The best thing you can do is take a free snowmobile safety and avalanche safety course from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. It’s helpful to join a club to get to know other riders. Also, know your snowmobile. Take the time to read your owner’s manuel.
- 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
- Take a free snowmobile safety and avalanche course from Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Always keep to the right on snowmobile trails.
- Don’t ride alone; two snowmobiles traveling together are much safer than one.
- Don’t drink alcohol and ride.
- Be familiar with your snowmobile; try short trips and practice in open areas to become thoroughly familiar with its controls and operation before going on extended trips.
- Always wear adequate winter clothing and protective glasses, goggles or face shields.
- Use sun screen to protect your skin from sunburn.
- Take a free snowmobile safety and avalanche safety course from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Be prepared for harsh weather.
- Wear synthetic and waterproof/windproof clothing.
- Bring a GPS or cell phone and keep in close contact with people.
- Be prepared to spend a night out in the woods if necessary. Preparedness 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.
- Always let someone know where you are headed.
- 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
Idaho snowmobile owners are legally obligated to number their snowmobiles on or before November 1 of each year.
A snowmobile must be numbered before it leaves the premises of a snowmobile dealer/retailer at the time of sale. The purchaser of a used snowmobile, which has been previously numbered, must transfer the certificate of number within 15 days of the sale. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation or its vendors will prepare a new certificate of number with the purchaser’s name and address. The transfer fee is $4.50. Applications for an Idaho title must be filed at the nearest county assessor’s office. Idaho Code 67-7103.
- I will be a good sports enthusiast. I recognize that people judge all snowmobile owners by my actions. I will use my influence with other snowmobile owners to promote safe snowmobile conduct.
- I will not litter trails or camping areas. I will not pollute streams or lakes.
- I will not damage living trees, shrubs, or other natural features. I will go out only when there is sufficient snow so that I will not damage the land.
- I will respect other people’s property and rights.
- I will lend a helping hand when I see someone in distress.
- I will make myself and my vehicle available to assist search and rescue parties.
- I will not interfere with or harass hikers, skiers, snowshoers, ice anglers or other winter sports enthusiasts. I will respect their rights to enjoy our recreation facilities.
- I will know and obey all federal, state, and local rules regulating the operation of snowmobiles in areas where I plan to ride.
- I will not harass wildlife.
- I will avoid areas posted for the protection of wildlife.
- I will not ride under the influence of alcohol.