Snowmobile training
description
Transcript of Snowmobile training
Basic SnowmobileTraining & SafetyTraining & Safety
Justin Broglio
Lifelong snowmobilerNational Ski Patroller
President - Sierra Avalanche Center
’ Today s Classroom
1. Preparing to ride2. Knowing your sled3. Basic Trail Riding4. Off Trail Riding5. Safety on the Sled6. Tahoe/Truckee Scenarios
What not to do...
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Suddenlink SnowmobileTraining & SafetyTraining & Safety
Classroom Section 1-2
Preparing to RideKnowing your Sled
Your Sled
Ice Scratchers Chain Breaks
Your Dash and Controls
Getting the Sled Ready
snowmobile_training.ppt_media/Snowmobiling : Snowmobile Examination.mov
Getting Yourself ReadyBe in good physical condition
Avoid riding when ill or fatiguedDrink water throughout the ride
Outer Gear -Standard winter gear
DOT 3 Approved HelmetBootsGloves
Goggles or other Eyewear
Inner Gear - Thermals, Socks, Helmet Liners
snowmobile_training.ppt_media/Snowmobiling : Snowmobile Clothing.mov
Loading & Trailering
Secure trailer to vehicleCheck lights and safety chainsTilt trailer (apply pressure)Approach trailer - Line UpThrottle onto the trailer
Set parking brakeStep off to the center
Step off trailerLoad second sled
Secure skisRelease parking brakes
Cover - Tie Down
Routine Trailer Checks -Wheel bearings grease fittings
Tire Pressure (proper PSI)Lug nuts tight
Lights working correctly
snowmobile_training.ppt_media/Snowmobiling : Snowmobile Asphalt Driving.mov
Six Safety Rules1 - Understand the mechanics of the snowmobile.2 - Respects both its capabilities and its limitations.3 - Maneuver skillfully through a variety of conditions.4 - Know and observe the laws governing snowmobiles.5 - Use good judgment.6 - Respect others and the environment.
Suddenlink SnowmobileTraining & SafetyTraining & Safety
Classroom Section 1
Basic Trail Riding
Starting the sled
1. Check the throttle is loose, not frozen or stuck.2. Check all switches to proper positions and key is
on.3. Choke or prime as needed.
4. Pull the recoil starter with both hands. - Only pull until you feel resistance and pull back, then release without letting the handle snap.5. If after 6-10 pulls the machine does not start, pump the throttle a few times and try again.6. If after 12-15 pulls the machine does not start,
stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks.
Riding Positions
Sitting - safest, most common - feet flat on rails
Standing - only used to see ahead - during rough conditions
- in deep snow, hillsides - climbing
Riding PositionsOne Knee - one knee on the seat - used to shift weight - tilt sled, overcorrect - in deep snow, hillsides - climbing
Posting - semi sitting position - used in rough terrain - not sustainable - similar to bmx/motorcross
Group RidingAlways ride single file
Follow with 4-second ruleRaise your hand for hazards
In steep terrain, leapfrog.
Night RidingCheck headlights
Slow speed, adjust distanceHeadlights shine 200 ft
Don’t override your lightsWear reflective gear
snowmobile_training.ppt_media/Snowmobiling : Snowmobile Trail Riding.mov
Suddenlink SnowmobileTraining & SafetyTraining & Safety
Classroom Section 1
Off Trail Riding
Trees (Boondocking)
No Trails - Plan a route, start strong
Be ready to adjustStand up
Throw your weight aroundGo one at a time
Trails there - Follow in the track
Look ahead and Slow downSpread out
Boondocking
Throttle Control
Ease into itFeather itNever pin it
Know your power zonesUse your palm
What to do if it gets stuck -Pull the tether, slam the stop button
Jump off
Creek/Water Crossing
Approach with cautionAlways look for another way
Scout the in and out
Stand up - Feet backEngage clutchDon’t let off
Follow through to the landing
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Powder
Weight shiftingTrack Floating
Don’t stop in open zonesDon’t throttle out
Over-correctingOpposite steering
Side hillingOnly as needed - Plan your route
Look aheadWeight on the uphill sideSteer away from the hill
Dig inDon’t let off the throttle
ClimbingOnly as needed - Plan your route
Look aheadWeight on the uphill side
Steer straight into the hillDig in
Don’t let off the throttle
KNOW WHEN TO TURN OUT!!!
snowmobile_training.ppt_media/Snowmobiling : Snowmobile Powder Riding.mov
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Suddenlink SnowmobileTraining & SafetyTraining & Safety
Classroom Section 1
Safety on the sled
Suddenlink SnowmobileTraining & SafetyTraining & Safety
Classroom Section 6
Truckee/Tahoe Scenarios
Sierra CementHeavy, Wetsnow that
sticks to thesled, trackand you.
Slush causesoverheating,burns belts.
Icethat causes
steeringand track
issues.
Ice that coverscreeks, lakes& meadows.
AvalanchesDeep Snow
Powder Days
Getting stuck.
Getting lost.
Getting tired.
Backcountry - Avalanche Gear
PackShovelProbe
Beacon
First-aid KitSnow study kit
Snow saw8-feet of thin rope
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’ Today s Field Work
1. Preparing to ride2. Checking your sled3. Basic Trail Riding4. Off Trail Riding5. Getting unstuck6. Navigating terrain