The start of a new snowmobile season is upon us. The days are getting shorter and the nights colder. I want to start by thanking all of our volunteer safety instructors. During the 2017-2018 snowmobile season there were 22 safety classes taught throughout the state and just over the border in neighboring states as well. For the first time in New Hampshire’s history we had no reported fatalities … [Read more...] about 2018 NH Snowmobile Safety Statistics
Safety
Stay on the Trail
“Stay on the Trail, or Stay Home” is a trail sign and slogan used by the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails, local clubs, and Fish and Game Conservation Officers here in New Hampshire. Ninety-nine percent of riders follow this simple rule, but then there is the 1% of riders who don’t. Can this short statement save my life? The answer is YES!! Is Off-Trail Riding Bad? Off-trail riding is an issue … [Read more...] about Stay on the Trail
Towing Capacity and Maximum Trailer Weight
For years I had a two-place enclosed snowmobile trailer and never gave much thought to towing capacity and maximum trailer weight. As much as I enjoyed the nimbleness of a compact trailer, my teenage boys informed me that I should spend more of my hard-earned cash on a nice four-place trailer. That way I could haul their snowmobiles, too. Winter arrived with a few small storms followed by a … [Read more...] about Towing Capacity and Maximum Trailer Weight
Snowmobile Hand Signal Debate
The snowmobile hand signal debate has raged on for the past few decades. While some organizations endorse snowmobile hand signals to communicate, others argue that you should never take your hands of the handlebars. A few winters back I was out on snowmobile patrol in Pillsbury State Park in Washington. It was a busy holiday weekend with plenty of sled traffic. As I rounded a bend on the Mad … [Read more...] about Snowmobile Hand Signal Debate
Snowmobiling on Ice is Potentially Dangerous
Back on February 11, 2017, I was enjoying a father-daughter dance with my daughter. It was a great night and she was having a blast with her friends, and every now and then a dance with me. At the end of the evening, while waiting for our ride home, I took a few moments to check my email and look at the news on my phone. Boy did a great night come to a crashing halt. Snowmobiles Through Lake … [Read more...] about Snowmobiling on Ice is Potentially Dangerous
Should I Take a Snowmobile Safety Course?
Snowmobile Safety Courses: Should I or Shouldn’t I? The list of questions that snowmobilers ask themselves before the riding season is long, and prioritizing that list poses even more questions. Is my club membership paid? When and where are the club work parties? Do I need a new sled? Will my current sled last the season? What will my significant other think of a new sled? Does my helmet match … [Read more...] about Should I Take a Snowmobile Safety Course?