DISCOVER SNOWMOBILING A rider’s guide before hitting the snow
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Purchasing
a Used
Snowmobile
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TOP SNOWMOBILE DESTINATIONS
SNOWMOBILE SAFETY TIPS
STORIES FROM AVALANCHE EXPERTS
TAKE A FRIEND SNOWMOBILING
TREAD LIGHTLY! FACT OR MYTH? 3
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PURCHASING A USED SNOWMOBILE Author: Ed Klim, President of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA)
Shopping for a used snowmobile is similar to shopping for a used automobile, motorcycle, or boat. And with so many shopping and pricing tools available today, you have the ability to, more than ever, make an educated purchase - even if you are a first-time buyer. Knowing your snowmobile will provide you, your family, and friends with adventures for years to come, put the effort in on the front end to ensure you’re making a safe, reliable, and responsible purchase.
THE FIRST DECISION IS TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS A CERTAIN MODEL OR BRAND YOU PREFER.
UNDERSTAND YOUR BUDGET AND DETERMINE VALUE.
Hit the snow with friends to get an idea of
Know how much you can afford and be informed
what you like. Usually you need to ride at least
on the value of the sled you are considering -
a few miles to get the feel for the snowmobile
meaning research using valuable resources like
to help you determine if it’s the correct size,
NADA Guides and Snowmobile Trader. They will
power, and has the handling characteristics
give you excellent price parameters so you’re
you’re looking for. Once you determine what
prepared to work with sellers.
you like, do a little research to make sure that you have a snowmobile dealer in your area. They can provide you with service and parts if you need them.
DECIDE IF YOU WANT TO PURCHASE FROM A PRIVATE SELLER OR A DEALERSHIP. Most dealers who sell used snowmobiles
SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF. Will you always ride alone or will you be riding with a passenger? Do you ride mountains, trails, or both? Be sure to purchase a snowmobile that fits with your lifestyle. Sleds designed for two riders often are a little longer with a seat configuration for two people, including a backrest for the passenger.
will complete thorough inspections of the vehicle and sometimes they’ll offer a level of certification of the quality of the product. Since most dealers always thoroughly check out a used sled before they will sell it to you, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that an expert has carefully looked at the product and can inform you of it’s overall condition to the best of their knowledge. 5
PURCHASING A USED SNOWMOBILE (CONTINUED) EVERY RIDER HAS A DIFFERENT LEVEL OF MECHANICAL EXPERIENCE.
ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS DRIVE THE SNOWMOBILE BEFORE PURCHASING.
MAKE SURE YOU GIVE THE SNOWMOBILE A THOROUGH INSPECTION.
If you’re mechanically inclined,
Snowmobiles are built to be used on
Whether you buy from a dealership or
purchasing a used snowmobile that
the snow and it’s recommended you
private seller, check for lighting, cracked
may need a little bit of work or minor
purchase in season so you can properly
parts, loose bolts, etc. If the snowmobile
tweaking may help you get a lower price.
test it out before handing over your
is a pull start, make sure that you can
If you have limited mechanical skills, you
money. Every snowmobile has it’s own
start the engine with relative ease. If it’s
should seriously consider buying a used
unique characteristics and the only way
an electric start, make sure it starts, and
snowmobile from a dealer.
to determine what they are is by testing
check the quality and age of the battery.
it out.
And don’t forget about mileage. Most snowmobiles have a life expectancy of
“Always, always, always drive the snowmobile before purchasing.”
DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE “SMALL” THINGS.
around 10,000 miles before needing work on the engine and other key parts.
First-time buyers can forget about the basics - like having a higher windshield if you will be riding in colder areas or you might want mirrors on your snowmobile to see if others are behind you, but may not realize they aren’t mandatory.
GET THE SNOWMOBILE’S BACK STORY. Ask the owner or dealer how and where it was used. Was it used for open field riding or strictly trail riding? Were they just using it for quick trips, like going for breakfast and back? Ideally, you want to look for a gently used snowmobile that holds the same appeal as a garage parked Buick that you would buy from a retired couple. They no longer have use for the vehicle, but it is in great shape.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ed Klim is the president of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and an avid rider. ISMA coordinates committees within the industry to handle concerns such as snowmobile safety, promotion of the lifestyle, keeping statistics, and reporting industry growth. Snowmobile.org
MAKE SURE YOU CAN INSURE THE SLED FOR A REASONABLE PRICE.
OTHER COSTS TO KEEP IN MIND.
