Safety First
Snowmobiling is an exhilarating sport, but safety must always come first. Understanding proper techniques and hazards ensures a fun, incident-free adventure.
Pre-Ride Safety Briefing
All tours include a full safety orientation covering:
- Machine controls and operation
- Hand signals and communication
- Trail etiquette
- Terrain awareness
- Emergency procedures
Riding Techniques
Basic Controls
- Throttle control on right handlebar
- Brake on left handlebar
- Lean into turns, not away
- Keep feet on running boards
Speed Management
- Match speed to conditions
- Slow for corners and hills
- Maintain safe following distance
- Watch for trail hazards
Trail Hazards
- Other users: Skiers, snowshoers, other sleds
- Terrain features: Stumps, rocks, streams
- Weather: Visibility, ice, wind
- Wildlife: Moose, elk crossings
Avalanche Awareness
- Know current conditions (read our full avalanche awareness article)
- Recognize avalanche terrain
- Travel one at a time on slopes
- Carry and know how to use rescue gear
- Our guides monitor conditions daily
Altitude Considerations
Our tours operate at 10,000-12,500 feet:
- Stay hydrated
- Rest if you feel lightheaded
- Avoid alcohol before riding
- Listen to your body
Emergency Procedures
- Stay with the group
- Signal if you have problems
- Guides carry first aid and communication
- Know meeting points
Common Safety Questions
How risky is snowmobiling?
Snowmobiling carries moderate risk, similar to other motorsports. Most injuries happen from excessive speed, alcohol use, or riding in poor visibility. With proper training, gear, and a guided tour, risks are significantly reduced. Our safety briefing and experienced guides minimize hazards.
What not to do on a snowmobile?
Never ride under the influence of alcohol. Avoid riding alone in backcountry areas. Do not exceed your skill level on steep terrain. Never wear loose clothing that could catch in moving parts. Stay on marked trails unless you have backcountry experience and proper equipment.
Is snowmobiling hard on your back?
Variable terrain can stress your spine, especially on bumpy trails. Maintain good posture, keep your knees slightly bent to absorb bumps, and take breaks on longer rides. If you have back issues, mention them to your guide so they can choose smoother routes..
Common minor injuries
The most common tour-related issues are not crashes but exposure-related: cold hands when gloves get soaked, mild altitude headache, sunburn on lower face from UV reflected off snow, and minor wrist or shoulder strain from grip pressure on bumpy trails. We carry chemical hand warmers, sunscreen, ibuprofen, and water at the halfway cabin to address these proactively. Guides ask everyone how they’re feeling at the halfway stop and adjust pace or route based on responses.
What to tell your guide before the ride
Mention any health conditions that might affect your day even if they seem unrelated to snowmobiling. Heart conditions, recent surgeries, asthma, blood pressure medications, and pregnancy all influence how we route you. We don’t require medical disclosure but we can’t accommodate what we don’t know about. The same applies to recent injuries — a healed knee from last summer that’s still tender will benefit from gentler terrain choices that our guides can make if informed.