Snowmobiling is in full swing in Montana and so far this season, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue has had five injury calls — all involving snowmobiles and trees.
We have some safety tips that could help keep you on top of the sled instead of becoming a Search and Rescue statistic.
Snowmobiling a very popular activity now that we have snow on the ground. The reality for emergency service providers however is that trees are big, don't move and plentiful in many places people ride. They also abruptly end many rides for people who are not prepared.
“The biggest thing is be prepared and to ride within your capabilities. Making sure that your equipment is running, you have all the proper equipment and then just maintaining control of your machine and riding within your ability,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Game Warden Robby Pohle.
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Snowmobiling takes strength and skill, and it isn't like driving your car. A lack of awareness of trail conditions also can lead to a long day for search and rescue.
“For a lot of folks that come up, you know this is a once in a lifetime event for them they may not understand that rail conditions change even though it is a groomed trail or off-trail,” Pohle said. “The more people that go on that trail its can get chewed up really quick and if they're not paying attention they can get in trouble quite fast."
Just like the trails, Montana weather can change on a dime, and if you're unprepared, you can end up in trouble in a hurry.
“I've ridden around here for eight years now, and you can go from snowing…to sunny to foggy and wind all in one afternoon. And if you're not prepared for everything that Montana has to offer you're going to be hurtin’,” Pohle noted.'
Montana has more than 4,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and thousands of acres of ungroomed opportunities. All can become a problem if riders are not prepared.
