This document provides an overview and safety guidelines for snowmobiling. It covers preparing equipment and clothing, loading and transporting snowmobiles, basic trail riding techniques, off-trail riding in different conditions, and scenarios specific to the Tahoe/Truckee areas. Topics include starting and controlling snowmobiles, different riding positions, group riding protocols, navigating trees, water crossings, powder, sidehilling and climbing. Safety rules emphasize understanding mechanics, respecting capabilities and limitations, skillful maneuvering, following laws, good judgment and respecting others and the environment.

1. Basic Snowmobile Training & Safety Training & Safety

2. Justin Broglio Lifelong snowmobiler National Ski Patroller President - Sierra Avalanche Center

3. Today’s Classroom 1. Preparing to ride 2. Knowing your sled 3. Basic Trail Riding 4. Off Trail Riding 5. Safety on the Sled 6. Tahoe/Truckee Scenarios

4. What not to do...

6. Suddenlink Snowmobile Training & Safety Training & Safety Classroom Section 1-2 Preparing to Ride Knowing your Sled

7. Your Sled Ice Scratchers Chain Breaks

8. Your Dash and Controls

9. Getting the Sled Ready

11. Getting Yourself Ready Be in good physical condition Avoid riding when ill or fatigued Drink water throughout the ride Outer Gear - Standard winter gear DOT 3 Approved Helmet Boots Gloves Goggles or other Eyewear Inner Gear - Thermals, Socks, Helmet Liners

13. Loading & Trailering Secure trailer to vehicle Check lights and safety chains Tilt trailer (apply pressure) Approach trailer - Line Up Throttle onto the trailer Set parking brake Step off to the center Step off trailer Load second sled Secure skis Release parking brakes Cover - Tie Down Routine Trailer Checks - Wheel bearings grease fittings Tire Pressure (proper PSI) Lug nuts tight Lights working correctly

16. Six Safety Rules 1 - Understand the mechanics of the snowmobile. 2 - Respects both its capabilities and its limitations. 3 - Maneuver skillfully through a variety of conditions. 4 - Know and observe the laws governing snowmobiles. 5 - Use good judgment. 6 - Respect others and the environment.

17. Suddenlink Snowmobile Training & Safety Training & Safety Classroom Section 1 Basic Trail Riding

19. Starting the sled 1. Check the throttle is loose, not frozen or stuck. 2. Check all switches to proper positions and key is on. 3. Choke or prime as needed. 4. Pull the recoil starter with both hands. - Only pull until you feel resistance and pull back, then release without letting the handle snap. 5. If after 6-10 pulls the machine does not start, pump the throttle a few times and try again. 6. If after 12-15 pulls the machine does not start, stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks. stop and perform engine checks.

20. Riding Positions Sitting - safest, most common - feet flat on rails Standing - only used to see ahead - during rough conditions - in deep snow, hillsides - climbing

21. Riding Positions One Knee - one knee on the seat - used to shift weight - tilt sled, overcorrect - in deep snow, hillsides - climbing Posting - semi sitting position - used in rough terrain - not sustainable - similar to bmx/motorcross

22. Group Riding Always ride single file Follow with 4-second rule Raise your hand for hazards In steep terrain, leapfrog. Night Riding Check headlights Slow speed, adjust distance Headlights shine 200 ft Don’t override your lights Wear reflective gear

24. Suddenlink Snowmobile Training & Safety Training & Safety Classroom Section 1 Off Trail Riding

25. Trees (Boondocking) No Trails - Plan a route, start strong Be ready to adjust Stand up Throw your weight around Go one at a time Trails there - Follow in the track Look ahead and Slow down Spread out Boondocking

26. Throttle Control Ease into it Feather it Never pin it Know your power zones Use your palm What to do if it gets stuck - Pull the tether, slam the stop button Jump off

27. Creek/Water Crossing Approach with caution Always look for another way Scout the in and out Stand up - Feet back Engage clutch Don’t let off Follow through to the landing

29. Powder Weight shifting Track Floating Don’t stop in open zones Don’t throttle out Over-correcting Opposite steering

30. Side hilling Only as needed - Plan your route Look ahead Weight on the uphill side Steer away from the hill Dig in Don’t let off the throttle

31. Climbing Only as needed - Plan your route Look ahead Weight on the uphill side Steer straight into the hill Dig in Don’t let off the throttle KNOW WHEN TO TURN OUT!!!

35. Suddenlink Snowmobile Training & Safety Training & Safety Classroom Section 1 Safety on the sled

37. Suddenlink Snowmobile Training & Safety Training & Safety Classroom Section 6 Truckee/Tahoe Scenarios

38. Sierra Cement Heavy, Wet snow that sticks to the sled, track and you. Slush causes overheating, burns belts. Ice that causes steering and track issues. Ice that covers creeks, lakes & meadows. Avalanches Deep Snow Powder Days Getting stuck. Getting lost. Getting tired.

39. Backcountry - Avalanche Gear Pack Shovel Probe Beacon First-aid Kit Snow study kit Snow saw 8-feet of thin rope

42. Today’s Field Work 1. Preparing to ride 2. Checking your sled 3. Basic Trail Riding 4. Off Trail Riding 5. Getting unstuck 6. Navigating terrain