Snowmobiling in fresh snow is a terrifically fun activity. You can carve turns as if you were skiing, catch face shots of powder and smile all day long. On a powder day, the chance of getting your sled stuck is fairly high, but getting it out can be a snap if done correctly.

Instructions

1) Take a few seconds to evaluate the situation. Look at the big picture to see what it will take to get the snowmobile moving again – a little extra effort in the beginning will save energy in the long run. If the sled has stopped while pointing uphill, you’ll need to turn it downward a bit. If a packed trail is four feet to the left, then that will be the direction you’ll have to turn the snowmobile.

2) Walk around the snowmobile to pack the soft snow that it has bogged down in. This gives you a chance to feel the terrain and think about which way to pull the sled out.

3) Pack a trail in front of the snowmobile and dig under its nose to create a clear path.

4) Lift the rear of sled onto the uphill side of where it currently sits. If possible, have another person help you do this, as a snowmobile is quite heavy. The more you have packed out the snow, the easier this step will be.

5) Stand with both feet on the uphill side of the machine. Have your helper pull the uphill ski in the desired direction while you give the engine some gas – you should be able to drive right out. If you start to bog down again, pack out the area where the track will sit and lift the sled again.

6) Keep the snowmobile moving once you’ve gained any motion, and stop only when you are on a path or pointed downhill.

Extra Tips:

* Stop in deep snow only if you are pointed downhill – this will keep you from getting stuck in the first place.

* Watch out for depressions in the powder – these could be stream beds, which are extremely difficult pull a sled from.

* Be careful when lifting the back of the sled – keep your back straight and lift with your legs.

* Remember not to push the snowmobile from behind – whatever is under the snow will be kicked out by the track. It is safer to have someone pull the skis from the front and move out of the way as the sled gets going.

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