What You Need To Know
Across a special part of North America, summer weather is uncertain but winter always brings snow.
More than 10 million people look forward to that blanket of white and the pleasures of enjoying the outdoors on snowmobiles.
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Many things make snowmobiling fun: the breathtaking beauty of a snow-filled woods or open field; the precision performance of a well-designed machine; the satisfaction of traversing the winter landscape with friends and family.
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Yes, snowmobilers savor the winter world, and that calls for extra responsibility. Training, experience and awareness are all traits of the accomplished snowmobiler.
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Snowmobiling is fun, but it's work, too. It challenges the body and mind, and that's part of the reason you're so relaxed at the end of a day of snowmobiling. While you are riding, the wind, sun, glare, cold, vibration, motion and other factors work together to affect both driver and passenger.
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Yes, there's plenty of challenge awaiting you as you drive your snowmobile into the winter wonderland. Alcohol magnifies and distorts those challenges and can quickly turn an enjoyable outing into a situation that's hazardous for you and others.
Alcohol and snowmobiling, simply, do not mix.
Forget that myth that alcohol warms up a chilled person. It opens the blood vessels and removes the feeling of chill, but it does nothing to increase body heat. Instead, it can increase the risk of hypothermia, a dangerous lowering of the body's core temperature. With alcohol, you may only feel warmer, while your body chills dangerously.
Alcohol increases fatigue, fogs your ability to make good decisions, and slows your reaction time. It's part of a formula for disaster. And don't forget— ONTARIO HAVE LAWS PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF A SNOWMOBILE WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL.
As a Safe Rider, you:
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Know your abilities and don't go beyond them.
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Know your machine's capabilities and don't push beyond them.
Dress appropriately
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Wear layers of clothing, so that you can add or remove a layer or two to match changing conditions. A windproof outer layer is especially important, as are warm gloves or mitts, boots and a helmet.
A good turn
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Other snowmobilers and car drivers need to know what you're up to. Remember the basic hand signals:
Safe Riders! pledge
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I will never drink and ride a snowmobile.
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I will drive within the limits of my machine and my own abilities.
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I will obey the rules and laws of the province I am visiting.
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I will wear appropriate clothing, including gloves, boots and a helmet with a visor.
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I will treat the outdoors with respect. I will not litter or damage trees or other vegetation.
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I will respect other peoples’ property and rights, and lend a hand when I see someone in need.
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I will not snowmobile where prohibited.
Test your snowmobiling skills
The Safe Riders! Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program provides basic essentials about snowmobile safety and includes short quizzes to help test your knowledge about safe snowmobiling practices. It is meant to supplement information provided by the state or province in which you register or ride your snowmobile, so be sure to check local rules and requirements before venturing out on the snow.