Best practices for Safe Snowmobiling

Always wear a certified helmet and proper layers, never ride alone or impaired, stick to marked trails, know the ice thickness before crossing water, check weather/trail conditions, tell someone your route and expected return time, and be prepared for emergencies with a First Aid and Tool Kit.

Before You Go:

• - Check Conditions: Review weather forecasts and trail reports for hazards like poor visibility or avalanche risk.
• - Plan Your Route: Know where you're going and leave your plan with someone at home, including your expected return time.
• - Get Trained: Online Snowmobile Safety Course

Gear & Preparation

• - Helmet & Eye Protection: Wear a DOT-approved helmet with a face shield or shatterproof goggles.
• - Dress in Layers: Wear waterproof, windproof outer layers, warm gloves, and insulated boots; avoid loose clothing that can snag.
• - Emergency Kit: Carry a first-aid kit, basic tools, an extra key, spare belt for your sled, and a fully charged phone.
• - Bright Colors: Wear brightly colored clothing so you're visible to others, and contrast well with the environment you are riding in. 

On the Trail

• - Never Ride Alone: Always ride with a buddy or group for assistance.
• - Stay on Marked Trails: Avoid off-trail riding and be aware of signs for hazards.
• - Keep Right: Stay to the far right of the trail to allow oncoming traffic space.
• - Slow Down: Reduce speed on turns and in low visibility; speed is a major factor in accidents.
• - No Impairment: Do not drink alcohol or use drugs; impaired riding laws apply.
• - Watch for Hazards: Look out for rocks, trees, wildlife, other sledders, and open water.
• - Signal: Use basic hand signals to communicate turns, slowing, or stopping to others. 

Ice Thickness Chart:

NEVER, cross a body of water without checking ice conditions and thicknesses FIRST!!!

The Alberta Beach Snowmobile Club marks safe routes across Lac Ste Anne and Isle Lake, we do not recommend riding off the unmarked route.

Snowmobile Trail Etiquette:

Snowmobile trail etiquette emphasizes staying to the right, riding single file, controlling speed (especially around corners), yielding to groomers and other users (Animals, hikers, skiers), stopping safely off-trail, respecting private property, and never riding impaired; it's all about being courteous, safe, and preserving access for everyone.

Key Etiquette Rules

• - Keep Right & Single File: Always ride on the right side of the trail and in single file to avoid head-on collisions and allow for easier passing.
• - Control Your Speed: Slow down significantly on curves, blind corners, intersections, and when encountering other trail users or groomers.
• - Yield to Others: Give right-of-way to wildlife, trail groomers, skiers, hikers, snowshoers, and uphill riders.
• - Stop Safely: Pull completely off the trail to the right on straight sections; avoid stopping on curves or near hills.
• - Respect Property & Rules: Stay on marked trails, respect private property (obey "No Trespassing" signs), and follow all posted signs and speed limits.
• - Be Courteous: Wave to other riders, use hand signals when safe to do so, and be mindful of wildlife and the environment. 

Groomer Etiquette

• - Give trail groomers (volunteer-operated) the right-of-way, slowing down and pulling to the side to let them pass safely, as they need more space and effort to maneuver. 

Safety First

• - Never ride impaired (alcohol/drugs).
• - Ride within your ability and experience level.
• - Ride with a buddy and let someone know your route. 

Hand Signals:

Group riding requires clear communication, and knowing how to use hand signals is the best way to get a message to other riders. Always be in control, Signal ONLY if it means remaining in control of your machine. 

Know the meaning of these hand signals:

• - Stop: By extending your left arm straight up in the air with your palm open, you’re indicating that you’re stopping.
• - Slow Down: To indicate to other riders that you’re slowing down, extend your left arm out and angle it slightly downwards, pivoting it up and down (it should look like you’re petting a dog on the head).
• - Left Turn: By extending your left arm straight out so that it’s parallel to the ground, you’ll indicate to other riders that you’re turning left.
• - Right Turn: By extending your left arm outwards, creating a 90-degree angle and leaving your palm open, you’ll indicate that you’re turning right.
• - Oncoming Traffic: If there are other trail users approaching, pat the top of your head with an open palm to let riders behind you know that traffic is about to roll through.
• - Traffic Behind: If traffic is approaching your group from behind, you can let the other riders know by pointing behind your machine, keeping your fist closed and pointing with your thumb.
• - Hazard Ahead: To alert other riders to an obstacle or hazard ahead on the trail, extend your left arm straight out in front of you and with a closed fist, point as obviously as possible to the location of the hazard.

Important Links:

Alberta government website:

- Helpful information about motorized recreation on public land, including trail guides, pre-trip checklists, and a step-by-step guide to planning a trip

https://www.alberta.ca/motorized-recreation-on-public-land

ASA Free Safety Course:

- Designed for Youth (age 13 and under) but Great for all NEW riders with completion a promo code is given for a FREE youth membership!

https://www.snowmobilecourse.com/canada/alberta/

YouTube video by Ski-Doo:

- Snowmobiling is incredibly fun -- if you do it safely and responsibly. Ski-Doo shows you the basics for riding right.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXgY1aaIx9Y

Liability Insurance with the ASA:

- ASA membership is required to access the trails and every membership comes with free $4,000 accidental death and dismemberment coverage through American Income Life Insurance.