Snowmobiling Checklist | The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel

Keep this checklist with you when you ride.

(Chase Jarvis | Getty Images)


Keep this checklist with you when you ride.


Before you start your machine, check the following:

  • Throttle (it should freely return to the idle or closed position)
  • Snowmobile (it should be positioned in a clear space free of people or objects)
  • Fuel and Battery
  • Ski Assemblies and Rods
  • Variable Speed Drive Belt
  • General Mechanical Conditions
  • Handlebars (they should turn both ways)
  • Weather Forecast, your clothes and the wind chill factor (to ensure you'll be warm enough)
  • Emergency Supplies, including:
    • Spare spark plugs
    • Knife/small ax
    • Spare drive/belt
    • Waterproof matches
    • Spare fuel
    • Spare clothing
    • Emergency rations
    • Flashlight
    • First aid kit
    • Tool kit
    • Flares
    • Extra ignition key


Before you start to drive, check the following:

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  1. Brakes (they should operate freely and smoothly)
  2. Head and Taillights
  3. Emergency switch
  4. Idle (slowly run your machine for 30 seconds)