How to Drive a Snowmobile

Driving a snowmobile is fun and may even be habit-forming. Once you know how to turn on the machine, use the following advice for a safe and enjoyable ride.

Things You'll Need

  • Winter Outerwear
  • First Aid Kits
  • Ski Gloves
  • Ski Goggles
  • Snowmobile Helmets
  • Water Bottles
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start the snowmobile - see "Start a Snowmobile," under Related eHows.

    • 2

      Put on your helmet and make certain the strap is fastened under your chin.

    • 3

      Sit with your arms at a comfortable distance from the handlebars. Tuck your feet under the metal pockets on the lower front section of the sled - these are often called stirrups, and they greatly increase your ability to stay on the sled when turning.

    • 4

      Find the lever on the right side of the handlebar, this is the throttle. You will use this with you right thumb to get the sled up to speed.

    • 5

      Look on the left side of the handlebar for the brake lever, which can slow a snowmobile with a relatively soft pull. You will notice that in soft snow your sled will stop quickly if you just let off the throttle. When braking on hard-packed snow, pump the brakes in the same manner you would in a car to keep from sliding on ice.

    • 6

      Give the motor plenty of gas initially, to get moving. If the engine is revving up but the sled is not moving, it most likely needs more throttle to engage the track.

    • 7

      Turn the handlebars in the same way you would to steer a bicycle. The ease of turning depends mostly on your speed - at 15 miles an hour or faster it is very easy, and at slower speeds it will take more force.

    • 8

      Lean to the inside of a turn to keep the sled on both skis (lean far left for a left turn). This is best done by sliding your backside all the way off the seat, with your shoulders out to the side of the handlebars. It is important to keep your feet in the stirrups for stability.

    • 9

      Keep a good distance from other snowmobiles on the trail - a space of 30 yards is good for traveling at speed when following another sled.

    • 10

      Take your time and stay on the packed trail to get accustomed to the handling of your snowmobile.