Snowmobile Tips for Beginners: Safety, Gear, Insurance
Welcome to the exhilarating world of snowmobiling! Before you rev that engine, you’ll need to understand how to stay safe and prepared, especially if you are a beginner.
Snowmobiling, like any motorized sport, comes with risks, but with the right knowledge, gear, and precautions, you can make your experience both fun and secure.
Understanding the risks of snowmobiling in Canada
Thousands of Canadians are injured every year while riding snowmobiles, often due to preventable accidents like flips, falls, or collisions. This is why it’s so important to take basic precautions, such as wearing a helmet and doing your best to stay in control of your machine at all times.
Riding in the Canadian backcountry also comes with unique risks like avalanches, harsh weather conditions, and challenging terrain. Before you go off-piste, you’ll want to take the time to educate yourself on backcountry safety, avalanche awareness, and basic wilderness survival skills, depending on where/how you’ll be riding. No matter what, always have a backup plan for safely exiting the area (even if it’s your backyard) if something goes wrong.
How to ride safely
As a beginner, start slowly and build your confidence. To start with, ride during daylight hours on marked trails and always avoid unlit areas at night, even when you reach expert level. Your goal as a rider is to maintain proper balance and keep a firm grip on the handlebars to prevent falls or flips, which are the top causes of snowmobiling injuries. Don’t let the ride get to your head! While the adrenaline can be exhilarating, always stay mindful of the risks and prioritize safety.
Gear and equipment: What you need
Having the right gear is not only important for safety and comfort, it’s also a legal requirement. Helmets are non-negotiable; they should fully encase your head and support your jaw for maximum protection. You legally cannot ride in Canada without an appropriate helmet. While a motorcycle helmet can be repurposed, bike helmets won’t make the cut.
Goggles aren’t a legal requirement, but they’re a comfort-must if your helmet doesn’t include a full-face visor to shield your eyes from snow glare.
Dressing appropriately for the frosty Canadian winter temps is just as important. Layer your clothing with a moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layers, and snow-rated waterproof outerwear. Heavy-duty socks, balaclavas, and waterproof winter gloves will keep you warm, while sturdy boots provide traction and support.
Additional snowmobile gear
Looking beyond the basics? You might also look into snowmobile covers, chest protectors, gas cans, suspension grease, and a GPS device to stay oriented on the trails. While smartphones might seem convenient for accessing maps, keep in mind that they can lose charge or malfunction in subzero temperatures, leaving you stranded.
If you’re riding away from home, packing an emergency kit that includes walkie-talkies, an emergency shovel, and a first aid pack could be a lifesaver.
Buying a snowmobile
As a beginner, before investing in a snowmobile, it’s wise to rent one or practice with a friend to determine what kind of machine suits your needs. When ready to buy, consider your priorities: Are you looking for speed and power, or a family-friendly ride for passengers?
Pro tip: If cost is a concern, buying a used snowmobile can be a great way to save money.
Why you need snowmobile insurance
Insurance is a key step in owning a snowmobile – don’t skip it! Snowmobile insurance is actually required to ride legally in many parts of Canada.
For those without insurance, you are able to ride your snowmobile but you may be restricted to only riding on your private property. Snowmobile insurance is usually required in Canada to operate a snowmobile off your private property but check your local requirements.
Your home or car insurance doesn’t typically cover snowmobiles, which are classified as separate vehicles. Snowmobile insurance keeps you, your property, and others safe by providing coverage for accidents, theft, and liability should you be involved in an accident.
Here’s how snowmobile insurance protects you:
Insurance protects you in the event of a crash or damage in transit, and it also provides liability coverage if someone else is injured while riding your machine. In the unfortunate event of an accident, having proper coverage makes filing claims and addressing injuries or damages much easier.
Always confirm your snowmobile is insured before hitting the trails.
Know the rules and regulations
Snowmobiling laws vary by province, so you’ll need to take a moment to research and understand the requirements where you plan to ride. These are the basics, but we encourage you to dig deeper:
- Across Canada, a valid driver’s license is typically required to cross public roadways
- Safety-approved helmets are mandatory for all riders.
- The minimum age for solo riders ranges from 14 to 16, depending on the province.
- In many provinces, including Alberta and Ontario, snowmobile operators on public land must carry a minimum of $200,000 in public liability and property damage insurance.
- Snowmobiles must be registered with the appropriate provincial authority and a registration number is usually required to be visibly displayed on your snowmobile.
- Not all trails are fair game – you may need to purchase a trail pass or permit from your local snowmobile association before hitting the trail.
- Always obey speed limits and signs on trails and public areas.
- Snowmobiles are never permitted on highways, pedestrian zones, or environmentally protected areas. You could get fined for riding in a prohibited zone, so check before you go!
- Quebec has specific safety regulations for off-highway vehicles, including mandatory training for certain riders.
If you’re traveling out of province, always double-check the local regulations to ensure compliance. For a detailed breakdown of rules by province, visit:
How do I file a claim on my snowmobile insurance?
If you crash your snowmobile or if someone is injured while riding it, your insurance policy can provide financial and legal support. You’ll need to carefully document the incident by writing a description and taking photos, notify your insurance provider promptly, and follow their instructions for filing a claim. Never ride uninsured – it’s not worth the risk.
Final thoughts
By understanding the risks, equipping yourself with the right gear, and following provincial regulations, you can enjoy the ride with peace of mind. Ready to gear up for your next adventure? Contact Western Financial Group to learn more about snowmobile insurance and how we can help protect you on the trails.
