Take A Friend Snowmobiling
By Craig Nicholson
It’s winter in the Kawarthas, Haliburton & Bancroft region and you’re thinking about taking a friend snowmobiling as a sled operator. Maybe it’s a newbie or someone that hasn’t snowmobiled in years. Or perhaps you’re the friend who’s about to accompany experienced sledders on your first ride. Either way, how the experience rolls out will determine whether you want to go again. So, it’s important for everyone involved to make your first ride enjoyable, safe and comfortable. Here’s my advice on how to make that happen.
Tip #1 Get Legal
Make sure the new person has a valid driver’s licence or snowmobile operator’s permit. Also, that the sled your friend’s riding is properly insured, licenced, and has a valid trail permit. Carry all necessary documents with you.
Tip #2 Slow, Simple and Short
Remember that the new person isn’t an experienced rider. What veteran snowmobilers take for granted may be totally foreign to their friend – so, stick to the three S’s: slow, simple and short. Because chances are that a normal ride for experienced sledders may seem like a marathon to the uninitiated.
Aim for a ride time of about two hours with several short trailside breaks. And remember, the ride will be slower than usual, so plan accordingly. At the end of that ride time, be back at your starting point or no more than 30 minutes away. You don’t want to be dragging a weary, cold and increasingly annoyed friend the long way back. The other alternative is to go about an hour and a half, then stop for a leisurely hot lunch, followed by a shorter return ride. Remember, overdoing distance or duration could spoil the ride.
Tip #3 Fuel The Furnace
Before riding, make sure the new person is well fed so their body has the fuel to stay warm (take a few snacks along, just in case). Keep your friend hydrated with water, energy drinks or hot chocolate. No caffeine or booze!
Tip #4 Dress Properly
Getting cold can spoil the ride, so dress your friend warmly in outer wear that fits and is purpose-made for snowmobiling, with appropriate insulating layers underneath (no sweatshirts or jeans). Provide good snow boots with thermal socks, the warmest possible gloves, a properly fitted snowmobile helmet, and keep chemical warmers handy. Then make sure the new person dresses inside and doesn’t stand around outside getting cold before the ride even starts.
Tip #5 Provide a Good Sled
Next, make sure your friend is on the smoothest riding, easiest handling, cleanest technology, and comfort-loaded snow machine available (with working hand and thumb warmers). No old clunkers or sleds with too-low a windshield. Take time to adjust suspension and handlebars as necessary for your friend’s weight and size. Letting them operate the sled with a passenger on board for their first ride isn’t a good idea.
Tip #6 Orientation & Expectations
Find out in advance what the new person’s experience level is with other winter activities and motorsports. Even if the new person has ridden ATV’s or motorcycles before, plan for an easy snowmobiling debut. And don’t start without a ride overview. Beforehand, walk your friend around the sled to demonstrate controls and operation. Let the new person ride slowly around an open area to get the hang of it.
Knowledge equals confidence. Discuss what to expect, trail etiquette and what to do if your friend is having a problem or discomfort. Arrange frequent breaks so that your novice never has to ride very long if something needs attention or fixing. Be sure to plan a route that is beginner-level easy, scenic and groomed. Avoid travelling on ice or road running, either of which can be intimidating – and stick to daylight riding!
Use a map to give your friend a complete briefing on your route, your intended stops (including potty breaks) and the proposed duration of the trip. Keep the person updated at each stop along the way.
An experienced sledder riding ahead should always use a rearview mirror to keep a constant eye on newbie status. Ensure that your novice rides second, preferably with another experienced rider behind to also keep watch and assist.
Tip #7 Don’t Push It
You’ve had years of practice. So, don’t show off, push the envelope, or challenge your friend beyond their capabilities or comfort zone. Also, don’t be afraid to rein the new person in if your friend seems to be taking unnecessary risks or trying too hard. After all, your goal is to take a friend snowmobiling for a fun experience that leaves them wanting more!
Contact Your Local Snowmobile Club:
Buckhorn & District – buckhorn@district2ofsc.ca
Haliburton County Snowmobile Association – info@hcsa.ca
Havelock & District – hdsc-info@district2ofsc.ca
Kawartha Lakes Snowmobile Club (Fenelon Falls) – klsc@sympatico.ca
Old Hastings Snow Riders (Bancroft) – ohsrvolunteers@gmail.com
Paudash Trail Blazers (Apsley) – volunteer@paudashtrailblazers.on.ca
Stoney Lake Sno Riders – stoneylake@district2ofsc.ca
Twin Mountains (Bobcaygeon) – twinmountains@district2ofsc.ca
Learn More About Snowmobiling:
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs – ofsc.on.ca
Craig Nicholson, The Intrepid Snowmobiler, is an International Snowmobile Hall of Fame journalist and a long-time Kawarthas cottager who also provides tips and tour info for snowmobilers at intrepidsnowmobiler.com and for PWC riders at intrepidcottager.com.
