SAFE TRIPS & TIPS TO REMEMBER Here are a few tips to help make your snowmobiling trips safer and more enjoyable: 1. Remember to always plan ahead. Know your route and have a map with you at all times. It's easy to make a wrong turn or to miss a trail sign. 2. Let someone know where you are going and approximately what time you plan to be back. Try to stick to those plans. 3. Always travel with someone else. Not only is it more enjoyable, but also safer. Think how much easier things will be if you break down and someone else is along to help out or tow you home if needed. 4. Remember if you carry it in, CARRY IT OUT! This cannot be stressed enough how important it is to respect the land owners. After all, how would you feel if someone left their trash on your lawn. 5. Oh yeah, lets not forget to check out our sleds before we leave -- gas, oil, lights, etc. Better safe than sorry.
THINGS TO TAKE ALONG Here are a few items you may want to keep with you while snowmobiling: 1. Map - there are many maps out there available. Make sure you have the right map for the area in which you will be traveling. Lewis Co. Snowmobiling Assoc. has maps available at many stops throughout the county. Be sure to pick one up. 2. Flashlight - may come in handy to look at that map, to change a plug or to signal oncoming sleds that you are on the trail broke down. 3. Matches - lets hope you never have to spend the night on the trail, but if so they may come in useful. 4. Cell Phone - very common these days, you may need to call for help or just let someone who is expecting you know you'll be a little later than you anticipated. 5. Spare spark plugs & belt - every smart snowmobiler knows you should always have these on hand. 6. Tow strap - just in case
TRAIL HAZARDS: Unfortunately, trail hazards are always a possibility. Keep your eyes out for large bumps, fallen trees, stopped sledders, washouts, deer, and many other things. Driving at reasonable speeds and paying close attention to where you are going will help you prevent any mishaps.
GROOMERS: Groomers and their operators are out there on the trails helping to make your trip more enjoyable. These operators spend many hours out on the trails. Please remember to slow down when you come up behind the groomer. Only pass when the trail conditions permit, when you can see way ahead of the groomer and know there is no oncoming traffic or when the groomer operator waves you by. Leave yourself and the groomer operator plenty of room when you pass and drive by slowly. Show your appreciation to them by respecting their hard work and not horsing around and tearing up the trails. Remember these people are volunteers! IF YOU APPRECIATE THE TRAILS, JOIN A CLUB OR GIVE A DONATION. Remember grooming is very costly.