Albertasledder
Active member
So I recently got a new snowmobile last year, and am thinking I will take a trip up to the mountains. I just want to know what I should expect and what to take and any tips or tricks. any help is greatly appreciated
First trip to the mountains
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the_real_wild1
Active VIP Member
Go with someone that is experienced and will look out for you and not get you onto places over your head. Get avy gear and take the courses.
gerrit
Active member
extra goggles and dry gloves lots of water .went for the first time couple years ago loved it .went with great people too , and they had alot of experience in the hills wich made me really comfortable .
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Albertasledder
Active member
If I go I will be going with some experienced riders
J-Roc
Active VIP Member
What do you have for a machine? As said avy gear and know how to use it.
Also, spare gloves and good gear make all the difference. You will find that you'll have muscles that hurt that you weren't even aware you had.
I had to get out of mountain sledding due to injury/ lack of confidence upon recovery, but there's still nothing like it!
Have fun! Oh. And bring some survival/General safety gear too.
Also, spare gloves and good gear make all the difference. You will find that you'll have muscles that hurt that you weren't even aware you had.
I had to get out of mountain sledding due to injury/ lack of confidence upon recovery, but there's still nothing like it!
Have fun! Oh. And bring some survival/General safety gear too.
Luke The Drifter
Active VIP Member
Hiring a guide will make the experience go a lot smoother. You will get stuck, you will get frustrated but at the end of the day you will have FUN! As others have mentioned, get your avalanche gear and practice with it, take a AST1 course if you can. What kind of clothing/gear are you wearing? Nothing makes a trip worse than being cold and wet.
YamaDad
Active VIP Member
What Luke said about the clothing. Make sure you have quality snowmobile pants and coat, as well as good gloves (2 pairs) and good goggles (2 pairs) preferably with quick straps. Insulated coveralls and such are not waterproof and you will be wet and cold.
Make sure your group is okay with rookies because you will be stuck a lot. Choose an area where you do not have to do anything extreme, like steep hills that have to be climbed. Many areas like Renshaw or Clemina are accessed in valleys that are easy going with extreme areas available if you are up to it. Don't let your friends pressure you into doing things you are not ready for.
2 days of riding will be plenty for a first trip.
Have fun!
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Make sure your group is okay with rookies because you will be stuck a lot. Choose an area where you do not have to do anything extreme, like steep hills that have to be climbed. Many areas like Renshaw or Clemina are accessed in valleys that are easy going with extreme areas available if you are up to it. Don't let your friends pressure you into doing things you are not ready for.
2 days of riding will be plenty for a first trip.
Have fun!
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brian h
Active VIP Member
your clothing can make a big difference,especially 1st timers get stuck lots generally,so body temp goes up and down frequently so clothing will make a difference,when we take beginners up we let them use are older beacon,shovel,probe etc so if they dont like mountain riding they dont have a expense of safety equipment.practise with a couple beacons before going up.make sure the group your with does not take you into places you or your machine are not capabile of going into and back out with out major problems. be prepared depending on snow condition to be stuck lots but have patiences and enjoy the pow.
Lanko
Active member
Agree with everything that has been said, I may be out to lunch but is it really necessary to have your AST1 before going on your FIRST mountain trip. I understand being prepared and educated but I find taking an avy course prior to your first ever mountain trip a little aggressive. Enjoy your trip, have fun and stay safe.
pipes
Active VIP Member
How will you stay safe if you don't know what to look out for. AST1 and the Rescue Workshop that Zac's Tracs offer are highly recommended. At the very least go with people that have their AST1 and ask them all sorts of questions. Don't let the experience riders make you do anything that you don't feel comfortable doing. If your gut feeling is that it's not safe, go with your gut.
FranktheTank
Active VIP Member
Why wouldn't it be necessary? How do you become prepared and educated without taking the course? AST1 does educate you and prepares you. If I get barried on the hill I want the guy saving me to at least have some knowledge on how to save me first trip or not. My riding group won't ride or take anyone who haven't had there course.
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pano-dude
Active VIP Member
First trip hire a guide, no need for a course and you will have a much better time.
Joholio
Active VIP Member
I agree with all points except goggles having quikstraps. Unless you dont know how to put goggles on I guess. Ive seen lots of guys sweat them up then leave them dangling off the side and fill them full of snow then theyre pretty much done for the day.
Only other thing I would say is dont drop down into something late in the day. Get down in the daylight and enjoy a good restaurant and some local attractions whatever destination you choose has to offer. Tip your waitress and dont be a douchebag. Lol
Only other thing I would say is dont drop down into something late in the day. Get down in the daylight and enjoy a good restaurant and some local attractions whatever destination you choose has to offer. Tip your waitress and dont be a douchebag. Lol
YamaDad
Active VIP Member
If you leave your goggles dangling when it is snowing they will obviously fill with snow. When you take your helmet off close the quick strap and leave your helmet right side up. No more snow in helmet or in goggles. Works way better for me.
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knee deep in it
Active VIP Member
you should join a local club. They will help out a lot and the club rides will be a good introduction.
moyiesledhead
Active VIP Member
Depends where you go. Lots of safe places to ride in the mountains without an AST1. Lots that aren't though. The trick is knowing the difference.
Insert bashing from Imdoo'n here.
Here's a little rule I like to follow even with experienced people in the mountains. Even better idea for first timers. Be within walking distance of your truck by 2:00pm. My daughter and my nephew learned this the hard way a couple years ago riding without me from home.
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