Snowmobile training

Basic SnowmobileTraining & SafetyTraining & Safety

Justin Broglio

Lifelong snowmobilerNational Ski Patroller

President - Sierra Avalanche Center

’ Today s Classroom

1. Preparing to ride2. Knowing your sled3. Basic Trail Riding4. Off Trail Riding5. Safety on the Sled6. Tahoe/Truckee Scenarios

What not to do...

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Suddenlink SnowmobileTraining & SafetyTraining & Safety

Classroom Section 1-2

Preparing to RideKnowing your Sled

Your Sled

Ice Scratchers Chain Breaks

Your Dash and Controls

Getting the Sled Ready

snowmobile_training.ppt_media/Snowmobiling : Snowmobile Examination.mov

Getting Yourself ReadyBe in good physical condition

Avoid riding when ill or fatiguedDrink water throughout the ride

Outer Gear -Standard winter gear

DOT 3 Approved HelmetBootsGloves

Goggles or other Eyewear

Inner Gear - Thermals, Socks, Helmet Liners

snowmobile_training.ppt_media/Snowmobiling : Snowmobile Clothing.mov

Loading & Trailering

Secure trailer to vehicleCheck lights and safety chainsTilt trailer (apply pressure)Approach trailer - Line UpThrottle onto the trailer

Set parking brakeStep off to the center

Step off trailerLoad second sled

Secure skisRelease parking brakes

Cover - Tie Down

Routine Trailer Checks -Wheel bearings grease fittings

Tire Pressure (proper PSI)Lug nuts tight

Lights working correctly

snowmobile_training.ppt_media/Snowmobiling : Snowmobile Asphalt Driving.mov

Six Safety Rules1 - Understand the mechanics of the snowmobile.2 - Respects both its capabilities and its limitations.3 - Maneuver skillfully through a variety of conditions.4 - Know and observe the laws governing snowmobiles.5 - Use good judgment.6 - Respect others and the environment.

Suddenlink SnowmobileTraining & SafetyTraining & Safety

Classroom Section 1

Basic Trail Riding

Starting the sled

1. Check the throttle is loose, not frozen or stuck.2. Check all switches to proper positions and key is

on.3. Choke or prime as needed.

4. Pull the recoil starter with both hands. - Only pull until you feel resistance and pull back, then release without letting the handle snap.5. If after 6-10 pulls the machine does not start, pump the throttle a few times and try again.6. If after 12-15 pulls the machine does not start,

stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks.

Riding Positions

Sitting - safest, most common - feet flat on rails

Standing - only used to see ahead - during rough conditions

- in deep snow, hillsides - climbing

Riding PositionsOne Knee - one knee on the seat - used to shift weight - tilt sled, overcorrect - in deep snow, hillsides - climbing

Posting - semi sitting position - used in rough terrain - not sustainable - similar to bmx/motorcross

Group RidingAlways ride single file

Follow with 4-second ruleRaise your hand for hazards

In steep terrain, leapfrog.

Night RidingCheck headlights

Slow speed, adjust distanceHeadlights shine 200 ft

Don’t override your lightsWear reflective gear

snowmobile_training.ppt_media/Snowmobiling : Snowmobile Trail Riding.mov

Suddenlink SnowmobileTraining & SafetyTraining & Safety

Classroom Section 1

Off Trail Riding

Trees (Boondocking)

No Trails - Plan a route, start strong

Be ready to adjustStand up

Throw your weight aroundGo one at a time

Trails there - Follow in the track

Look ahead and Slow downSpread out

Boondocking

Throttle Control

Ease into itFeather itNever pin it

Know your power zonesUse your palm

What to do if it gets stuck -Pull the tether, slam the stop button

Jump off

Creek/Water Crossing

Approach with cautionAlways look for another way

Scout the in and out

Stand up - Feet backEngage clutchDon’t let off

Follow through to the landing

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Powder

Weight shiftingTrack Floating

Don’t stop in open zonesDon’t throttle out

Over-correctingOpposite steering

Side hillingOnly as needed - Plan your route

Look aheadWeight on the uphill sideSteer away from the hill

Dig inDon’t let off the throttle

ClimbingOnly as needed - Plan your route

Look aheadWeight on the uphill side

Steer straight into the hillDig in

Don’t let off the throttle

KNOW WHEN TO TURN OUT!!!

snowmobile_training.ppt_media/Snowmobiling : Snowmobile Powder Riding.mov

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Suddenlink SnowmobileTraining & SafetyTraining & Safety

Classroom Section 1

Safety on the sled

Suddenlink SnowmobileTraining & SafetyTraining & Safety

Classroom Section 6

Truckee/Tahoe Scenarios

Sierra CementHeavy, Wetsnow that

sticks to thesled, trackand you.

Slush causesoverheating,burns belts.

Icethat causes

steeringand track

issues.

Ice that coverscreeks, lakes& meadows.

AvalanchesDeep Snow

Powder Days

Getting stuck.

Getting lost.

Getting tired.

Backcountry - Avalanche Gear

PackShovelProbe

Beacon

First-aid KitSnow study kit

Snow saw8-feet of thin rope

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’ Today s Field Work

1. Preparing to ride2. Checking your sled3. Basic Trail Riding4. Off Trail Riding5. Getting unstuck6. Navigating terrain