Once you’re ready to buy, it is
Remember that when you purchase
recommended that you subscribe to
Your costs don’t stop with the sale. So
a snowmobile you will also have to
snowmobile magazines and join the
once again, understand the value of the
purchase proper clothing, gear, and
local snowmobile club where you will
vehicle and get insurance quotes. Shop
a helmet. Every state and province
be riding. You also can join the state
around to get yourself the best deal.
requires that you register your
or provincial snowmobile association
snowmobile where you reside. For
where you can obtain plenty of useful
riding on the trails, most often you will
information, make new friends, and
need to purchase a trail permit which
enjoy riding with locals who know the
pays for the grooming and marking of
trail system.
YOU MAY NEED TO PURCHASE A TRAILER OR HAVE ACCESS TO ONE. If you will be trailering the snowmobile to your favorite riding area, consider
the trail system.
your different options. Very few current cars are equipped to tow a trailer. All trucks can usually tow a snowmobile trailer easily and some slightly older fullsized cars can do the same. No matter what, check the towing capabilities of the vehicle you plan on using to be safe.
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PRIEST LAKE, IDAHO Located in the northernmost portion of the Idaho panhandle, Priest Lake dates back over 10,000 years. Imagine riding scenery carved from glaciers with deep forests and mountain views. This will be a snowmobiler’s experience of a lifetime. Over 400 miles of fresh powder, groomed trails, and wide open playgrounds are a rider’s dream. The area offers great dining and places to stay too. Ready to check it out?
MORAN, WYOMING
TOP SNOW
Destina Priest Lake
Also known as Moran Junction, Moran offers a first class snowmobiling experience. Serving as a main passageway through central Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park, the area gives riders access to the Continental Divide and some of the nation’s premier snowmobiling. Be sure to check out nearby Togwotee Pass over 600 inches of snowfall sets the scene for epic riding. Well known for extreme winters and vast trailheads, Moran displays a backdrop of the Tetons that is guaranteed to take your breath away.
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Moran
WMOBILING
UPPER PENINSULA, MICHIGAN
ations
Upper Peninsula Old Forge
Michigan’s upper peninsula has been ranked a top place to sled numerous times and will make for a great snowmobile vacation. Michigan boasts more than 6,500 miles of groomed trails and up north you’ll ride some of the Great Lakes region’s finest. Visit the Porcupine Mountains or Drummond Island for some of the best sledding Michigan has to offer. Check this destination off your bucket list by experiencing uninterrupted lake views and winding through the deep woods.
Mount Snow
OLD FORGE, NEW YORK If the crisp air and breathtaking Adirondack views don’t draw you in, the riding scene here should. Known as the “Adirondack Base Camp” for visitors, Old Forge showcases hundreds of miles of groomed trails. You can connect with all the other major trail systems in New York and the Canadian border. Groomed twice daily during the winter, it’s a snowmobilers heaven. Hop on your sled and experience some of the best snow in the northeast.
MOUNT SNOW, VERMONT If you’ve been waiting to explore the northeast by sled, now’s the time to check out Mount Snow. Snowmobile Vermont offers guided tours throughout the state, and from Mount Snow you can experience the summit or Green Mountain National Forest. Plus, if you’re seeking extra adventure you can hit the slopes on your skis or snowboard while you’re there. When you’re in the area, visit the nearby Stratton Mountain for a wintry adventure exploring the trails at night.
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ALWAYS BE ALERT OF POTENTIAL DANGER. Take a snowmobile safety course
KNOW THE ICE CONDITIONS. Although
to learn about the risks of riding. Your helmet,
conditions are never guaranteed. Conditions can
engine noise, earbuds, and music can impair
change over hours and drowning is a real threat.
your hearing. Darkness and snowy conditions
Stay on designated trails to avoid putting your
impact visibility. Learn to recognize avalanche
life at risk.
many riders venture onto frozen water, ice
potential terrain. Never assume what another snowmobiler will do - and don’t speed.
DON’T DRINK AND RIDE. Alcohol is proven to be dangerous mixed with riding and is a
INSPECT YOUR SNOWMOBILE BEFORE EACH RIDE. Check your brakes, track, skis,
contributing factor in snowmobile fatalities. Even
headlight, taillight, emergency switch, and idle
small amounts of alcohol affect your ability to
before each outing. Be prepared for your ride.
control your sled.
Sno 10
NEVER RIDE ALONE. Always inform a responsible person of your travel plans.
