Seven Tips for Riding Your Sled in Deep Snow
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- Опубликовано: 17 окт 2024
- Ontario offers thousands of kilometres of breathtaking trails, but riding a sled in deeper snow is a completely different experience. When I first learned to ride, I was intimidated by deeper snow, and the only videos I could find were much more experienced riders on mountain sleds doing amazing maneuvers far beyond my skill level.
In this video, I'll share seven basic tips and riding skills for getting novice riders into the deep stuff, and hopefully, give you the confidence to try this amazing type of riding.
IMPORTANT: Major portions of trail on the Bruce Peninsula have been lost because land use has been revoked due to trespassing! If you're riding groomed trails, ALWAYS STAY ON THE TRAIL, only exit into spaces where you know snowmobiles are permitted.
In Ontario, you must be 16 years of age or older & have
a driver's license or a motorized snow-vehicle operator's license
to drive a snowmobile along or across a public road
where snowmobiles are allowed.
Check your local regulations.
Always exercise caution riding in deep snow as objects and obstructions may be hidden under snow.
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“To succeed you just gotta send it” Larry enticer
Always stop facing downhill. I'm a decently experienced rider and I have a good deep powder sled and breaking this basic rule still gets me in trouble to this day.
Good tip!
otherwise tumble it around and face it downhill once it dies out
My tip would be to either know the unchartered deep powder area that you plan on riding in or realize the risk that you are taking. There may be boulders, stumps or holes buried under the snow that you can't see that can do serious damage to you or your sled.
Great tip!
Thanks for sharing quad...I’ll put an annotation on the video
Thanks Dave for the great video! I know how much hard work it takes just to edit, retake, prep and voice over a simple 6min video. So much props to you my brother. Because i have the same sled but a 440, I think we have a great advantage of getting through the deep stuff because our sleds our lighter! my friend that rides a 2011 drove mine and said that driving my sled feels like a kite compared to his.
Really?? I thought mine was pretty heavy. Glad you liked the video. It's a bit of work, but it you get into a bit of a groove and a process once you've done a few of them.
My 97 loves the deep stuff! Need more. I live in the north east U.S. We had 60 Fahrenheit and downpours all day today.
My sympathies...we had much the same, it's cold and snowing again. I just posted about the January melt on my Facebook page.
nice tips dave,,my wife is new to sleddin ,this year will be her 1st.
Yes Dave, your very right, you do have to keep your speed up in the powder especially if you have a short track
Or not slow down to fast
and short lugs!
Cool video! Reminds me of my old Indy 500 playing in deep snow when I was younger!
Thanks for watching Deric
I really enjoy your vids! Be careful, deep powder can also hide hazards, like submerged rocks! Btw, its amazing the difference a set of special-purpose wider deep snow skiis or skins can make, even on a short track sled. I put a set of Pilot 7.4 on my '05 REV, and it gets the nose and the belly pan up and reduces plowing, especially on deep, heavy lake snow and slush. Also the deeper keels of the 7.4 make better steering in deep snow, trail skiis are too flat and dont handle well in heavy powder. Another trick is to crank up the suspension tension to the max, that puts the track down deeper and raises the floor boards and chasis giving a bit more clearance for deep snow.
Here's a tip from a new snowmobiler. I purchased a snobunje which I HIGHLY recommend if you are out sledding by yourself. You can simply connect it to a tree/rock/whatever, and it will help you get unstuck easily.
also bring along a rope/pulley system to rig up to a tree that gives you mechanical advantage to pull you out alone.
Great tips. I would add to the stopping in deep snow section, if you can’t stop on hardback, if possible, stop with your sled pointing downhill.
Great tip!
I like the relaxed style of Dave’s videos and love the old sled! Ok what about counter steering? I know this was a very introductory video but that is a key tool off trail, or even on an ungroomed trail, to be able to turn. All in all though a short track with mini-paddles, wide ski stance and skinny skiis on your sled make off trail very challenging and really not doable for a beginner. If one enjoys trail riding but wants to have the ability to venture away from the trail, where allowed of course, there are some amazing crossover machines that do a great job. My favorite right now is the skidoo backcountry. I spent an afternoon yesterday on my new backcountry 600, 146 inch track with 1.6 paddles that my dear husband bought me for my birthday and it is awesome! The skiis are wider with great floatation. I can fly down the trail comfortably, the machine handles the trail bumps with ease but can also jump off the trail into 2-3’ of powder for a great ride across meadows and swamps with easy counter steering. Amazing machine for the overall snow mobile enthusiast who likes variety in their riding!
