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Frozen Water
Traveling frozen lakes and rivers can be fatal. Avoid waterways. If you
are in a unfamiliar area, ask the local authorities or residents about
the ice condition, inlets, outlets, springs, fast moving currents or oth-
er hazards. Never attempt to operate your snowmobile on ice that
may be too weak to support you and the vehicle. Operating a snow-
mobile 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 negoti-
ate 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 pres-
sure to prevent track slippage.
In either case, vehicle speed should be as fast as the incline de-
mands. Always slow down as you reach the crest. If you cannot pro-
ceed 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 out with slow even throttle pres-
sure. Position yourself to avoid tipping over, then descend.
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