Sled Tips

1. Always ride with a buddy! You should never snowmobile alone.
2. Before you begin your trip, make sure someone knows where you plan to go, with whom you are going, when you are leaving and when you will return.
   
   If the trip involves an overnight stay, include information on where you will stay and contact numbers. This is most important since time becomes critical if you experience an accident or an emergency.
3. If you are riding a snowmobile with a DES (Skidoo) ensure DES is contact/seated properly. They can become iced up or loose and machine will start, but will not accelerate/move.
4. Carry a minimum of survival essentials: strike anywhere matches,fire starter,container to melt snow, large orange garbage bag, folding saw, knife, signal flare,high energy foods.
5. If you become lost. Leave your snowmobile on the trail where it is visible. Make your shelter near by, in a protected area. leave an indication of your campsite direction, using marking tape or other materials.This will help searchers to locate you more quickly.
6. When riding in new areas, contact a local snowmobile club to get information, buddies and/or guides. In BC you can contact the BC Snowmobile Federation.
7. Be prepared for self rescue, always carry an avalanche beacon, probe and shovel on your person and know how to use it. http://www.avalanche.ca/cac/training/online-course
8. check Avalanche Bulletin for the area you are planning to ride in http://www.avalanche.ca/cac/bulletins/latest