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Checklist for Snowmobiling

Experiencing all that the snowy slopes has to offer can come in many forms. Many winter sports activities involve manual-powered equipment such as snowshoes, skis, and snowboards; but setting itself apart is the snowmobile. Also known a as a sled or snow machine, snowmobiles are vehicles designed to handle snowy, wintry terrain. These vehicles don’t require roads but rather thrive on open snow and snow-covered trails. Similar to an ATV or motorcycle, many snowmobiles can accommodate two passengers and are open except for a small windshield in the front. Recreational snowmobile riding is known as snowcross/racing, trail riding, freestyle, mountain climbing, boondocking, carving, ditchbanging, and grass drags.


Ensuring that you’re prepared for your snowboarding trip is essential, and reviewing our checklist can help to ensure that you’ve packed your items accordingly. Keep in mind that those who are using their snowmobile as an accessory vehicle to their camping or hiking trip will also want to review those appropriate checklists as well to ensure they’ve stocked the essential gear for all aspects of their journey.


Click here  to download a printable PDF shopping list.


Snowmobile Essentials

Whether you’re opting for a casual day on the snowy terrain or gearing up for a multi-day tour of adventure on uncharted mountainsides, you’ll need to ensure that you’ve packed these essentials for your snowmobiling trip. Remember to review our guides on specific types of equipment to ensure that you’ve packed the right essentials for your needs, experience level, and plans. Remember to always check the integrity of your gear and machine before hitting the trails to save for unnecessary accidents and annoying malfunctions.


When your snowmobile is not in use and parked for the off-seasons, make sure to drain any excess fuel and to cover your snowmobile as well to help keep it in top shape.

Item

Why You Need It

Snowmobile

Propulsion and Sport Equipment

Gasoline

Fuel for Your Vehicle

Extra Drive Belt

For Use in Case of Breakdown

Sparkplug

For Use in Case of Breakdown

Block and Tackle

For Parking Your Snowmobile Securely

Goggles

Protect Eyes from Debris and Sun

Helmet

Protect Head


Basic Snowmobiling Gear

In addition to the bare minimum, many of these accessories are also necessary for a safe and enjoyable snowmobiling excursion. Depending on which type of snowmobiling scenario you’re getting into, you may need to pack more or less of any of these items for your trip. Your choice in gear can drastically impact your comfort and safety while out on the snowy trail, so review this checklist and pack accordingly.

Item

Why You Need It

Snowshoes or Skis

For Use in Case of Breakdown

Hatchet

Useful Tool for Cutting Paths

Wax

Glide Easily Over Snow

Crampons

Traction on the Snow

Backpack

Secure, Portable Gear Storage

Snow Shovel

Move Snow for Fire Pits, Emergency Rescue

Probe

Test Snow Depths/Avalanche Risks

Slope Meter

Test Slope Measurements

Multifunction Watch

Track Fitness, Progress, Location

Ice Axe/Whippet

Added Mobility/Traction on Snow and Ice

Lip Balm

Keeps Lips Hydrated

Sunscreen

Protect Skin from Sun’s Rays

Knife/Multi-Tool

Essential Tool

Flashlight/Headlamp

Portable Illumination

Hydration Pack/Water Bottle

Portable Water Source

Hand/Foot Warmers

Keep Extremities Warm in Cool Conditions

Energy Food/Snacks

Calories

Lighter

Light Source and Energy Source

Sunglasses

Shield Your Eyes from the Sun

Rope

Can Be Useful in a Variety of Situations

2-Way Radio

Communication with Traveling Partners

Insulated Sitting Pad

Insulated Seating Option for Breaks

GPS/Maps/Compass

Navigational Tools

Binoculars

Improve Your Vision

Batteries

Portable Energy Source

Portable Power/Solar Charger

Charge GPS/Cell Phones

Avalanche Indicator

Shows Risk for Avalanche


Clothing

The attire you choose to wear for your snowmobiling trip can make or break your experience altogether. Nowadays, many pieces of winter sports clothing and accessories are designed with user comfort and safety in mind, making for a more enjoyable experience overall. In fact, opting to forego many of the basics is simply not an option if you truly want to spend some time out on the slopes without getting frostbite or suffering other ailments.

Item

Why You Need It

Insulated Gloves

Thermal Protection for Hands

Insulated Boots

Insulation/Protection for Feet

Jacket

Keep Warm in Cool Conditions

Waterproof, Breathable Jacket

Light Torso Protection

Thermal Underwear/Wicking Base Layers

Base Layer of Warmth

Fleece Pants

Insulation for Legs

Fleece Jacket or Vest

Insulation for Torso

Ski Pants

Insulation/Protection

Technical Socks

Comfort and Insulation for Feet

Balaclava

Keeps Your Face Warm

Stocking Cap/Beanie

Insulation for Head

Neck or Face Gaiter

Insulation for Neck

Boot Gaiter

Keeps Snow Out of Boots


First Aid/Emergency Gear

As with any outdoor activity, you’ll want to ensure that you always bring your first aid essentials along for the trip. For activities on the snow, you’ll also want to stock appropriate emergency gear in case of accidents such as avalanches and falls, as one can become isolated on the slopes very easily. Be sure to always inform others of where you’re headed and how long you plan to be out. Those who are simply utilizing resort slopes and other well-guarded areas can likely forego many of these first aid essentials on their persons, as they’ll have quick access to professional assistance should the need arise.


A good rule of thumb is to leave your trip itinerary with a friend as well as in your vehicle (under your car seat) in case you become disoriented, lost, or injured. In this manner, not only will your friends have your information, but emergency personnel can also have quick access to documents should they come across your vehicle.

Item

Why You Need It

First Aid Kit

Has All of Your First Aid Essentials

Survival Blanket

Necessary Insulation When Stranded

Fire Starter

Light Fires in Survival Situations

Tent/Tarp

Emergency Shelter

Avalanche Transceiver

Signal for Help

Avalung/Avalanche Airbag Survival Pack

Buy Extra Time if Buried in Avalanche Snow

Whistle/Signaling Mirror

Signal for Help

Emergency Splint/Plate/Sled

Move Victims off Slope Safely

Emergency Flare

Signal for Help