Snowmobile Riding Tips for Beginners

A man rides on a Ski-Doo® snowmobile on a snowy road, the pine trees in the background.

Snowmobile Riding Tips for Beginners

Are you new to snowmobiles? If so, you came to the right place! This guide from Lintlaw Service can give you a head start. Read on to discover some of our best tips for riding a snowmobile! If you need more advice, you are always welcome to consult the friendly team here at Lintlaw Service. We serve those in Lintlaw, SK.

Gearing Up

First things first: you should never get behind the handlebars of a snowmobile without being dressed for the occasion. Your ensemble should include a snowmobile helmet and plenty of warm layers to protect you from the elements. You should also pack a first-aid kit and avalanche equipment just in case. Better safe than sorry!

Reading the Manual

Before you fire up your snowmobile for the first time, make sure to read the user manual from cover to cover. This volume will contain important, model-specific information about how to operate and maintain your snowmobile. Keep the manual close at hand for future reference, and be sure to check the manual when you encounter a maintenance issue.

Learning to Ride

In some ways, learning to ride a snowmobile is a lot like learning to drive a car. For example, the best place to start is an empty, snow-covered field or parking lot. Practising in a wide, open area without any traffic will reduce the risk of a collision, so you can focus on learning to ride your snowmobile in a safe environment.

The two most important skills to focus on are throttle control and braking. Notice how the throttle and brakes react to the terrain conditions, which will vary depending on the quality and amount of snow. As you experiment with these controls, you will develop an instinct for how they behave and operate in various snow conditions.

When making turns with your snowmobile, you will want to practice countersteering. This involves throwing your weight into the turn while turning your skis in the opposite direction. Countersteering helps maintain control and balance so you can make tighter, faster turns.

If you plan to ride in hilly terrain, there are some special skills to learn. When riding uphill, you will need to lean forward and increase the throttle. When riding downhill, you should lean back, hold the clutch, and stay in a low gear. This will keep your sled moving at a safe, steady pace.

Getting Stuck

What happens if your snowmobile gets stuck in the snow? Even the most experienced snowmobile riders get stuck from time to time, so this is nothing to panic about. You simply need to dig a path ahead of your snowmobile to get it unstuck. To do this, you can either wade through the snow in front of your skis or dig it out with a snow shovel.

We hope you found this guide helpful! If you’re still in the market for a snowmobile, come check out our selection at Lintlaw Service. We welcome customers from Yorkton and Saskatoon at our dealership in Lintlaw, SK.