Frozen Water
Traveling frozen lakes and r ivers can be fatal. Avoid waterways. If
you are in an unfamiliar area, ask the local authorities or residents
about the ice condition, inlets, outlets, spr ings, fast moving currents
or other hazards. Never attempt to operate 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 danger ous if you do
not observe certain precautions. The very nature of ice is foreign
to good control of a snowmobile or any vehicle. Traction f or start-
ing, turning or stopping is much less than t hat on snow. Thus, these
distances can be multiplied manyfold. St eering is minimal, and un-
controlled spins are an ever present danger. When operating on ice,
drive slowly with caution. Allow your self 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 negoti-
ate as both skis an d track do no t have as much traction . Best advice
is to slow d own a nd avo id rapid accelera tion, turning or braking .
Uphill
There are two types of hills y ou can encount er — 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. Maint ain
a st eady, safe speed. Continue as far as you ca n in this direction,
then switch to an opposite hill angle and riding position.
A direct climb could present problems. Choose the standing posi-
tion, accelerate before you start the climb and then reduce t hrottle
pressure to prevent track slippage.
In either case, ve hicle speed should be as fast as the incline de-
mands. Always slow down as you reach the crest. If you cannot
pr oceed further, don't spin your track. Turn the engine off, free the
skis by pulling them out and downhill, place the rear of the snowmo-
bile uphill restar t the engine and ease it out with slow even throttle
pressure. Position yourself to avoid tipping over, then descend.
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SAFETY INFORMATION
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