| Once a person gets over their distaste for winter | | | | On the handlebars, find the throttle. This will typically |
| weather conditions, operating a snowmobile can be | | | | be a lever that is on the right side of the |
| an addictive winter sport. Being in the wide-open | | | | snowmobile's handlebar. Use your thumb to control |
| landscape that is covered by a fresh coating of | | | | the throttle, which negotiates the amount of speed |
| white, pristine powder can be breathtaking and even | | | | desired. Similarly, on the left, you will generally find |
| enthralling for first-time snowmobilers. It is also a | | | | the brake lever on the handlebar. It does not take |
| great way for families to spend time together while | | | | much pressure to pull the brake lever in order to |
| remaining active during the winter months instead of | | | | slow down your snowmobile. For rides on softer and |
| gathering around the television for a few hours | | | | less compact snow trails, releasing pressure from the |
| every night. After learning the basics of operating a | | | | throttle will slow your snowmobile quickly. On more |
| snowmobile, conquering the white blanket of fresh | | | | compact and smoother snow trails, however, you will |
| snow will be an exhilarating activity that families and | | | | need to apply pressure to the brake lever to achieve |
| friends will undoubtedly cherish together. | | | | a stop. On ice, as you would in a vehicle, pumping the |
| The first thing to always remember is to wear your | | | | brakes by applying and releasing pressure on the |
| safety gear before operating your snowmobile. | | | | brake lever will result in a smoother and typically |
| Safety equipment consists of a regulation helmet and | | | | safer stop on a snowmobile. |
| a pair of goggles designed for cold weather activities. | | | | Now that you have found the throttle and the brake |
| It is important to make sure this equipment is | | | | (the two most important parts of any vehicle), you |
| fastened correctly or else it could cause problems | | | | are ready to begin moving. To do this, apply pressure |
| during the snowmobiling excursion. It is also a good | | | | to the throttle. Apply ample pressure to slightly rev |
| idea to wear a snowmobile suit that is specifically | | | | the snowmobile's engine until it begins to move. As |
| designed to protect the body from the frigid | | | | you move forward, turn the handlebars into the |
| elements of winter - such as a waterproof inner lining | | | | direction you want to travel. When making a sharper |
| - so snowmobile riders do not suffer from a case of | | | | and faster turn, it is best to lean into the turn. For |
| hypothermia. A good pair of gloves is also vital | | | | instance, if you are making a sharp right turn, lean |
| because the hands will be controlling most of the | | | | your body to the right without removing your feet |
| actions of the machinery. Cold hands do not make | | | | from the stirrups. The stirrups help to stabilize your |
| for quick reactions, so winter gloves are an absolute | | | | body while helping to prevent the rider from slipping |
| essential. | | | | off of the machine. For beginners, ride your |
| Next, get comfortable with the machinery. Sit on it, | | | | snowmobile on the trails that have been packed and |
| move around, and get familiar with the feel of the | | | | already traveled until you get the feel for |
| snowmobile's intricate details. Find the right distance | | | | snowmobiling. Veering off into unpacked snow might |
| on the seat so that the handlebars are within an | | | | get your stuck or even cause an accident with |
| acceptable reach from your body. Stretching to reach | | | | another snowmobiler. |
| the handlebars is not an effective method and | | | | Following these basic steps is essential for first-time |
| neither is sitting too close so that you are scrunched | | | | and inexperienced snowmobilers to successfully |
| up against them. Keeping the handlebars at arm's | | | | practice this fun winter sport. As always, safety is |
| length, as long as it is a comfortable distance, is ideal. | | | | the first issue to be addressed before operating any |
| Also, place your feet in the stirrups that sit on the | | | | machinery. But above the safety precautions, |
| front lower area of the snowmobile. Get the feel for | | | | knowing how to turn and lean into a turn is important |
| the stirrups and do not take your feet out of them | | | | for operating any snowmobile safely. Once learned, it |
| when you are snowmobiling. They are designed to | | | | will most likely be a winter pastime that will be |
| help you stay in control of the machinery when you | | | | enjoyed for many frigid seasons to come. |
| make sharp turns on the snowy terrain. | | | | |