On the trails with Rural Cass Snowmobile Club

With snow starting to fall around North Dakota, excitement is running high to get out and enjoy a snowmobile adventure.   So here are a few tips from Snowmobile North Dakota on the safe operation of your snowmobile.

• Complete a preseason check and replace any broken or worn parts
• Make sure the snowmobile registration is current and the snowmobile is insured
• Prepare an emergency kit that includes a tool kit, first aid kit, survival kit and other necessary items such as a tow rope, extra gloves, radio’s and GPS units
• Plan your ride and tell others where you are going, who is with you, where you plan to park and when you expect to return
• Dress for the weather and always wear a helmet; pack some extra clothes in case you get wet or the weather changes
• Pack some snacks, water and fire making supplies in case you break down
• Do not operate your snowmobile on closed trails or private property without permission
• Use caution when riding on ice
• Be a courteous snowmobiler, slow down when approaching others and wildlife
• Ride according to conditions, especially at night
• Cross roadways with care
• Be visible; reflective clothing helps to be noticed
• Youth operators 12 years or older without a valid driver’s license must complete a snowmobile safety training course from the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department in order to operate on any public lands including the state trails; for more information on upcoming classes visit ridesafe.nd.gov
• Prepare yourself for riding in the backcountry of the mountains; know and practice the 5 avalanche guidelines (Get the Gear, Get the Training, Get the Forecast, Get the Picture, Get out of Harm’s Way)
• Always remember to ride sober

Approximately 80% of snowmobilers use their snowmobile for trail riding and touring in marked and groomed trails. The other 20% of snowmobilers use their snowmobile for work and ice fishing.

Research shows that people WANT to go snowmobiling but don’t know HOW to get started. International Snowmobile Manufacturer Association wants to help you do something about this. They’re sponsoring the Take a Friend Snowmobiling Campaign.

This campaign is all about introducing non-snowmobilers to our winter recreation of choice. By planning a ride, we take the guesswork out of it for those that might not try it any other way. Buying a snowmobile is a great investment so if we can show people how to get started properly, they might be more inclined to join us in our clubs, associations, and on the trails or in the mountains and open riding areas.

Sometimes individuals have little knowledge about snowmobiling. If we take them out for a ride and show them how much fun it is and how wonderful it is to experience the winter in a unique way with friends and family, we can shed the true light on the family activity of snowmobiling.

So we encourage you to help your club and your snowmobile association grow by introducing new people to snowmobiling ~ and earn a check for $1,000.00!

If you want to learn more, get details on the http://www.gosnowmobiling.org website.