Snow Way Snowmobiling

LESSONS and

SAFETY CLASSES

Take a course as soon as possible and always ride safely.

Snowmobile Lessons & Safety Instruction
Learn to ride safely from professional instructors or find out where free safety courses are being given.

Snowmobile Laws & Requirements
Check the legal requirements and New York State Laws.

Snowmobile Clubs & Associations
Join a snowmobile club today. Clubs abd associations keep this sport alive and enjoyable.

Past Seasons
This is a few places we have traveled with friends and enjoyed this sport. Also some other events we have taken part in.

Riding & Vacation Locations
Where to ride and where to stay. Couples, groups or families can find the right accommodations.

Rent a Snowmobile
If you do not own a snowmobile you can rent one at theses locations. 

Local Lodging
When in the southern Catskills, stay for a little while. The area is absolutely incredible.

Weather and Trail Info.
Know before you go. The weather can change in a very short time. Learn weather terminology.

Gear and Accessories
Get the right gear for you and the ride you are planning. Remember comfort in clothing makes the entire day on and off the snowmobile.

Manufacturers and Dealers
Who makes snowmobiles and where you can buy them. Also advise on how to buy used snowmobiles.

Contact Information
Have questions? Ask our staff. We will attempt to help you with any information we have. Our goal is to make your ride the safest possible.

Snowmobile Publications and Local News Articles
Snowmobile Publications and past newspaper articles from local papers regarding snowmobile activities and accidents.

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS
List your snowmobiling related items for free.

Home Page

Last Updated: 11/03/2007 01:37 PMCopyright 2004.

 The Snorider

 

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Personal Instruction and Group Lessons

Let's get ready and go for a ride....

Basic Class for Adult or Children

This course will get you familiar with the operation of a snowmobile as well as give you a basic history of this sport. You will learn how to dress, plan and prepare for a ride. This course will take approximately 4-6 hours depending on your personal abilities.

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Prices:   $225.00 with your snowmobile $350.00 with ours.

Group (3 or more) rates are lower depending on number of students.

For reservations or Further Information E-mail us at SNOWMOBILESAFETY@aol.com

 

NEXT FREE SAFETY COURSE

  Adult and Child Safety Course

3 courses scheduled. 

Nov. 10, 2007 

Tillson Fire Company

Main St. Tillson, N.Y.

Nov. 17, 2007

West Hurley Fire House

Wall Street, W.Hurley, N.Y.

Dec. 1, 2007

Milton Fire House

Rt. 9W Milton, N.Y.

All Classes Run from 9 am - 5pm.

All student should bring a lunch or $6 for pizza and soda.

No additional classes scheduled at this time.

TO REGISTER:

Call the Ulster County Sheriff's Office at 845-331-5673

or

Email: Snowmobilesafety@aol.com

Courses are sponsored by:

Ulster County Sheriff's Office

NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

 

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handSignals_animation_2_eng.gif (14469 bytes)  Always use hand signals to advise others on the trails of your intended actions.

 

The Snowmobilers' Code of Ethics

I will be a good sportsman and conservationist. I recognize that people will judge all snowmobilers by my actions. I will use my influence with other snowmobile owners and operators to promote sportsman-like conduct.

I will not litter trails or areas, nor will I pollute streams or lakes. I will carry out what I carry in.

I will not damage living trees, shrubs, or other natural features. I will go out only when there is sufficient snow so that I will not damage the land.

I will respect other people's properties and rights.

I will lend a helping hand when I see someone in need.

I will make myself and my vehicle available to assist search and rescue operations.

I will not interfere with the activities of other winter sportsmen. I will respect their rights to enjoy their recreational activity.

I will know and obey all federal, state, and local rules regulating the operation of snowmobiles in areas where I use my vehicle.

I will not harass wildlife.

I will not snowmobile where prohibited.

Adapted from The Snowmobiler's Safety Handbook, published by the Snowmobile Safety and Certification Committee, Inc. ©1995.

*Ride Planning*

Pre-ride planning is the foundation of safe and enjoyable snowmobiling. Planning a ride and organizing the equipment ahead of time decreases the chances of problems on the trail.

Think about a ride plan in terms of starting and ending time, the number of trail miles to be covered, places to obtain gas and food, and possible emergency actions. Remember, it gets cold quickly when night falls, and many businesses close in the evening.

Riders should always check the weather for the area they plan to ride. This is particularly important when temperatures hover near freezing, and around the Great Lakes where impressive totals of lake effect snow can pile up very quickly.

Snowmobilers should always ride in groups because there is safety in numbers. This is another very good reason for belonging to a snowmobile club.

Finally, always tell a responsible person where the group is going and the expected return time. That way, if the group is overdue, action can be taken to provide assistance.

