Recently I had the chance to go snowmobiling with my boyfriend in Vail, Colorado. We had a BLAST!!! During the trip we were riding up and down the bumpy slopes and endured some quick turns. I gained so much knowledge and appreciation for the sport. Living in Colorado my whole life, I feel as if I’ve missed out on many years that I could have been enjoying the beautiful scenery, mountain air and powdered show.
Today, I would like to share with you, my First Class Fashionista readers, some of the tips I learned while riding and encourage you to go out there, and slide down the mountain whenever the chance arrives.
Before Leaving Flat Land:
- Wear layers
- Avoid cottons and sweatshirts that retain moisture.
- Your first layer of clothing should be polypropylene and thermal under garments, because they release moisture while retaining heat.
- Wear nylons instead of leggings, because they stay on your feet and will not get pulled up while you are putting on your other layers.
- Wear heavy socks that will fit loosely inside your boots.
- Wear snow/waterproof pants
- Wear a long under shirt that you can tuck into your pants (because snow can and most likely will get into that gap).
- Wear a long-sleeve shirt
- Fleece jacket
- Heavy/waterproof jacket with reflective trim on the arms and back.
- One heavy and one light hat (sometimes the helmet is to tight for a heavy hat).
- I recommend a face covering hat or mask, because snow and cold air flies at your face.
- Waterproof, insulated snow boots, like the brand SOREL.
- Insolated, leather mittens because they give one more blood circulation and protection than gloves.
- Make sure you bring a reflective helmet (with a face guard) and good quality, UV-protected goggles.
Bring a survival backpack containing:
- Water in a thermos
- Shovel
- Extra socks and mittens
- Compass
- Thermostat
- Spare belt
- Spare spark plugs
- Manufacturer’s tool kit
- Extra wrenches nuts & bolts sized for your sled
- Tow rope
- Pry bar
- Duct tape
- Wire jack-knife
- And a fully charged cell phone
While Riding:
- Slow down and use your weight to turn into the quick corners and turns.
- If you can not see in front of you, slow down.
- Don’t drink and ride
- Alcohol causes the body temperature to drop at an accelerated rate, which increases your susceptibility to the cold and hypothermia.
- Slow down when snowmobiling after dark
- Ride with individuals familiar with the area
- Be certain that all lights are operational
- Avoid riding on frozen lakes and rivers, because ice conditions are never guaranteed. Ice conditions can change in a period of several hours.
- As a rule of thumb, “If you don’t know, don’t go.”
Watch Out For:
- Oncoming snowmobiles, other vehicles, grooming equipment (snow trucks), skiers, and hikers.
- Thin ice and open water
- Unforeseen obstacles beneath snow
- Unexpected corners, intersections and stops
- Road and railway crossings
- Logging/Forestry operations
- Snow banks and drifting snow
- Trees and branches on the trail
- Wildlife and domestic animals
If you do break through the ice, don’t panic. Follow these self-rescue tips:
- Kick vigorously into a horizontal position and swim to the nearest ice edge.
- Place hands/arms on unbroken ice while kicking hard to propel your body onto the ice.
- Once clear, stay flat and roll away to stronger ice.
- Stand, keep moving and find shelter fast.
I hope this information helps and inspires our readers to get ready for a day of fun and adventure!!! Ride safe!!!
