Looking to explore the Quebec ski doo trails this winter? You won’t want to miss these helpful ski doo tips in our beginner’s guide to snowmobiling.
Like all aspects of our lives, everything has changed. We live in an ever-changing world where pandemic management means everything has to be adapted to align with government mandates. With everyone looking for ways to keep busy this winter, many will be taking to the trails for skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. This means the snowmobile season will also require a careful and planned approach for outings. Like everything right now, you need to confirm any establishments (hotels, restaurants) are open if you are planning on visiting.
If you are able to get out on the trails you will find some energy-pumping adrenaline as you travel the many ski trails available throughout Quebec.
If you are looking at renting or have bought a skidoo this winter, you will want to check out these snowmobile tips on what to buy, wear and bring with you on the trail.
Get good quality gear
You might think your old winter jacket that you wear walking your dog is ok for a day on the trails. That is likely not the case. Keeping your body safe, dry and warm is the most important safety factor you need to consider. Remember, in Quebec it gets VERY cold, and even if the sun is out you are still sitting on a skidoo with the cold wind hitting your body. Make sure your items fit you properly, which isn’t a problem since most modern high quality gear is lighter and not bulky and able to keep you warm and dry.
Here are the items we suggest:
- A properly fitted helmet is the top item you need for safety and security.
- Make sure your boots are waterproof. Your skidoo may have heaters by your feet, but if your skidoo gets stuck and you are out in the snow for a few hours, you’ll want your feet warm and dry.
- Pick a well-fitting base layer that will wick away any moisture.
- Add a second layer of fleece for warmth. Make sure it’s light weight and can be removed if you get too warm.
- A good quality waterproof jacket and pants are a must! There is an added bonus that it will also cut down on wind.
- Comfy mitts should be waterproof and warm. Handlebar muffs are also a great way to keep hands warm. It may also be an idea to bring a pair of lightweight mittens that are less bulky and very useful if your stopping for coffee or a lunch on the trails.
- Traveling with kids who are sitting on the back of a skidoo and get colder quicker may mean you want to bring some hand and foot warmers.
- If you want to protect your skin and keep warm, try warm skin. Made popular by NFL players, this cold weather protection barrier cream is great for winter outside.
Now that you are safe and cozy, here are a few things that aren’t necessary, but you may want to think about.
Not Essential But Still Fun
- Better nighttime lights. If you are planning on being on the trails at night, you may want to look into some LED lights.
- For longer trips and especially in the backwoods you will want to be prepared with a fuel caddy.
- Wallet, phone and sunglasses storage. You may not have room in your jacket, but if you want some cash for gas or lunch and a place to store your glasses that won’t ruin them, you may want to get a Dashboard Storage cargo bag. They may be a bit difficult to install but are handy.
- Storage for longer trips. If you are planning on going for overnight trips or even day trips you will want to look into something like the Ski-Doo OEM Linq Tunnel Bag. Make sure to check your model of machine to make sure the bag will fit. Some of them can actually fit right on top of a fuel caddy
- No fog mask/balaclava. Having the inside of your helmet steam up is annoying and dangerous. You can try an anti-fog spray (make sure it’s good for cold weather and exterior), or buy something like this that is popular among skiers and snow boarders.
- Winter and cold weather can play havoc on your digital devices. Colder weather can drain your battery life so make sure you items are warm. Throw a hand warmer in whatever place your are holding your phone or gps. You can always bring an extra charger too!
Plan Your Day
Once you are prepared to get out on the trails, the next question is where do you go? First of all you should always check the weather in your area before you plan any trip. Check for the temperature, wind-chill and snowfall.
For the Quebec area you will want to check out the Quebec Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (FCMQ). On their site you will find information about all the clubs, trail permits, trail conditions and a very useful interactive trail map.
If you are planning longer overnight trips, check out their list of 33 secure hotels throughout Quebec that offer security features for snowmobiles, such as a locked garaged, and free security chains for guests.
Ski Doo Tips
Now that you are properly attired and know where your going, here are a few important tips.
YOU WILL GET STUCK
It’s ok. Getting stuck or ‘bogged down’ as we call it is a part of skidooing. The most important thing is to just accept it and make the best effort to get unstuck. This is the biggest ‘learning’ you will have. Haul the skis out, if you are able to lift the track to where it can get traction. There is a kind of ski doo community kindness where if you do get stuck and someone comes by they will likely help you get unstuck. And of course, you return the favor to anyone you come across. If you are doing a lot of snow mobiling on your own you may want to look into STuckMate.
Be Smart
If something doesn’t seem right or look safe, then don’t. A ski doo is still a motorized vehicle. Just like a car, boat or anything else you should use common sense and be aware of your surroundings. Part of that involves preparing for your outing. Before going check the trail conditions, weather conditions and it’s always a good idea to print off a map just in case you are in a location with no signal.
You have nothing to prove
This is an especially important one for newbies and so many new people out on the trails this winter. . Some people have been doing this for years and know the trails like the back of their hand. If your new you don’t know how to read a snow drift, when a river is too deep or strong to cross or when a sharp turn is coming up. The whole point is to be out in nature and have fun but most importantly end the day safely. Start slow with smaller rides, watch videos online and generally build up your confidence for longer and off-trail rides.
Make Friends
You should always notify someone on your planned travel route, time of departure, rest stops and expected time of return. Like with swimming you should have a buddy that you keep eyes on at all times and don’t go home without. It also helps to have someone to help you if your machine gets stuck.
Be Prepared
Just like in boy scouts, make sure you have all you will need.
- Water is essential. You need layers to protect from the cold and wind, but with the heat and the sun you will sweat which means you will get dehydrated. Bring your water in an all-metal insulated bottle that will prevent it from freezing or just bring an all metal cup and put snow over a fire to get water.
- Make sure you have fire starting materials and matches just in case. Store bought fire starting material, cotton balls soaked in Vaseline or birch bark in a ziploc work well.
- A small axe or brush saw helps to cut wood to start a fire. It can also be handy to clear fallen trees on the trails.
- Extra mitts, socks, hat and balaclava will help keep you warm and dry. Hand a foot warmers work great too!
- Emergency heat blankets are compact and will be essential to keep you warm (and can help provide shelter).
- A tarp can help provide shelter and keep you dry from the snow.
- Nylon cords can be used to create shelter and for simple towing/sledding.
- Granola bars or snacks is another good thing to pack.
- A simple first aid kit is always a good idea.
- One of my favorite must-have items is portable duct tape. You may not have room for a whole roll, but this can be used for so many things you will want to make sure you have some on hand.
- If your handy, you may want to carry a small screwdriver kit and some nuts, washers and bolts so you can make a quick repair to make it home. Spare spark plugs and fan belt can come in handy too and most machines have a place under the hood to store the extras.
Any tips missing in our guide to snowmobiling? Let us know.
