Know Before You Go: 10 Tips For Your First Snowmobiling Experience

Booking a snowmobile rental or tour with a Polaris Adventures Outfitter is a fun, no-hassle way to try this popular winter sport. And, with a little up-front preparation, you can make sure your experience is safe and comfortable for everyone in your group.  

Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your ride. Happy snowmobiling!

1. Safety first

Safety is priority number one. Snowmobiling is one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities there is, giving you access to quintessential winter wonderlands that wouldn’t be accessible by any other means. But snowmobiling—like virtually any other outdoor pursuit—can also be dangerous. Never ride recklessly, ignore rules, or try to ride beyond your skill and experience level. And always dress appropriately for the weather conditions. By simply wearing the right gear (see tip #2) and riding safely, you’ll set yourself up for an unforgettable outdoor winter experience.

2. Grab the right gear

All Polaris Adventures Outfitters supply riders with the most essential piece of equipment: the helmet. Cold-weather boots, gloves, and outerwear (snowpants or snowmobile bib, winter coat) are vital as well. You’ll also want to wear thick, warm socks, and a base insulation layer. Depending on how cold it is, you may even want to wear a snug-and-stretchy balaclava under your helmet.

3. Position yourself properly

Balance and control are essential for a safe and comfortable snowmobile riding experience. When you climb aboard your snowmobile, position yourself on the seat so you can easily reach the handlebars and plant your feet on the rails. Check your gear while you’re sitting—is everything feeling okay? You want to make adjustments now rather than when your group has started down the trail.

4. Go with a guided tour 

Many Polaris Outfitters offer both guided and self-guided tours. People with more snowmobiling experience sometimes prefer self-guided rides. They can pick their pace, stop when they want, and—when possible—explore backcountry territory any way they choose. If you’re a beginning rider, a guided tour is likely your best bet. Polaris Adventures Outfitters have exceptional guides that will not only share their snowmobiling tips and expertise but will also point out can’t-miss views, historic sites, and wildlife along your journey.  

5. Pick the right pace 

It can be tempting to rev that throttle on a snowmobile, especially on smooth terrain. But, at least for your first few rides, it’s wise to maintain a safe and manageable speed. Note: Safe and manageable doesn’t necessarily mean slow. Snowmobiling is like riding a bike. If you go too slow, it’s harder to maintain balance and control. Find and keep a just-right speed that will propel you forward smoothly. On a guided tour, simply follow the speed set by your guide. Their knowledge of snow conditions, familiarity with the terrain, and assessment of your group’s skill level uniquely equips them to make smart decisions about speed.

6. Take lots of breaks 

Don’t be fooled by the fact that snowmobiling is a sport enjoyed while sitting—you’re going to want and need breaks. Most Polaris Adventures Outfitters pack water bottles for guided rides, and depending on the length of the ride, you might even receive a bag lunch or other heavier sustenance. Regardless, it’s a good idea to pack a few snacks, such as protein bars or trail mix. Don’t forget to hang onto any wrappers and throw them properly away after the ride. Responsible snowmobilers leave no trace but tracks. (Visit treadlightly.org for more stewardship ideas and info.) 

7. Obey the rules of the road 

Get familiar with the basic rules of snowmobiling, which Polaris Adventures Outfitters always explain before the start of a ride. Here’s a heads-up on what you need to know:  

• As with driving a car on the road, stay to the right of the trail. 

• If your route takes you near pedestrians or crosses a road, cap your speed at 10 MPH. 

• Always keep an eye out for grooming machines or other vehicles on trail systems. 

• Obey all trail signage, including “SLOW” and “STOP” signs.  

• Obey signs that prevent snowmobilers from riding in private or otherwise limited areas (for example, wildlife repopulation zones in public parks).

8. Know the lingo 

As with most sporting activities, fans of snowmobiling have developed their own vernacular. Knowing these terms won’t make or break your riding experience—but they’ll make you feel like more of an insider. Here’s some lingo to have on your radar: 

Sled/sledding: Another term for snowmobiling. 

Thumb throttle: The precision control mechanism that manages the delivery of fuel to the engine—and thereby manages your speed.   

Rails: The narrow, flat trays on either side of the snowmobile that you rest your feet on while riding.  

White gold: Fresh, untracked snow. 

Flat light: Overcast conditions that make it difficult to see terrain variations.  

Mashed potatoes: Soggy, heavy, wet snow conditions.  

Braaap: Say it out loud! Yep, the sound a snowmobile engine makes!

9. Never ride alone 

Snowmobiling isn’t meant to be a solo sport—it’s a group activity (and the resulting camaraderie is a big reason people love it!). If you're on a self-guided tour, always ride with a partner and maintain contact with each other visually. If you get separated and you’re in the lead, stop and wait for your partner. If you have to wait more than several minutes, backtrack and make sure they’re okay.  

10. Keep exploring 

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself hooked on snowmobiling after your first ride. It’s that much fun! And, the more you ride, the more comfortable you’ll be with higher speeds, changing snow conditions, and varying terrains. Polaris Adventures connects you with the nation’s top snowmobiling Outfitters at locations spanning the entire continental snow belt, so as soon as you’re done with your first ride, start thinking about your next one! Check out the many snowmobiling Adventures available to you here.