Back in the late 1960s to mid 1970s, the number of snowmobile trails in the Northwoods were far less than there are now. Those trails were not groomed like they are today and the old sleds we rode were nothing like snowmobiles today. Needless to say, there wasn’t as many snowmobilers on the trail as there are now either.

At that time, many locals used snowmobiles more so for transportation than recreation, but there were some of us that did ride on the limited trail system in northern Wisconsin. Back then, snowmobiles had no suspension to speak of and because the equipment we had back then (Helmets, Boots, Gloves and those one-piece suits) were nothing like we have today.

For those who did use the trails, why did we enjoy snowmobiling back then? For the same reason most snowmobilers ride today. It was one way to be active in the winter, and you get to ride through the snow-covered forest of the Northwoods. Even though, we might have been a little colder and sore from riding, it was just as fun as it is today.

Now ask younger snowmobilers today the same question. I’m willing to bet over 50% of them would say, it’s the speed or the adrenaline rush they get when riding on the edge of their skill level. To me, that’s the only downside of snowmobiling today.

We are reminded by the DNR, snowmobile magazines and other publications about riding safe. Yet we hear about accidents with injuries and/or fatalities. AS OF THIS WRITING, THERE HAS AREADY BEEN TWO SNOWMOBILE RELATED DEATHS IN WISCONSIN that I know of. Here’s three statistics for you. 1) Speed contributes to 95% of snowmobile accidents 2) Speed combined with alcohol is the biggest factor in most snowmobile fatalities. 3) Most accidents/fatalities happen on corners where snowmobilers leave the trail and hit a tree.

Why? There are too many people that ride way over their ability. Do people stop at bars (pit stops) and drink alcohol? Yes, a lot of snowmobilers do, (I DID MYSELF) but MOST snowmobilers are responsible when riding on the trails. Then there are a FEW snowmobilers that drink too much and believe they have to ride faster, but their reflexes are slower to reacted. These are the people that get injured/killed or kill someone else and believe me, those are the ones that wish they could relive that day.

What is the answer to safe snowmobiling? I guess we need to know our alcohol limitation, slow down and pay more attention while on the trails. Seems like we need to ride in a defensive mode. Especially around corners, because some idiot is going so fast that they can’t cut the corner or someone passing you in places they shouldn’t. What if you want to test your skill and see how fast your sled can go?  Wait until you are in an open area, like a long straight away or on a lake where you can see well ahead of your sled. This way, you are only endangering yourself, not others.

You want to stop for lunch and have a few beers? Awesome, have a great time, but be responsible. If you are following others, give yourself room to stop, (20 to 30 feet). There can be bumps on the trail or lake and if you hit them too fast you can overcompensate and lose control of the sled. Or, if go off the trail even a foot, you could hit an object under the snow.

There will be a lot less accidents and fatalities by slowing down, staying sober and not riding over your ability. IT’S A FACT THAT 10% OF SNOWMOBILERS, GIVE THE OTHER 90% A BAD NAME.