If you’ve ever had the opportunity to snowmobile, you know what a great winter activity it is.  By being able to navigate where other motorized vehicles are simply unable to go, you are able to experience the beauty of a wintery landscape that is unable to be seen in any other way.

It is important not to get lost in the beauty of the environment or in the excitement of the moment and ignore the safety rules particular to snowmobiling.  In this article, we hope to bring to mind some of the more important safety rules for snowmobiling, most of which you are probably already aware, but it bears repeating even so.

Before you set out, make sure you know the area in which you are going to snowmobile.  Carry maps of the area or a GPS, and make sure you let someone know where you intend to travel, especially if you are setting out alone.  Carry a cell phone, and preprogram emergency numbers before you set out on your trip.

Make sure to wear the proper clothing.  Don’t skimp on purchasing gear for snowmobiling.  Clothing should keep you warm and not absorb moisture.  A well-fitting helmet, preferably a full-face helmet, is your best protection against potential head injury.

When you’re out riding, remember that your brakes, though they are designed to work well, will not be as efficient on slippery surfaces, particularly hard-packed snow and ice.  If you can avoid doing so, stay off frozen bodies of water.  Though they may appear as hard surfaces, you cannot be positive that the frozen surface can support the weight of your snowmobile.  A fall through the ice in bulky clothing is an invitation to an accidental drowning.

When snowmobiling uphill, approach the summit with caution.  You don’t know what’s on the other side, including the possibility of another snowmobile coming in your direction.  Be aware of the potential for an avalanche.  Any hill greater than 25º can avalanche, and slopes between

30º and 45º can slide.  You’ll want to avoid these slopes.  Also, if you need to cross a roadway, always do so at a 90º angle to minimize the amount of time you will be in the roadway.

As daylight moves into dusk, turn on those headlights and reduce your speed.  A good gauge of speed in the dark is to go no faster than your brakes will stop you within the illumination of your headlights.  Be especially careful snowmobiling at dusk when you are more likely to see large animals come out to feed.  Running into a deer or moose at night is something you will definitely want to avoid.

These are only a few ideas and suggestions to consider when you are going to enjoy the winter activity of snowmobiling.  For additional information, you might find the following website helpful: www.treadlightly.org.