It’s important to prepare well for your snowmobiling season to avoid problems and get the most out of it. Obtaining a trail pass is not the only guarantee of a successful start to the season, so it’s important to take the time to get organized.
Snowmobiling
We all know people who don’t store their snowmobiles properly in spring. This is a very important step to ensure an easier start to the season. You should also perform early-season maintenance to avoid as many problems as possible. Check: rails, skis, slides, bearings, track, belt, suspension and other components. It’s essential to do business with a competent, qualified person. Got a new snowmobile? It too needs attention and adjustments.
Trail essentials
In addition to the basic survival items we should all have, it’s essential to have a rope, a few tools, a spare belt, spare spark plugs, fuses and Tie-Wrap, even if your snowmobile is new. We also usually bring gas and oil. Although we generally manage our trips very well and rarely need them, we have been able to help out snowmobilers on a few occasions.
The trailer
Many of us own a trailer. Either because it’s not possible for some people to leave straight from home, or, like us, because we want to make the most of the season by starting earlier and finishing later. We’ve added an auxiliary heating system. This allows us to change in the heat, and if we need to work on a snowmobile, we can do so without freezing our hands. What’s more, if we have to make do with short hikes at the beginning or end of the season, and the trails don’t connect to a relay or restaurant, we can also eat in the trailer, since we also have a small table, seats and music.
Having a trailer is essential for many people. But it’s not enough just to carry out general maintenance at the start of the season. This maintenance is essential to avoid as far as possible problems such as ball bearings, which can easily come loose through lack of regular maintenance. Lights, tires and brakes should not be neglected either. It’s important to have a spare wheel. Trailers require regular maintenance, and ideally should be inspected before every trip.
Clothing gear
It’s essential to check your clothes before your first ride. Are they still in good condition? Do they still fit? Without naming names, some people have already had surprises after a summer that was perhaps a little too festive. Your clothes are new, ordered on the Internet and you haven’t tried them on before your first outing? You may be forced to wear your old clothes.
Accessories
Many of us are long-distance hikers and travelers. The bags and trunks we use must also be inspected before the start of the season and before each departure. This can make the difference between a successful trip and one to forget. Leaky bags and suitcases can easily make a trip unpleasant and complicated. As a preventive measure, you can also store your belongings in plastic bags. Personally, I leave a note with my cell phone number inside our luggage so that we can be contacted if we lose it. It’s a very simple gesture, but one that can be very useful.
Events not to be missed
This is often an opportunity to discover what’s new in the industry, familiarize yourself with various products and take advantage of interesting promotions.
Snowmobile and motorized recreational sports dealers and businesses
Many dealers and retailers organize events to mark the start of the snowmobiling season. These are great opportunities not only to meet other enthusiasts, but also to take advantage of promotions on certain snowmobiles, accessories and clothing.
Visiting the shows
Every year, we’re lucky enough to have a show in Quebec City that is, all in all, very comprehensive. The show allows us to meet not only other enthusiasts, but also snowmobile manufacturers, dealers, hoteliers, trailer manufacturers and much more. It’s also a time to see friends and make new acquaintances. You can also chat with people at the various regional booths and pick up paper maps. Even though we have a powerful web application, standard maps can still be useful.
Another interesting aspect of our visits to the show is the opportunity to talk to engineers from certain manufacturers. They are very receptive to our comments and open to sharing their knowledge.
We have a tradition here of getting together for a nice dinner with close friends on the Saturday evening of the Quebec show. This allows us to continue our exchanges, because sometimes, during the show, it’s difficult to talk to everyone, given how busy it is.
For those looking for a change of scenery, the Syracuse (New York), Augusta (Maine) and Toronto (Ontario) shows are accessible. Of course, you’ll have to make the trip, but it’s well worth it.
In conclusion, for many, focusing on the preparations for the season helps them get through a time of year that others find particularly difficult. While we’re glad to see the summer season approaching, some of us unfortunately dread the winter. There’s no secret to enjoying winter: it’s all about having the right clothes and activities, and in this case, snowmobiling.
Have a good season and stay safe on the trails!
