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It’s peak snowmobile season, with racers and backcountry explorers hitting the slopes in search of perfectly preserved powder. Thanks to global warming, snow is getting harder to find across the U.S. and beyond, with snowfall accumulations decreasing at a rate of around 0.19 percent per year, so you might as well make the most of your local winter wonderland while you can. Debris, such as downed trees and rocks buried beneath the snow, can damage your precious ride, spoiling the fun. Prepare for the unexpected with these must-have snowmobile accessories.
1. Wireless Headset
Stay connected to your passenger or fellow rider with a wireless headset. You can use off-road communication to chat in real-time as you navigate the trail. Dynamic MESH Communication signals extend up to a mile to keep everyone in your party on the same page. Just speak into the headset to strike up a conversation without taking your hands off the controls or your eyes off the prize. Use this tool to help each other avoid obstacles in the field. If you’re new to snowmobiling, connect to a friend or coach who can talk you through the experience for more peace of mind.
Connect Wirelessly with Off-Road Communication
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2. Toe Holds
Keep your feet up and flush with the snowmobile with a set of adjustable toe holds. They help you stay in control of the sled when boondocking, turning the sled on its side, or carving up the side of the mountain. Your legs don’t have to extend as much energy to grip the machine. You can also tip the front up with your feet to get out of a deep bank.
3. Battery Protector
Cold weather can sap your battery’s lifespan, sometimes by as much as 60 percent, depending on the temperature. Use a smart battery protector or warmer to insulate it from freezing temperatures so you always have enough juice to get home.
4. Tunnel Bag
Long days on the slopes demand extra storage. Use a tunnel bag to securely store everything you need to endure the wilderness, including food, water and navigation tools, such as a probe, ice pick and a foldable shovel for digging yourself out of a sticky situation.
5. Kill Switch Protector
Every sled comes with a kill switch for cutting power to the engine in an emergency, but debris or a sudden impact could hit the button accidentally. Use a kill switch protector to coat this failsafe measure in rubber or aluminum to keep it from going off prematurely.
6. Skid Plate
You never know what’s hiding under the snow. Running over rocks, tree roots and downed branches can damage the underbelly of your ride. Use a skid plate made of steel or aluminum to reinforce the part of your sled that takes the most damage. A skid plate won’t make your snowmobile invincible. You should still steer clear of bumps and uneven surfaces.
7. Track Studs
Traction is essential when riding through thick ice and snow. The snowmobile track is designed to move through the snow by digging into the surface, which creates traction, but your factory track might not be enough to get you over the hill. Add track studs to give it some extra bite. Use longer metal grips in deeper snow and shorter ones when cruising through compact snow and ice.
8. Windshield
Nature is anything but neat. A few hours on the back of your snowmobile can leave you drenched in snow. All that flying moisture will soak your attire and clog up your goggles or helmet. High winds can also wear down your body. Attach a windshield tall enough to protect you from debris for a drier, less challenging ride.
9. Snow Flaps
From custom sled wraps to colorful stickers, off-roaders love adding a little personality to their gear. Snow flaps do just that and more. They stop dredged-up snow and water from hitting you or your passenger. They also push snow back onto the track to prevent the engine from overheating. Customize your flaps with a saying or image to give anyone you pass something to remember you by.
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These accessories help you go farther and travel more safely on a snowmobile. Add them to your packing list to explore while we still have plenty of snow on the ground. Ready for your first outing on the slopes? Learn how to ride a snowmobile to start on the right foot.
