The Well-Prepared Sledder
Snowmobiling is a fun and exciting sport that enables people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors in the winter. More than 75,000 people snowmobile in Idaho each year, and the sport continues to grow. While snowmobiling is one of the best ways to enjoy Idaho’s backcountry, it can be hazardous if you aren’t prepared. The following information should provide a good starting point for preparing yourself to enjoy Idaho’s groomed snowmobile trails and adjacent play areas.
Free Avalanche Awareness Courses beginning in November:
To learn more about snowmobile safety, we encourage you to take a free snowmobile safety course. Times and dates of IDPR sponsored avalanche classes near you can be found by contacting IDPR Outdoor Recreation Specialists Marc Hildesheim (Coeur d’ Alene) 208 769-1511, Todd Wernex (Boise) 208 514-2413, or Michael Robinson (Idaho Falls) 208 525-7121.
Clothing
One of the most important things you can do to ensure an enjoyable day snowmobiling is to dress appropriately. Wearing layers is important in regulating your temperature throughout the day. You can add or remove additional layers as needed with respect to the conditions and level of physical activity. Here is a list of recommended clothing to make your snowmobile trip a safe and comfortable one.
* DOT and SNELL approved helmet * Goggles or face shield * Polypropylene base layer for wicking moisture (long sleeve shirt and pants) * Warm fleece insulating layer (jacket & pants) * Waterproof/windproof/breathable outer layer (jacket and bibs) * Warm merino wool or wool socks that wick moisture * Waterproof/insulated winter pac boots or snowmobile specific boots * Waterproof/insulated gloves or mittens * Warm hat
Prepare for an Overnighter
Do you remember the Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared”? Due to the sometimes harsh winter conditions and remote areas Idaho snowmobilers encounter, the same motto should be closely adhered to when snowmobiling in Idaho’s backcountry. Synthetic, waterproof/windproof clothing has made it easier than ever to be comfortable outdoors in adverse weather conditions. GPS and cell phones have made it easier to know where you are and keep in close contact with people. However, accidents can still occur. Being prepared to spend a night out in the woods if necessary, can mean the difference between being a little uncomfortable or becoming a statistic. Make it a point to assemble a survival kit and be sure to carry it with you every time you go out, and to always let someone know where you are headed.
Basic Snowmobile Survival Kit
- Waterproof matches in a waterproof container
- Several disposable lighters
- Cell phone
- Plastic whistle
- Map, compass, GPS
- Small flashlight with extra batteries
- 50 feet of 1/4-inch rope
- First aid kit
- Space blanket
- Candles
- High energy food
- Signal mirror
- Knife
- Metal cup
- Folding saw
- Extra drive belt, spark plugs and tool kit
- Tarpaulin or plastic windbreak
Prepare to Avoid Avalanches
Approximately half of all avalanche fatalities are snowmobile related. In 90 percent of the avalanche accidents the victim or someone in the victim’s party triggers the avalanche. Avalanche conditions are predictable and many accidents can be prevented. If you are planning to ride in avalanche terrain, be sure to check the local avalanche forecast before your trip. We encourage you to take an avalanche awareness course if you ride in avalanche country, and check the United States Forest Service avalanche center forecast website. Make sure you and the people you ride with carry and know how to use the following avalanche equipment.
Avalanche Gear
- Avalanche beacon
- Backcountry snow shovel
- Avalanche probe
- Backpack to keep gear on snowmobiler, not machine
Avalanche safety training is a critical tool for snowmobile riders in Idaho today, from the extreme sport enthusiast to the casual rider. Last winter, there were 23 avalanche-related fatalities nationwide. Twelve of those fatalities were snowmobile riders and three out of the 12 were from Idaho, meaning Idaho accounts for 25% of avalanche-related snowmobile fatalities nationally.
Know the capabilities of your machine.
Today’s snowmobiles put riders at greater risk, faster than ever before. The power and maneuverability of modern machines allow riders to more quickly reach greater altitudes and snow depths, placing riders in avalanche terrain and in danger faster than ever before. Despite their speed, snowmobiles cannot outrun avalanches.
Familiarize yourself with terrain, snow and weather conditions.
Speed, required gear, and weight of the machine combine to make it difficult for a snowmobile rider to notice common avalanche warning signs, such as collapsing of the snow. In addition, weather and snow conditions can change without notice. Take the time to analyze snow pack and slope angles. Also, learn to recognize recent avalanche activity and unstable snow conditions. That terrain should be avoided. Make it a habit to visit www.avalanche.org before each outing.
Carry proper rescue gear and know how to use it.
Every rider should carry and be able to safely use a shovel, probe, and avalanche transceiver. These items need be with the rider and not the machine, as riders are rarely found next to their machines when recovered from an avalanche. Do you know how to use your transceiver? In an avalanche, minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Invite your riding partners over to practice and develop proficiency. On the mountain, the life saved may be your own.
On a slope, only expose one rider at a time.
In Idaho, over half the people killed in avalanches would be alive today if only one rider at a time was exposed on a slope. Any slope can slide and cause an avalanche. One at a time, this one precaution saves lives.
Take a free avalanche awareness course.
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) offers free snowmobile-based avalanche awareness courses throughout the state. Avalanche awareness training provides snowmobile riders with the information needed to make informed decisions. For your personal safety and the safety of those you travel with, take one of the free awarenss courses.