We are officially in the cold season, in case you needed to be reminded of that if you haven’t bothered to pay attention to the thermometer.
It’s also that time of year when those who enjoy a ride on the snow machines head out on to lakes, rivers or solid ground to enjoy a ride. But there’s always the risk that something could go wrong, even with all the planning that goes in to ensuring you or your friends arrive alive.
The Great Slave Snowmobile Association (GSSA) is the main organization in town that looks after safe and responsible snowmobiling.
Shaun Morris, the association’s president, said there are plenty of checklists that people could use before heading out, but there are some should-haves as part of any list.
“Make sure you have enough gas, check your oil levels, do you have a spare belt in case yours breaks, can you change a spark plug or do you know how to?,” he said. “I always like to pack extra mitts, an extra balaclava and even extra wool socks because those can get wet pretty easy. The wool socks are good to help keep a Thermos warm and the socks dry.”
Another handy tip is telling someone where you are in case something goes awry, he added.
“Have a plan, leave a note for your husband or wife or make sure someone else knows you’re heading out,” he said. “That way if you aren’t back or if something happens, that person can start making calls to get help.”
In addition to making sure safety comes first, the GSSA also heads out to test the thickness of ice on lakes in the Yellowknife area, which includes Niven Lake, Kam Lake, Frame Lake, Grace Lake, Back Bay and Range Lake. Long Lake, Rat Lake and Fault Lake are also part of the testing.
The GSSA recommends not going out onto a body of water unless the thickness has reached at least three to four inches or more. Once it reaches six inches, no more testing will be done on that particular spot.
“We always tell people stay off (the ice) if the thickness is three inches or less,” said Morris.
In winter, snowmobiles also double as street-legal vehicles, provided they’re properly registered and licenced with the city, but Morris said sledders need to remember that others are using the road as well.
“You have drivers, but you also have people who are walking their dogs or people out for a walk or run,” he said. “Just beware of others when you’re out because you have to share.”
If you’re part of a group ride, one thing Morris said you shouldn’t do is line up right behind another sledder.
That’s because if there’s an accident, it could cause a chain reaction.
“If something happens to the person in front of you and you can’t stop fast enough, you could run over them by accident or you could hit them, which could cause the person behind you to hit you and so on,” he said. “When we do rides with the kids, we always tell them to keep away from the rear of a sled so that way, you’re able to avoid hitting anyone if something goes wrong.”
But the biggest thing Morris said will ensure you have a safe ride? Common sense.
“Common sense isn’t so common anymore, but just be smart out there,” he said.