Snowmobiling Safety

When the weather outside is frightful, a snowmobile can make it delightful — crossing frozen acreages at speed, reaching isolated fishing camps and hunting blinds, touring the back country. Snowmobiles can be workhorses on winter-bound farms and ranches, too, hauling fodder to cattle in distant fields, cutting trails to far-flung outbuildings, and just generally being a handy tool.

But though snowmobiles can be fun and useful, they require careful and informed operation.

Get educated

According to the European Journal of Orthopedic Surgery, more than 2 million people in North America use snowmobiles, but not always safely. Snowmobile accidents cause an estimated 200 fatalities and 14,000 injuries each year. If you’re going to be operating a snowmobile this winter, you need to know the rules of the road.

There are numerous ways to learn about safe snowmobile operations. The International Snowmobile Manufacturer’s Association (ISMA) puts out a yearly snowmobiling fact book that’s a great place to start. Some states sponsor snowmobile safety courses (find a list here), and the ISMA also sponsors the Safe Riders! Safety Awareness Program with the aim of making sure all snowmobile operators know the rules that can help prevent injury or death. You can request an ISMA Safe Riders! Information package.

A few of ISMA’s guidelines:

First and foremost, snowmobiling and alcohol can make for a deadly mixture.
Know your abilities and don't go beyond them.
Know your machine's capabilities and don't try to exceed them.
Learn more — read manuals and other materials from manufacturers, administrators, and snowmobile associations, or watch videos. Snowmobile clubs and state and local associations offer courses, information, and activities. Your local club or association may also conduct safety and maintenance programs, and these groups can be good places to find certified driving and/or safety instructors.
Keep your machine in top shape.
You have two good guides available for snowmobile maintenance: the dealer you purchased the machine from, and the owner's manual that came with it. Consult both to make sure your machine is kept in top form.
Before each ride, follow the "pre-op" checklist outlined in your owner's manual.
Be careful when crossing roads of any kind. Come to a complete stop and make absolutely sure no traffic is approaching from any direction. Then cross at a right angle to traffic.

Get licensed

Most states require you to take an online snowmobile safety course and pass it to get a Snowmobile Safety Certificate — often referred as a “snowmobile license.” Many states require operators to have a document that is a license in more than name and regulations vary among jurisdictions. You’re responsible for determining which rules apply in your area. Remember, too, that some states have age restrictions for snowmobile operation, often requiring that children be supervised by adults. Consult your area’s laws and rules so you know what’s expected of riders.

Get geared up

It might seem an obvious thing to say: if you’re going to be outside in winter weather, you need to dress warmly. But if you’re riding on a snowmobile, you need to up your apparel game. At a minimum, you’ll need:

Jacket. Your fleece or puffer coat is probably not going to cut it. You need to be sure your outermost garment is warm; sheds snow, ice, and rain; stays dry inside; and gives you room to move. A hood is a good option. A windproof shell over layers of down and wool will also keep you protected. Also, stay away from cotton. Cotton fabrics quickly become damp with sweat and in the presence of snow and ice can make you more vulnerable to hypothermia. Stick with moisture-wicking synthetics and wool — especially when choosing socks.
Helmet. No, you can’t just use your bike or motorcycle helmet. You need a helmet designed specifically for snowmobile riding.
Goggles. These are particularly important if you’re wearing an open-faced helmet. A good pair of scratch-proof, anti-fogging goggles will protect your eyes from glare, as well as flying snow or ice particles. If you already own a pair of ski goggles, those should be fine for snowmobiling.
Boots and gloves. If your feet feel frozen and your hands have gone numb, it’s hard to think about anything else. Good gloves aren’t cheap — they start at just under $100 and top out over $300 for gloves that feature battery-powered heat — but if a good pair makes the difference between a miserable ride and a good time, it might be enough to persuade you to spend the extra cash on a high-rated pair that will keep your hands warm for hours.

The same goes for boots. There’s wide variability on features and price, but you don’t want to cheap yourself into a case of frostbite. Really good boots are spendy (the $300 price-point is fairly common here) but your safety is paramount.

Get covered

Consult with your insurance agent before taking out your snowmobile. It’s likely you’ll need to purchase recreational vehicle insurance to cover accidents and other losses.

Get going

Make sure you know the territory you’re going to be traveling through and be sure to get landowners’ permission before crossing property lines. Get a map, consult with snowmobilers who know the ground, and — if possible — do a ride-along with a veteran of the trails you’ll be blasting down later.

Now, with your snow machine in good repair, gear that will keep you cozy, and a clear idea of what’s ahead of you, you’re ready to turn the ignition key.

Sources: Snowmobile Safety and Access Information Center (snowmobileinfo.org); International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association; www.snowmobilehow.com

The information included here was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, SI, and its employees make no guarantee of results and assume no liability in connection with any training, materials, suggestions, or information provided. It is the user’s responsibility to confirm compliance with any applicable local, state, or federal regulations. Information obtained from or via Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, SI, should not be used as the basis for legal advice and should be confirmed with alternative sources.

10/2025