Nice machine. I bought a Rev, and am finding that a lot better in deeper stuff. Counter steering and getting the sled over on its side requires deep snow, and an open area. Unfortunately, we havent had much deep snow, and most of the areas I ride are quite narrow treed trails. I have been playing around more in deeper snow and counter steering, i will eventually do some of those types of videos, a lot of my content is for beginners, as I am no pro myself, and when I was starting out, I was looking for more basic how-to videos, which is why i started the channel. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Like number 666 . Yess lol. Great channel. I just bought my first vehicle. A 2007 Yamaha 500 xl . Never even rode a sled yet I like all the helpful info
Excellent video. Also pack a few supplies to start an emergency fire if necessary. A lighter and some cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly will light up kindling quickly in case you are waiting for help.
I have an old sled like yourself and love the simplicity of it compared to the new fare on the market. My old XCSP has a 121" track and I find it necessary so momentarily abort and restart a sidehill to keep my speed up or else I just washout after a ways. Great video for young and old!
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience Cory
Hey
Just wanted to let you know that both me and my wife are new to the sled world this year and really enjoying it and your videos has help us a lot being new to the hole thing from buying a couple of used machines (we got an arctic cat crossfire 800 snow pro and my wife got a sumit 800 )
We love it so far
Thanks again for all your info
Looking forward to hopefully seeing more videos :)
Hi there. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Glad you are finding them useful. More on the way.
Another great tip for trying to figure out what’s under the snow, if your riding and all of a sudden the snow is raised in a spot then drops again, more than likely it’s a boulder or a stump, you can also see outlines of downed trees in the snow as well. My tip would be make sure you have enough snow for you sled so if you do unfortunately end up hitting something it won’t do tons of damage to your sled, and if your new to powder take it easy for awhile and get used to making out objects in the snow
Good tips. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the great video Dave!!! Looking forward to using these tips and tricks this year.
Hey thanks Marc. Glad you liked it.
I stay on the trail not because I’m afraid of being stuck but it’s because I’m smaller muscle wise or I don’t feel like drowning in sweat if I get stuck
Pro tip - work out
@@samuelhildebrandt9074 work out doesn't help when you're like me, barely 5' tall lmao
Ya that's one thing that makes deep snow more challenging. And it's not even about building muscle, it's about body size. I don't really have that issue because I'm 14 and over 6 feet tall lol but ya trails are better for people that don't have the weight to throw a sled around. I also get stuck off-trail sometimes, I think everyone gets stuck sometimes regardless of sled or riding skill lol
Standing for balance, traction, and tuning/carving is a key tip here dave! Nice vid
Thanks MB
Did a bunch of off trail riding last winter - learned to recognize when the sled was about to get stuck. Also learned to dig it out. and I agree with Xxcoonishishs 85 - because getting my uncles skandic unstuck was way harder than my polaris
Keep the speed up and don't get stuck :) Kidding, I know, it happens. Yes they are big heavy workhorses.
i've got one of those collapseable shovels i keep under my seat so that if i get stuck in some hard packed stuff i can use that instead of having to use my hands. they're good for ditch riding where drifts can get pretty hard packed and suck to get out of
Great suggestion
Thank you for the tips! Deep snow riding near me is said to be fairly dangerous because of the multitude of stumps and downed trees, and I think my sled has been victim of it for sure (belly pan has a pretty good concave curve to it). Apparently I have to drive four or five hours at least to get to 'good' deep snow to ride in.
Hey, thanks for watching. Yeah we all ride in very different areas! Mines all trees and narrow trails,
Like you said older sleds have a harder time in deep snow especially if your not riding with a 3inch lug but I have been using an old 96 indy 600 and I love doing back country and have been for the past 4 years and now I fell a little more ready to step up to a newer 800 summit for some back country/ mountain fun
Hi MIke. So sorry for the delay in responding. Yep I think you can have a ton of fun in deep snow on an older sled. New ones with long tracks and taller lugs make it easier though.
I thought Id let you know that I was able to get my snowmobile operators license when I was 13 which allowed me to ride on the trail, however you're not allowed on the road until you do have a driver's license. Im from Ontario as well and love the content. My buddy has the same sled and he carves that thing like its a mountain sled lol. Im on a 03 polaris with a similar chassis and its good to see someone on youtube without brand new stuff!
