Do Snowmobiles Get Stuck in Snow?

When you're riding safely your snowmobile, one of the biggest questions you might ask yourself is: do snowmobiles get stuck in snow? The short answer is yes, but there are a few ways to avoid getting your machine stuck.

Longer Tracks are Better for Deeper Snow

While it's not always practical to tote around a heavyweight, it's not a bad idea to have a well-built sled on hand. The heavier the sled, the more capable it will be. Longer tracks are also better suited to sidehilling. A longer sled also prevents your front end from digging in under your weight, which is a big deal if you're planning on doing a little rock hopping.

Generally speaking, the best sled for you is the one that matches your riding style. For the most part, a 144 or 163 should do the trick. Depending on your budget, you may want to look into a higher-spec sled, especially if you're planning on jumping off-trail in the future. As a rule of thumb, if you plan on sledding on a regular basis, you'll probably be looking for a sled with at least a few hundred pounds of flotation.

Throttling Hard and Trenching Can Cause a Snowmobile to Sink

Did you know that throttling hard and trenching the snow can actually cause your sled to sink? While it's tempting to do things in the dark, it's always a good idea to check out the conditions in front of you before making a trip of a lifetime. This includes knowing how to properly control your speed and refueling your machine, so it doesn't come to snowmobile accidents.

A two-stroke engine, belly pan and a suspension are your best bets for surviving a snowy night out on the town. You also want to make sure you have a proper safety belt, a decent helmet and a set of ice scrapers. Once you've mastered the basics, the real fun begins. Among other things, you'll need to navigate your way through deep snow and learn how to ride in a group. If you can't afford to take the time to brush up on your skills, get a lesson before venturing out on the open road. Hopefully, you'll be able to enjoy a memorable snowy night out on the town.

Riding in Hard-packed Snow Can be a Good Challenge for All Riders

Riding in hard packed snow can be a fun experience, but also a difficult one. If you're not used to riding in the snow or are unfamiliar with the conditions, you can be at risk for a bad fall. In order to be safe, you'll need to wear good winter riding boots and use caution.

When it comes to traction, the most important factor is tire pressure. Using a low pressure means more surface area is in contact with the ground, making the tire less likely to be damaged by snow. You can improve traction by up to 50% by using a lower pressure. It's best to have a spare tube on hand for finicky patches.

You will need to avoid riding a snowmobile on mud and puddles. Mud is not only a nuisance, but it can also damage the trail. Avoiding ice is also a must.

The only time you should ride in deep snow is if you are familiar with the terrain. In other words, you need to be able to judge the slopes and avoid large slips. Once you've learned to do this, you'll be able to enjoy a nice, mellow ride in the snow.

6 Mistakes as a Snowmobiler

When you first start out snowmobiling, it's important to make sure you stay safe. Even seasoned riders have to remember these tips:

If you are riding a brand new snowmobile, you may need to have some lessons or take a course to learn how to drive. You will also want to carry spare parts. This includes your tow rope, safety kit, and spark plugs. Having these things will make driving your snowmobile much easier.

Another tip for beginners is to check the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide before venturing out. You should be cautious around bodies of water, such as a lake, as this can lead to trouble. Before venturing out, you should also check the weather forecast. It's possible that a storm may pop up before you have a chance to make it out of the park. Also, it's important to keep an eye on the surrounding area for dangers such as barbed wire and fence posts.

Finally, you should always ride the side of the trail. This is especially important when taking corners. The weight of your sled will automatically shift to the downhill side of the track.