Pre-Ride Check List

Snowmobile checked over and serviced, with fuel & fluids topped up, Riding partner(s) obtained, Weather checked, Ride route planned, Maps, compass, and other navigation equipment packed, Tell someone responsible about destination and return time.


Emergency Equipment

Personal equipment takes up little space but could make a lot of difference in an emergency. These items should be carried where they can be reached quickly and easily. They could be the difference in getting home with relatively little inconvenience or facing what might be a life-threatening situation.

Always carry a flashlight with good batteries. A ride may run late, and when it does, there will often be a need for a light for map reading or emergency repairs. It is also smart to carry a general purpose utility tool like or a Swiss Army knife or a Leatherman® tool.

When riding on frozen bodies of water, a set of ice picks is a very worthwhile accessory. But it must be on the rider's person to be useful in case of immersion in icy water.

Perhaps the ultimate piece of personal equipment is a cellular telephone. Just remember that cellular service is not available everywhere.


Survival Kit Check List

First Aid kit - assorted band aids, antiseptic, head ache & upset stomach relief, Matches in a waterproof container, Chemical heating pack(s), Candy bars, granola, dried fruit, beef jerky or other concentrated high-energy food , Plastic whistle, Paper and pencil, Space blanket, Optional: Signal flares and/or a mirror

Survival equipment can get much more involved for serious long distance touring or riding very remote areas. Consider adding other items as needed including canned heat or other fire starters, a cup to heat water in, bouillon cubes and/or instant coffee packets, additional food items, candles, a large sheet of plastic, safety pins, a utility knife, a small saw or hatchet, snow shoes, an extra flashlight or spare batteries, a knit hat, a pair of work gloves, and even a cellular telephone.


Repair/Recovery Kit Check List

Owner's manual, Tool kit, with a few added items like 6-inch locking pliers, an adjustable wrench, wire, electrical tape, duct tape, and a single-edged razor blade, Spare spark plugs pre-gapped to your snowmobile's specifications, Spare drive belt, Spare ski runners with new nuts and a wrench that fits them, Rags or paper towels and a litter bag, Siphon hose, Tow rope, Optional: Spare fuel filter, Optional: Spare head & tail light bulbs

 

For other Safety Classes going on in New York State Click Here Good luck and Ride Safe..

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*Winter Weather Safety Rules!*

How to stay safe this winter!

Dressing for cold weather: Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Wear mittens instead of gloves. Wear a hat. Remember that entrapped, insulating air, warmed by body heat is the best protection from the cold.

Avoid Overexertion: The strain from cold temperatures and heavy labor such as shoveling, pushing or lifting a snowmobile, or walking in deep snow may cause a heart attack in older and less physically fit individuals.

Winterize Your Sleds Early:
Be prepared against the first blast of winter.  Avoid snowmobile gas line freeze ups by keeping your tank greater than half full at all times.  Make sure that your snowmobile has adequate antifreeze. Make sure that your battery is not more than 3 years old and that it can carry a full charge.

Carry a Winter-Survival Safety Kit on your snowmobile: Bring along blankets and a bright piece of cloth to tie on your sled if you become stranded.  Flashlight with spare batteries. Extra change of clothing to keep dry. Non-perishable foods such as candy bars, canned goods, or high calorie food like Power Bars. A can and waterproof matches (used to melt snow for drinking water). A compass, shovel and a tow rope.

Before traveling: Check the latest forecast.  Check the latest road conditions before you head out into Winter weather. Let someone know where you are going and when you think you will reach your destination.

*Personal Preparation*

Snowmobiling requires physical and mental preparation. Good general physical condition allows riders to deal with the exertion and muscular demands that are peculiar to snowmobiling.

Long all-day trips or multiple day touring require physical stamina beyond that required for shorter rides. Getting plenty of sleep, and eating hearty and nourishing meals before and during a ride is a good way to insure the necessary stamina. Drink plenty of water. Body fluids are diminished by sweating in even the coldest weather.

Snowmobilers should ride only when physically fit, well rested, and sober. Make it a personal point not to ride when ill, over-tired or over-excited. Mental fatigue or inattention can lead to poor judgment and unpleasant consequences.

Never ride under the influence of medications that may create drowsiness or nervousness. And never, ever, ever ride under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Anyone caught riding a snowmobile with a blood alcohol content in excess of .10 percent shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not to exceed $500 and/or up to one year in jail. Operating while impaired (.07 to .10 percent BAC) is also a serious offense and carries severe penalties as well.

Personalizing a snowmobile for the operator's size, weight, and riding style, and making safety modifications to the machine are discussed in the NYS Snowmobile Safe Riders adult education course. We suggest that all snowmobilers take the course and use the information to better prepare their machines for enjoyable and safe riding.

Apparel    Helmets    Eye Protection   Speeding    Alcohol & Drugs

 

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