Hi Mitchell. Sorry for the delay in response. Hopefully back around more now. Glad you like the channel. Yep, there's lots of us around that aren't made of money ;)
It's 14 im pretty sure to cross road ways. And 15 or 16 to ride by your self on trails, I also read last years trail guide and it said 14 although.....im 15 and ride by my self. We also live next to a forest where it is only allowed for the homeowner next to it to ride in. I am pretty sure police don't care cuz they are less likely to stop you, don't know bout dnr we only have a few around us and i never see them but i always carry my drivers permit, snowmobile license and reg. BTW i live in Minnesota
Hi Xcal/ Sorry, not in Ontario. If you do not have a driver’s licence and you are 12 years of age or older, a valid motorized snow-vehicle operator’s licence (MSVOL) will allow you to drive on trails established and maintained by a recreational organization for the use of snowmobiles. However, you must be 16 years of age or older AND have a driver’s licence or a motorized snow-vehicle operator’s licence (not both) to drive a snowmobile along or across a public road where snowmobiles are allowed.
@@MyOldSled hmm I do it anyways....o well. I read in the 2018 snowmobile trail guide and it said 14 to ride by yourself it used to be 16 a few years back. And across the road ways it is 14 for me or thats what it said in last years season. and the trails I ride on are either far up north where there or no cops or dnr around or its in the forest behind my house which is technically private public land meaning its private for trail use but public for hunting. Also lakes i go on by my self.
Again, I was referencing the laws in Ontario. I don't know the regs in your state.
I live in a area that has hills if you are headed to a hill and you know your line go ahead and give it full throttle going up the hill will slow you down and you might spin but keep on it it will help
Great video dave...
Thanks Ben
I was brought out for my first time recently in some areas that were waste high soft powder..
I got stuck so many times as i was trying to figure out how to ride it. so many i considered never trying again. however after editing and posting that video recently i watched the guys i rode with who had no issues in the deep stuff and have decided to give it another go before the end of the season. it was much harder than i thought it would have been.
Hi Sean. If it was me, I'd want to get some more experience on a sled before getting into that if I'd only ridden a couple of times. Might want to put away the drone and camera, or get someone else to shoot so you can focus on what you need to do. I get it, I’m a content creator as well, but sometimes you need to focus on what you’re doing. Just a thought. Thanks for watching and commenting.
The ending was beautiful Dave ! Great video ! I'll be using those tips for sure ! :)
Heyyyy DB. Thanks! Glad you watched it. I wondered how many people would watch to the end.
If you watch the small shot around 4:01 I just about slid into a pond under the snow, rolled away at the last second.
You got lucky !
Pay attention, don't ride too fast for the area ... make sure you're standing so you can roll over...
I wonder what there is i could do to make my bearcat 440 98 better in the deep snow 1 meter deep or more. I am planning to get wider skins, but i am wondering if it will just make the balance worse and make the track dig in more. I dont know if u have any experience with the bearcat, but i am using it to tow lumber in the woods. Glad for any feedback.
Hi Lars. Sorry no I don't. I imagine wider ski skins, or without knowing what you have now, a more aggressive track?
Hello! I like all your videos.i got a question for u.i got a new track for my 95 formula z.it only has track clips every third window.should I install clips every window or will I be ok without? Thanks
So sorry for the delay in responding. I did a video on track clips that might help. You are probably ok.
If you've got a newer sled you don't really have to pin the throttle the whole time and you can sometimes stop on top of snow you just have to rock it back and forth and give it some good throttle to get up on top
Tip number 1. Always ride with at least 1 other person
Tip number 2. Always Play uphill from the trail not downhill. It is always easier to get back down to the trail rather than back up
Tip number 3 educate yourself by reading up and watching videos
Tip number 2 is very helpful, thank you. I'm active but have several chronic injuries and pain issues. I bought a KLR650 in 2015 and it was miserable off road because of how overweight I was and the injuries. I'm 60 lbs lighter and more active now, so I bought my first sled 2 weeks ago. I know it's work and going to happen, I just appreciate that tip so much because it really would make getting stuck sooo much harder. I get stuck on my vintage tractors when snow blowing so I can see exactly what you mean.
