Tip 1 – Speed: Ride at a realistic speed to prevent injury and reduce the risk of accidents.
Tip 2 – Tethers: Invest in a tether to shut the motor off if you are separated from your machine. Always wear the tether when sledding.
Tip 3 – Ice: No matter the season, be cautious around frozen water. Be aware of the ice depth and strength, and stagger snowmobiles while crossing. Grey and slushy ice should be avoided!
Tip 4 – The Buddy System: No matter your skill level, ride with at least one other person and stay together.
Tip 5 – Don’t Exceed Skill Set: Make sure everyone in the group is comfortable with the trip plan and that it matches their abilities. Never give a young person a machine with more horsepower than they can safely operate.
Tip 6- PPE: Dress for the weather and always wear your helmet.
Tip 7- Sobriety: Never operate a snow machine under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving a snow machine while impaired carries the same penalties as operating a motor vehicle.
Tip 8- Be prepared for an emergency with a first aid kit, signally flares, something to build a fire if needed.
Five Key Safety Guidelines for Riding in Avalanche Country
Tip 1- GET THE GEAR: Ensure everyone has an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe on their person and knows how to use them.
Tip 2- GET THE TRAINING: Take an avalanche course.
Tip 3- GET THE FORECAST: Make a riding plan based on the current avalanche and weather forecast.
Tip 4- GET THE PICTURE: If you see recent avalanche activity unstable snow exists. Riding on or underneath slopes is dangerous.
Tip 5- GET OUT OF HARM'S WAY: One at a time on all avalanche slopes. Don't go to help your stuck friend. Don’t group up in runout zones.