RIDING THE VEHICLE
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SAFETY INFORMATION
Frozen Water
Traveling frozen lakes and rivers can be fatal. Avoid water-
ways. If you are in an unfamiliar area, ask the local authorities
or residents about the ice condition, inlets, outlets, springs,
fast moving currents or other hazards. Never attempt to oper-
ate your snowmobile on ice that may be too weak to support
you and the vehicle. Operating a snowmobile on ice or icy
surfaces can be very dangerous if you do not observe certain
precautions. The very nature of ice is foreign to good control
of a snowmobile or any vehicle. Traction for starting, turning
or stopping is much less than that on snow. Thus, these
distances can be multiplied manyfold. Steering is minimal,
and uncontrolled spins are an ever present danger. When
operating on ice, drive slowly with caution. Allow yourself
plenty of room for stopping and turning. This is especially true
at night.
Hard Packed Snow
Don't underestimate hard packed snow. It can be difficult to
negotiate as both skis and track do not have as much traction.
Best advice is to slow down and avoid rapid acceleration,
turning or braking.
Uphill
There are two types of hills you can encounter — the open
hill on which there are few trees, cliffs or other obstacles, and
a hill that can only be climbed directly. On an open hill, the
approach is to climb it by side hilling or slaloming. Approach
at an angle. Adopt a kneeling position. Keep your weight on
the uphill side at all times. Maintain a steady, safe speed.
Continue as far as you can in this direction, then switch to an
opposite hill angle and riding position.
A direct climb could present problems. Choose the standing
position, accelerate before you start the climb and then reduce
throttle pressure to prevent track slippage.
In either case, vehicle speed should be as fast as the incline
demands. Always slow down as you reach the crest. If you
cannot proceed further, don't spin your track. Turn the engine
off, free the skis by pulling them out and downhill, place the
rear of the snowmobile uphill restart the engine and ease it
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