Snowmobile Riding Tips

If you’re already the proud owner of a snowmobile, you probably already know just how fun and useful they can be. These thrilling machines are a great way to spend an afternoon on the trails. They’re also ideal for getting around town when your regular vehicle won’t cut it. Riding in the snow isn’t always easy, though. If you’re sticking to flat, open landscapes with perfect snow conditions, then you might not have too much trouble. In most cases, you’ll find yourself tackling hills, obstacles, and varying conditions.

It’s important that you educate yourself on the best techniques for snowmobile riding. Here at Big. St. Charles Motorsports, we want to be sure our customers are prepared for the slopes. We’ve gathered some helpful tips below to get you started. If you have questions before your next ride or simply need parts, repairs, or new gear, stop by our dealership! We’re located in St. Charles, Missouri near St. Louis, St. Peters, and Columbia.

Learning The Basics

You’ll want to get familiar with the basics before you start riding your snowmobile. It’s a good idea to practice in an open area, like a snow-filled parking lot or easy terrain. Don’t hit the slopes until you feel comfortable maneuvering your machine.

Before you head out, be sure you are wearing the appropriate safety gear. You’ll need to have adequate layers for warmth, visible reflective gear, and a helmet. In addition, you should always have proper avalanche equipment and safety gear on hand. You never know when an emergency or other dangerous situation might occur, so having the right tools is critical.

One of the most difficult aspects of learning how to ride a snowmobile is getting used to the throttle. Snow conditions can change at any moment, so you need to know how your snowmobile reacts to varying degrees of packed snow. If you find yourself in a bad situation, you should use the throttle to maintain control, but the only way to get used to this is through practice. Over time, you’ll become accustomed to your machine and know how much throttle to use in various situations.

Another skill you’ll want to work on is countersteering. When you turn, you’ll need to throw your weight into it and lean the sled that way. While doing this, you turn the skis in the opposite direction to maintain balance and control. Remember to constantly adjust your skis and weight throughout the entire turn.

Handling Hills

Hills are often tricky to manage and require a different skill set. When traveling uphill, you’ll need to start by getting into a kneeling position. Next, lean forward into the upward direction of the hill. Increase your throttle to maintain your current speed. Don’t forget that the deeper the snow is, the more speed you’ll need. Don’t stop until you’ve reached the top. If you stop too soon, you might not make it to the top. Your momentum is part of what keeps you moving, so don’t lose it.

Getting Unstuck

Even the most experienced snowmobile riders get stuck at some point or another. The best way to handle this is to be prepared when it happens. Unless you’ve been training to lift a snowmobile out of packed snow, you’ll need to dig it out. Start by stamping on the snow with your feet. Be sure you’re clearing a path for your ride. Dig out the snow in front of the machine. If necessary, you can also create a path by wading through the snow directly in front of the skis. After that, you should be back on track.

You’re ready to hit the trails on your snowmobile. Happy riding! If you find yourself in need of riding classes, don’t hesitate to contact us. Big St. Charles Motorsports is located in St. Charles, Missouri near St. Louis, St. Peters, and Columbia.