RIDE A SNOWMOBILE THAT MATCHES YOUR EXPERIENCE LEVEL. Not all sleds are
Someone should know when you’re leaving,
created equal. Trust an expert to inform you
where you’re going, and when you will be
what machine is safe for you.
returning.
CARRY A FIRST AID KIT, EMERGENCY KIT, AND REPAIR KIT. Don’t leave without
ALWAYS CHECK WEATHER AND TRAIL CONDITIONS and dress appropriately. Plan
a compass, map, waterproof matches with a
ahead for wind chill and ensure you have
candle or fire starter, a flashlight with spare
enough layers to stay warm. Riding on trails
batteries, and an extra ignition key. Check Safe
with inadequate snow coverage can harm the
Riders! for personal items, safety equipment,
environment.
and avalanche tools you should carry.
owmobile SAFETY TIPS
ABOUT THE PARTNER ACSA is the national organization that unites the snowmobile community, providing a voice for snowmobilers on national issues. Their mission is to promote snowmobiling as a safe, fun and environmentally family friendly sport. Online and downloadable safety education resources, training materials, and safety education class calendars are available at snowmobilers.org. 11
The National Avalanche Center and the American Avalanche Association have a campaign to help folks stay safe in the mountains riding. • GET THE GEAR – Beacon, Shovel, Probe. • GET THE TRAINING – Take an avalanche class. • GET THE FORECAST – Go to Avalanche.org for your regional avalanche forecast. • GET THE PICTURE – Recognize avalanche terrain and look for signs of instability in the snowpack. • GET OUT OF HARM’S WAY – Ride one at a time in avalanche terrain. I encourage all mountain riders to follow the Gets this winter. As you are about to throttle up into the mountains, ask yourself “What have I missed?” We all want to make it back to the truck. Enjoy the powder.
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WHAT HAVE I
MISSED?
In Alaska
Author: Aleph Johnston-Bloom, Avalanche Forecaster
fast enough digging? What if they both were
the first snow
buried? What about their kids waiting to be
on the mountains is called termination dust,
picked up school? What if they hadn’t made it
and marks the end of summer. This year that
back? Why did they think that slope was safe?
snow fell in August. Almost immediately you
What had my friends, who are very smart
could notice a shift on social media. Talk of
mountain riders, missed in their decision-
fishing and boating changed to hunting and of
making? I thought about how easy it is to miss
course snowmobiling (in AK snowmachining).
clues when we are so excited to play in the
Threads popped up about selling sleds, fixing
snow. I thought about times I have had close
sleds, and asking what kind of a winter are
calls, and how easy it is to make mistakes.
we looking at? As someone who loves winter, and makes a living thinking about snow as
This season, the question, “What have I
an avalanche forecaster, I too start looking
missed?”, is going become part of my slope side
forward to winter. However, to be honest, I
decision-making process. Before I ride onto any
get a little nervous. I really like what I do, but I
avalanche prone slope I will ask that question, I
also understand the pain of losing someone I
will pause, and go over all my information one
love to a winter accident and the risk involved.
last time. Hopefully that will help me make it
I often look back to the previous season and
back to the truck. Hopefully asking, “What have
think about lessons learned. Last winter here in
I missed?” will help me not get overwhelmed
the Kenai Mountains we had one snowmobile
with powder fever or the stoke of the day, and
avalanche fatality, and a few very close calls.
not miss some crucial piece of information that
One close call in particular left me feeling a
is telling me the snow is dangerous.
little queasy. A co-worker (and very close friend) was riding a steep slope one morning with her boyfriend. They rode with no incident. A few hours later they got word that the same slope shattered into a large avalanche and completely buried a rider. Luckily he was dug up quickly by a large group of other riders and survived, but unfortunately lost his machine. What haunted me was, what if my friend or her boyfriend had been caught, and one had to try to dig
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Aleph Johnston-Bloom is an avalanche forecaster for the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center based in Girdwood, Alaska. She feels really lucky to get to ride snowmobiles (snowmachines) for work in the Kenai Mountains, exploring steep passes, glacial valleys and wide open slopes. She has been an avalanche professional for 17 years and is the former director of both the Alaska Avalanche School and the Silverton Avalanche School. She is an American Avalanche Association governing board member.
