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SAFETY INFORMATION
Frozen Water
Traveling frozen lakes and rivers can be fatal. Avoid
waterways. 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 operate your snowmobile
on ice that may be too weak to support you and the
vehicle. Operating a snowmobile on ice or icy sur-
faces 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. Trac-
tion for starting, turning or stopping is much less than
that on snow. Thus, these distances can be multi-
plied 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.
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Slush
Slush should be avoided at all times. Always check
for slush before starting across any lake or river. If
dark spots appear in your tracks, get off the ice
immediately. Ice and water can be thrown rearward
into the path of a following snowmobile. Getting a
vehicle out of a slush area is strenuous and in some
cases, impossible.
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
standing position with both feet on the same running
board. 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 oppo-
site hill angle and riding position.
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