Getting stuck is not necessarily an emergency, but can be if you’re riding alone. It is a common and frustrating problem for even the avid snowmobiler.
Learning how to read the snow
Knowing the type of snow you are riding on can help avoid getting stuck. Your machine can easily sink if the snow is loose, light, deep or powder. When these snow conditions occur, keep your RPM’s and power high enough to keep momentum but don’t overpower the machine; it can quickly dig the snowmobile’s track into the loose snow and result in getting stuck.
If you get stuck
Be extremely cautious when trying to move your snowmobile. Over-exerting yourself can lead to back injuries and even a heart attack. Have friends from your riding group help move your machine very carefully. Do not get on your machine and rev up the engine to drive it out of the situation. This may cause your machine to sink even further.
Try these methods when stuck on flat ground:
With your feet on the running boards, rock the snowmobile slowly from side to side while gently feathering the throttle
Shut off the engine, clear the loose snow from the track and try to pack the snow under the track for a firm base
Try walking ahead of the machine and trampling a path in the snow to help reduce drag on the machine
If you are carrying an avalanche shovel or small folding shovel, use the shovel to dig snow out from around and beneath the snowmobile, as well as to shovel a path in front of the machine
Getting stuck going uphill
Your machine may get stuck while you are riding uphill in certain snow conditions.
Shut off the machine and get off on the uphill side
You will need to turn the snowmobile around, so assess which direction is the safest and easiest to turn it downhill
Trample the snow on the side of the snowmobile you choose to turn it toward and dig out the ski loop on that side if needed to gain a good hand-hold
Grasp the ski loop on the side of the snowmobile you are turning toward and begin pulling the snowmobile around
Continue to turn the sled 180 degrees until it’s facing downhill. Use caution when on steep slopes so the machine does not roll over on you or take off downhill in an uncontrollable manner
Start the snowmobile and drive it back down the hill
