Snowmobiles are increasingly used to explore and access mountain terrain, including as pseudo “chairlifts” of the backcountry. (See “Tow-In: Backcountry Skiing Via Snowmobile.”) Last month, we met up with Jeremy Mercier, a former snowmobile guide and a Ski-Doo ambassador, for a backcountry trip in Colorado. He offered a few tips on riding safe where the snow is deep and the terrain is wild.
Avy Course — Even if you’ve driven snowmobiles for years, mountains are different and pose serious risk in the form of avalanches. Learn what to look out for with an introductory class to start. Check out the American Avalanche Association for a breakdown of courses, ranging from fundamentals to expert-level training.
Buddy System — If you’re new to the mountains, ride with other people who have more experience. Make sure your riding friends also take an avy awareness class (see above). Better yet, take the class together and be sure to support each other in good decision making out there. When riding in mountain terrain, stay far enough apart that a slide cannot hit both riders; someone should always be ready to help.
Survival Gear — In the mountains, this begins with an avalanche beacon, a probe, and a shovel. Next, you need to ensure your survival in case of a breakdown, getting stuck or lost. Be ready to spend the night in cold and snowy conditions. This means carrying extra layers, gloves and goggles, fire-starting implements, a knife, a minimal emergency shelter, food and water.
Never Ride Alone — A snowmobile can carry you far from the car very quickly. What happens if you breakdown miles from a trailhead? Two machines are much less likely to both breakdown. If you must ride solo, tell people where you will be and carry a SPOT device or other type of emergency beacon.
Terrain Limits — Before you descend that steep, forested slope ask yourself, “Am I sure I can ascend it?” Most importantly, stay out of terrain you aren’t comfortable riding. This may include creeks, drainages and steep tree-covered mountainsides.