the other out alone? What if they weren’t
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THE MAIN SOURCE OF
TROUBLE Author: John Fitzgerald, Heli Ski Guide and Avalanche Forecaster I have worked in the avalanche industry for the past 15 years. It has been a career that has taken me to a wide range of places and given me the opportunity to see many different snowpacks. A large part of every job I‘ve had has been to investigate the snow by digging holes and performing tests to understand the likelihood of avalanches occurring. What all of the work boils down to is this: I am responsible for keeping people out of trouble, and avalanches are the main source of that trouble. While most of my work has been done on skis, the snowmobile, (or snowmachine when I’m in Alaska) has increasingly become both a tool and a toy. For several winters I worked full time as an avalanche forecaster for the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center. Snowmachines are an integral part of that program, and it was there that my riding skills increased dramatically. Since that time I have begun teaching avalanche courses on snowmobiles in Wyoming. To me, helping to reduce avalanche accidents is a big part of why I do what I do for a living. I think it is critical to spread awareness and knowledge to all user groups, and snowmobilers make up a large percentage of groups that are at risk. Avalanche courses have been available to primarily skiers for many years. Avalanche education has slowly come around to providing more tailored classes to the needs of snowmobilers. While there are still improvements to be made, I think that we are on ABOUT THE AUTHOR John Fitzgerald splits his winters between Wyoming and Alaska, spending every day on the snow. At home in the Tetons he mostly teaches avalanche courses and in Alaska he works as a heli ski guide and avalanche forecaster. 14
the right track. I am excited to be a part of that change and empower riders to improve their decision making in avalanche terrain.
ISMA
P R ES EN TS
TAKE A FRIEND
SNOWMOBILING Introduce non-snowmobilers to our winter recreation of choice
FEBRUARY 1O-19, 2018 GoSnowmobiling.org
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SNOW IT ALL
With spectacular mountain terrains come added safety concerns. Training, experience and awareness are all traits of the accomplished snowmobiler. Be a “snow-it-all.” Take an avalanche awareness course and carry the proper equipment. Know your travel routes and respect your riding boundaries.
THIS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT IS POWERED BY
Tread Lightly!
Fact or Myth?
IF YOU’RE ON YOUR SLED AND SEE AN ELK,
CHASING OR HARASSING WILDLIFE OR OTHER
KEEP YOUR ENGINE RUNNING QUIETLY. STAY
ANIMALS FROM YOUR SNOWMOBILE IS OKAY
ON THE TRAIL, AND SLOWLY RIDE AWAY
IF IT’S NOT DURING HUNTING SEASON.
FROM THE ANIMAL.
MYTH - Chasing big game on your
FACT - Stopping your snowmobile and
snowmobile is illegal at all times. If you use your
getting off stresses animals and usually chases
snowmobile during hunting season, use it only
them away. If an animal changes behavior when
to reach the area you want to hunt. Never hunt
you appear, you are too close and need to move
animals from your sled.
away. Keep your machine running quietly and smoothly. Always ride slowly away from wildlife. REMOVING THE SPARK ARRESTER FROM YOUR SNOWMOBILE WILL MAKE IT GO YOU CAN RIDE YOUR SLED ANYWHERE ON
FASTER.
PUBLIC LAND.
MYTH - Spark arresters do not affect
MYTH - During certain times of the year,
speed. However, they do prevent sparks from
trails may be closed for a variety of reasons
coming off of a snowmobile and can help
including protecting land or wildlife. Before
reduce the risk of starting a fire from sparks.
leaving on a ride, review a trail map to see if
Never remove a spark arrester, they are legally
there are any active travel restrictions on the
required to on public land.
trails you intend to use.
ABOUT THE PARTNER Tread Lightly!’s mission is to promote responsible outdoor recreation through ethics, education, and stewardship programs. For more tips on how to practice responsible and safe outdoor recreation, go to treadlightly.org.
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Be responsible. Be safe.
Have Fun. 1”
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ABOUT SNOWMOBILE TRADER
Snowmobile Trader is the premier online classifieds site for buying and selling snowmobiles - attracting thousands of active buyers every month who visit the site in search of their next sled. With over 13,000 new and pre-owned units for sale by dealers and private sellers across the country to choose from, Snowmobile Trader will help you get out there in no time. Always remember that by promoting safe riding, access, and off-road responsibility, we’re ensuring our favorite winter activity is loved by generations to come. Whether you’re new to snowmobiling or an avid enthusiast, always be alert of potential risks. Educate yourself to ride safely and encourage others to do the same. Snowmobile Trader is with you every step of the way. Thank you to our partners for making this guide possible and promoting responsible snowmobiling:
• American Avalanche Association • American Council of Snowmobile Associations • International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association • Sena Technologies, Inc. • Tread Lightly!
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