Great video Dave,but what about adding bar risers? acouple of inches wont hurt your sit down riding position and they are cheap
Hi Joe. I know, and I go back and forth in that one. To be honest, I haven't added them simply because on an S-chassis sled, they are so damn ugly. The sled just wasn't designed for them. Absolutely from a functional perspective, I think they'd work well, and I've referenced them in several of my videos. Just a personal thing, I just hate the look on this sled :) Thank you for the comment though. Your feedback is much appreciated.
If you see bumps on smooth snow stay clear. It's most likely a stump, a fence post or a rock. If the lumps in the snow are evenly spaced it's a fence. You can shoot between the fenceposts, IF you see other tracks crossing the fence line. If you're not sure if the wire is up pull up to it and check, better to check for fence wire than to get a free flying lesson.
Good tips Tyler. Thanks for watching.
@@MyOldSled thanks. And thank you for the video.
How much do you think it is for insurance for a 2001 Polaris 650cc sled just take a guess on what is reasonable for Sudbury Ontario
Hi I'd only be guessing. I'd call your insurance company. I think maybe a couple hundred / yr, but there are a lot of factors that insurance companies factor in. I've only ever insured them here. Age, location, engine...lots of things factor into insurance.
I think for most people, powder riding with a short track is near impossible especially when the snow gets to 3-4 feet deep. I got used to it from not having the money to go out and buy a crossover sled, so I had to stick with old trail sleds around my family's farm, but I still got stuck all the time. They're just not meant for it, and if you try and make them go through the super deep snow, you're either gonna be full power the whole time and blow a belt, or you'll just sink the sled immediately. Obviously someone a bit more experienced and maybe someone a bit stronger can force a short track through powder but I would only use a crossover in deep snow if getting stuck is a concern. Luckily, last year I was in a good situation where I was able to get a crossover sled, and it's helped so much with powder riding
I guess it depends where and how deep, how big a lug, and how much you mind getting stuck. Some of the newer long track machines built for back country will obviously be much, much better in deep stuff, but people rode sleds like my old one for years. This video isn’t really about backcountry deep powder riding, like i said, its more about getting off a plowed or groomed surface and playing around in snow thats a bit deeper. Ive had my sled stuck in snow up to its handlebars, but i had a lot of fun before i did ;)
you touched on it a little bit but I wish somebody would have told me just how different really deep powder is. When your riding in 4-5 foot untouched snow your machine handles exactly the opposite of what your used to. when you turn left it goes right and vise versa, counter steering is a big part of riding in deep snow and its hard to get your head around
Counter steering is a topic on its own...but you need deep snow and a wide open area to really get into it. Both are in short supply in my area.
a lot of this makes sense and i will think about what you said. btw first year of riding
Honestly, I was nervous every time I took my sled out the first year or two. You’ll find it gets so much easier every year. You’ll be amazed what you’ll be riding in soon.
I stand as far back on the sled the reason being if exhaust gets under snow the sled bogs and could slow you down to a stop .. if it happens just lean the the left and give it throttle .it also works it you stuck tip sled to side and ride out sideways
How does this guy not have more subs 😁
Everyone starts somewhere.... Like, share, tell your friends :) Thanks for watching and commenting.
im watching this because my dad is working and on saturday theres a huge memorial ride i go on for his friend and i i know how to ride in about 5 feet of powder but i want to make sure becuse i have ensienty with out my dad and dont want to get stuck
Anxiety is normal...getting stuck is normal though, not the end of the world. Take your time, dig it out...you’ll survive.
I have the same sled with a 500 instead of 650 and it goes good in 3 feet if you have an idea of what you are doing
Yep, I love my old 670. The new REV I just bought is much easier to transfer weight around, and some of the long track machines are way better...but I still get my old sled out now and then and go play. I wouldn't sell it, its a great machine. Thanks for watching.
@@MyOldSled I love all the video
I just really like that MXZ
Its a great sled. What do you ride?
Me too! I wanted This sled when I was young. Ended up getting my 2004 mxz 370 at 14! Still have it runs great. Just little things need replacing. People keep trying to buy it from me. But I still have a love of this machine.
Maybe you can do a video on decibels what's maximum by you and maybe by the states and how are they with given tickets0
here in ontario where he is, no cans are allowed anyhow, decibels do not matter.
Unfortunately, In my area any untouched powder is usually off the trail system on private property.
Yes im fortunate there a couple of places near me where i can play a bit where i have permission. Just need some snow.
Lol Bloopers ! I was wondering how many takes you have to make . Another great video.
