s maneuverability.
• Don’t ride double on a snowmobile designed for only one rider.
• Make sure the passenger riding on the back of a double seat leans slightly into turns with the driver.
• Take advantage of having two sets of eyes on board and make sure the passenger is watching for hazards and other snowmobiles.
• If you’re a newcomer, contact a snowmobile dealer or club for instructions or riding tips.

Night Riding:

• Pack emergency gear and notify others of the routes you’ll take and when you expect to return
• Your vision is limited to what the snowmobile illuminates so reduce your overall speed and take your time.
• Be especially observant of other snowmobiles road crossings, hazards such as hills and sharp curves, and keep an eye out for nocturnal wildlife
• Snowmobilers can cross paths with animals, don’t over-ride your headlights
• Consider adding reflective tape to jackets, helmets, gloves or mittens so you will be more visible to other riders
• Be sure to ride with a partner when riding at night
• Ride with others, tell friends back home where and how long you’ll be riding and carry a cellular telephone if there is coverage
• Avoid riding unfamiliar trails at night

Survival:

• Consider packing the following emergency equipment: area maps, GPS unit, waterproof matches or lighter, candles to melt snow for water, flares, a flashlight, a whistle, and a signaling mirror, first-aid kit, space blanket, tow strap, duct tape, rope, knife or multi-purpose tool, shovel, snow shoes, extra gloves, warm hat, bottled water and high-energy food, avalanche transceiver and cellular telephone.
• If a person develops hypothermia, warm them up quickly by rubbing them vigorously and getting them into dry clothes - and giving them warm liquids but not alcoholic beverages
• In case of a breakdown, stay with your sled and stay on the trail

Avalanches:

• Avoid avalanches by being informed and avoiding high-risk riding areas
• Take a class on avalanche safety - check with local officials for updated conditions
• Inquire about the likelihood of avalanches
• Avoid riding in potential avalanche areas during or immediately after winter storms
• Know how to make a snow cave for protection & carry necessary tools (shovel)
• Know how to arrange for a helicopter rescue in case of emergency
• Wear an avalanche beeper
• Pack a cellular phone and emergency phone numbers and pack a GPS unit

Snowmobile Equipment Checklist:

• Do a thorough maintenance check before riding
• Be familiar with your machine so you can do basic maintenance & repairs
• Pack a tool kit - screwdriver, wrenches, pliers, wire cutter, spark plug wrench
• Pack a spare drive belt and a few spare spark plugs
• Pack duct tape and strong wire

More Gunnison Links

• Avalanche Hotline
• Snowmobile Safety
• Lake City Trails
• Alpine Plateau Trails