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 |
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 |
Useful Tool for Cutting Paths | |
Glide Easily Over Snow | |
Traction on the Snow | |
Move Snow for Fire Pits, Emergency Rescue | |
Test Snow Depths/Avalanche Risks | |
Test Slope Measurements | |
Track Fitness, Progress, Location | |
Added Mobility/Traction on Snow and Ice | |
Keeps Lips Hydrated | |
Essential Tool | |
Keep Extremities Warm in Cool Conditions | |
Energy Food/Snacks | |
Light Source and Energy Source | |
Communication with Traveling Partners | |
Insulated Sitting Pad | Insulated Seating Option for Breaks |
Navigational Tools | |
Portable Energy Source | |
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 Boots | Insulation/Protection for Feet |
Keep Warm in Cool Conditions | |
Light Torso Protection | |
Thermal Underwear/Wicking Base Layers | |
Fleece Pants | Insulation for Legs |
Fleece Jacket or Vest | Insulation for Torso |
Insulation/Protection | |
Keeps Your Face Warm | |
Insulation for Head | |
Insulation for Neck | |
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 |
Necessary Insulation When Stranded | |
Light Fires in Survival Situations | |
Emergency Shelter | |
Signal for Help | |
Avalung/Avalanche Airbag Survival Pack | Buy Extra Time if Buried in Avalanche Snow |
Signal for Help | |
Move Victims off Slope Safely | |
Emergency Flare | Signal for Help |