A lot of times its just one or two, but what happens a lot is my face gets cold after I've been outside for a while.
Lots of gteat videos,,, live in milwsiker widconsin do you still have a lot of snow by you and when is the last day of snowmobiling
Hi Dennis. Thanks, glad you like them. We are just about finished for the season. May get another ride or two in, but the trails are all closed. New video out this weekend so you'll see what we have. We just had a decent snowfall.
My Old Sled thanks a lot once again I like the vids
Awesome vid
Thanks Collin!
My advice I always follow is never go alone.
Hi Matt...I fully agree. I'm guilty of that one more than I should be. shhhhh
or ride command it and carry your tactical cell 😁
You ride just like me on the same sled ski do 670 just mine is Purple and I am a lot younger
Thanks for reminding me I am old. :)
i DON'T OWN A sKI-dOO BUT I AM A LOT OLDER THAN YOU dAVe...................and i hate caps lock. gREAT TIPS BROUGHT FORTH HERE in your video.
so look anyone watching this now my advice is gonna be more so for newer sleds trust me I loved my classic 01 mxz but its just not the same now I ride a 2017 summit X 850 with a 175 inch track basically my point here is dont be dumb if you want to try something that looks cool for instance jumping a gully that has like 5 feet deep of snow then a hill back up to the trail or into the woods just dont do it you might think it will look cool but its not gonna look cool when your digging yourself out trust me I have learned from my own stupid mistakes when I first got it I thought it was unstoppable but truly anything can stop your sled it all depends on the riders skill and common sense
Great vid too bad the rain washed away all our deep stuff :(
It will be back....hang in there. I shot this over two days the first day was still cold and lots of snow, then the dialogue was the day it just started warming up. Still below 0....
I have a 95 Vmax 500 it doesn't like the Deep too much so I still have fun rip another great video thanks
Hi Kyle. Thanks for watching and commenting. Hope its a great season for you.
@@MyOldSled thank you keep up the good work
Hey not sure if you will see this. I bought a new sled and I cleaned it up carb new gas lines and it starts then stalls any fix recommendations?
Hey...Very sorry for the delay. So hard to diagnose issues via messaging. Your sled needs spark, fuel, air, compression. You have spark, since its starting...if the carb is cleaned and set up correctly, is there a fuel filter in the tank? Idle screw set right? Fuel pump ok? Sorry there are lots of things...What kind of sled is it? If it has a primer, you will probably have to give it a few shots to keep it running...
Did you get this sorted out?
Thanks for letting us know that you are human. lol. I didn't think you made out takes.
slalom and keep that track propelling, not cavitating.
The worst tip is when in dout throttle out no this is very wrong because you will dig yourself down so you turn down hill so you dont get stuck you only stay on the throttle if you have a 1000 4 stroke
one tip i would mention.. avoid tree wells.
Really good point. I was doing a little ditch banging yesterday and thought of this comment.
@@MyOldSled i'm originally from BC, once you find yourself buried to the neck in one, you never ever care to repeat the experience. happened while snowshoeing and thankfully i had friends to help rescue me. a lot don't realize how deceptive their depth can be, digging out any sled from one would be a nightmare.
MY TIP IS TO SHIFT YOUR WEIGHT AND COUNTER STEER TO TURN INSTEAD OF TURNING YOUR SKIS
IDK how that friggin sled goes through pow lol
It's no mystery...its a snowmobile. They're made to go in the snow. ;)
Do more powder vids!
Ok...
Buy a 175 track you never stuck and you will flip that thin on its side like nothing
I bought a Rev. When the 670s track wears out i might get something more aggressive
When r u getting a new sled
I dunno...when this one stops starting on the first pull...when I can't get parts, when I see one I like and get a good deal. Why? Do you have a problem with my old sled?
My Old Sled btw getting stuck with a scandic not fun at all especially when you’re alone
What year is your Scandic? Where do you ride?
I have army ranges that I go to
or just get a sled with good length and track so that you can drive in deep snow. simple
Awesome advice, are you offering to buy me a new sled?
Yeah I dont know why people are using studs in there sled unless your riding on lakes other then that studs are useless on the trails system around grey Bruce and simcoe county ugh !! I've been riding for years ever had any use for them just learn how to ride and you won't need them hello !!
They are helpful for anytime you are running on ice. I have managed fine without them as well. But they do give additional traction and braking on icy roads. I think a prestudded track is probably a better option, but a lot of guys swear by studs