Snowmobile & ATV Checklists

Snowmobile

To get the most out of your snowmobiling holiday or weekend, we've prepared a list to help you prepare better ahead of time. Change it to fit your own preferences and personal needs. Use a checklist to avoid scenarios like arriving at the staging area without a helmet or keys for the machines.

• Survival Gear - depending on how remote your sledding will be. A machine can have a breakdown or a group could get weathered in or stuck somewhere due to unforeseen circumstances. Plan for it. Manitoba winter nights are survivable if you're properly equipped and know what to do.
  • Survival Booklet; heed its equipment suggestions for the type of trip you're planning. Such booklets have great tips for finding direction, catching animals, building shelters and staying dry. Each winter, build a snow shelter in the backyard, just for practice and learn to stay dry while doing it.
  • Communication Equipment - Cellphone, GPS locator.
  • Waterproof matches; a good supply. Also, keep wooden matches in a 35mm film container (if you can find one).
  • Compass - learn how to use it.
  • Compact plastic shovel.
  • Snowmobile pants and outer shell large enough to house several layers.
  • Long underwear - upper and lower, layers of long sleeved upper body clothing that can be adjusted to prevent perspiring.
  • Carefully chosen and broken-in footwear.
  • Wool socks and spare wool boot liners.
  • Strong, sharp knife. A Gerber or Leatherman is also an excellent choice.
  • Signal Mirror - best with a hole in centre.
  • Packages of high energy food such as nuts or sunflower seeds.
  • Personal prescription medication.
  • First aid kit.
  • Flares.
  • Flashlight.
• Snowmobile
  • Oil level.
  • Antifreeze level on liquid-cooled machines.
  • Track Alignment.
• Snowmobiling Equipment - so much stuff, so easy to forget!
  • General Snowmobiling Items
    • Snowmobile keys and tether cord.
    • Fuel and oil - are you bringing along spare tanks of fuel?
    • Spare spark plugs and drive belt.
    • Tools.
    • Tow rope.
    • Trailer tie-downs - snowmobiles should be firmly secured to the trailer, front and back, for traveling.
    • Lock and chain.
    • Isoprophenol
    • Small camera (or Cell) - small enough to keep warm with body heat.
    • Electric visor cord.
    • Ear plugs.
    • Mitts and liners, suitable for sledding.
    • Snowmobile Boots and Suits.
    • Extra clothing - such as sweater, scarf and wool socks.
    • Balaclava (and take a spare).
    • Trail maps.
    • Kleenex and bathroom tissue.
    • Garbage bags.
  • Required by Law
    • Snow Pass.
    • Registration and licensing.
    • Helmet
  • Fun Stuff
    • Sleigh
    • Suntan lotion and sun block.
  • Fishing Gear
    • Fishing licenses.
    • Fishing rods and reels.
    • Fishing line.
    • Small Tackle box w/long-nose pliers, tackle, filleting knife and stringer.
    • Ice fishing flag rigs.
    • Bait.
    • Items for lunch.
      • - Par-boiled potatoes for frying.
      • - 2 pounds of shortening or lard.
      • - Onions
      • - Seasoning.
      • - Sandwiches (you might not catch any fish!).
      • - Coffee and cups.
      • - Cooking utensils/pots, pans, coffee pot and dishes suitable for campfire cooking.
      • - Cooking grill
      • - Fire starting aids such as paraffin soaked cotton cord & dry kindling (bring enough for lunch and emergency if the fishing spot is remote).
      • - Small chain saw; with winter chain oil and topped off with fuel mix.
      • - Hatchet and wood saw.
    • Measuring tape and spring scale
    • Ice Auger.
    • Dipper to scoop ice away from fishing holes without getting wet.

Going for a snowmobile trip in the mountains? There are special snowmobiling precautions for mountain conditions that Manitobans may be unaware of. Experienced mountain riders carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe and are familiar with how each is used. They pay close attention to weather and avalanche forecasts. They are wary of steep slopes and know where to allow groups of riders or just one rider at a time. So before you start sledding in the mountains, do seek some expert help and consider taking an avalanche safety course. Have a great trip!

ATV Safety

Enjoy Your ATV Adventure with Safety
An ATV is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. ATVs - All Terrain Vehicles - handle differently from other vehicles and it's important to understand safety guidelines before you head for the hills. Take a look at these safety tips and ensure your ATV adventure is always fun.

ATV Safety Tips*

• Always read your Operator's Guide, Safety Handbook and all labels carefully and follow the operating procedures described; watch an ATV Safety Video.
• Take a training course. Never operate an ATV without proper instruction.
• Always follow age and passenger recommendation for your ATV (check with your dealer for specific guidelines)
• Never operate an ATV on any paved surfaces or public streets.
• Always wear protective gear including an approved helmet that fits properly.
• Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating this ATV.
• Inspect your ATV each time you use it to make sure it is in safe operating condition.
• Be alert to changing terrain conditions; check for obstacles before operating in a new area. Be cautious of excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain. Never attempt to operate over large obstacles, such as large rocks or fallen trees.
• Always follow proper procedures for climbing, descending and crossing hills; check terrain before you start. Don't attempt a hill too steep for the ATV or your abilities.
• Never operate an ATV in fast flowing water or in water deeper than that specified in the Operator's Guide and the Safety Handbook. Remember that wet brakes may have reduced stopping ability.
• Always be sure there are no obstacles or people behind you when you operate in reverse. When it is safe to proceed in reverse, go slowly.

*These safety tips are only general guidelines. Safety under the circumstances of operation is at the sole discretion and responsibility of the ATV operator. Stay in control at all times and keep your machine well-maintained. For more information about ATV Safety, contact:
Canada Safety Council (CSC): 1-613-739-1535 ext. 227.