Powerful off-road machines like snowmobiles should be ridden responsibly—which requires proper education, preparation, and safety gear. Here's what you and your crew should consider to stay safe and make the most of snowmobile season.
Protective snowmobile clothing
Weather plays an important part in the protective clothing and gear riders wear on their snowmobiles. Along with essential safety gear like helmets, pay attention to features that will keep you warm and dry.
Snowmobile helmets
Snowmobile helmets are different from motorcycle and ATV helmets and shouldn’t be worn interchangeably. They are designed to protect riders from exposures and environments specific to snowmobiling:
More advanced ventilation system to keep you warm while also limiting moisture that can lead to fog
A more robust design with a chin bar to guard against debris and foliage
Thicker padding around the ears to insulate against wind and engine noise
Still, you have options you can choose from based on your riding style and comfort preferences. The main differentiator is whether the helmet has a built-in visor.
Some riders prefer the full-face style for the complete coverage and fewer moving pieces. Companies do make a modular version of this type of helmet where the whole visor and chin bar can be raised for easier access to your face, which can be helpful if you stop a lot.
Other riders prefer a motocross style helmet paired with snowmobile goggles. The goggles allow for a wider field of vision and the whole setup is typically more lightweight than a full-face helmet.
Much like ATV and motorcycle helmets, snowmobile helmets are measured against safety standards and given a rating by organizations like the Department of Transportation (DOT), SNELL, or Economic Commission for Europe (ECE). So, looking for options that meet or exceed the standard is a smart choice—and in some states, it’s the law.
Snowmobile goggles
If you opt for the motocross-style helmet, you’ll need to invest in a good pair of snowmobile goggles. Eyeglasses or sunglasses won’t provide sufficient protection.
Modern goggles are sophisticated pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) that are held to eye protection safety standards from the Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission (VESC) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Look for approval markings such as VESC 8, V-8, ANSI Z87.1, or CE.
How you prioritize features will depend on where and how often you ride. Some of the most important features to consider include:
Dual pane/Anti-fog lenses
Shatterproof lenses
Interchangeable colored lenses or photochromic lenses
Mirrored lenses/Glare reduction
Ventilation
Compatibility with your helmet
Size/fit against your face
Prescription goggle lenses
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Body armor for snowmobiling
Snowmobile body armor is not just for experienced riders in more advanced terrain. Crashes, collisions, and other moments of impact are a possibility for all riders, and maybe even more for inexperienced riders.
Even minor bumps or unexpected terrain can send you into or over the handlebars. A chest protector is crucial for shielding your rib cage—and, by extension, your vital organs—from blunt trauma and puncture wounds. They come in a variety of styles including vests with interchangeable padding levels and fusion vests that include shoulder and neck protection.
For added safety, you can invest in padded or armored clothing or wear braces or guards designed to protect your:
Wrists
Knees
Ankles
Neck
Shoulders
Staying warm on a snowmobile with layers
Layering is crucial when snowmobiling. Your body temperature can change as you exert effort, the longer you are exposed to the elements, and at different times of the day.
Dress for the coldest temperature and adjust your layers as needed throughout your ride.
Start with a base layer.
Invest in moisture-wicking shirts and pants that fit snugly. Merino wool is an excellent material for keeping you warm and dry.
Next, add an insulation layer.
Anything from a fleece jacket to a wool sweater will work, as long as it’s warm, comfortable, and breathable.
The outer layer is your snowmobile suit.
You can wear a jacket over a bib or pants, or you can opt for a one-piece. Either way, the material should be wind- and waterproof.
These layers aim to keep you safe by preventing frostbite or hypothermia if you experience a breakdown. Your hands and feet are particularly at risk when the temperature drops. Here's what you'll need to protect your extremities:
Waterproof gloves:
Wet hands are cold hands—and maintaining dexterity is critical for handling the snowmobile. You can buy gloves made specifically for snowmobiling that offer proper insulation, moisture management, and even touch-screen fingertips!
Boots and socks:
The boots you choose should be able to handle wet and icy conditions. Consider insulation, waterproofing, tread, and ankle support. Socks should keep your feet both warm and dry, so look for moisture-wicking fabric.
Snowmobile emergency preparedness tools
No one heads out on a snowmobile adventure planning to get lost, stuck, or worse.
If you're in an area where avalanches are possible, you must pack accordingly. Don't ride without an avalanche safety kit. You can purchase a pre-made one or build your own. At the very least, carry a:
Shovel
Transceiver or beacon
Avalanche probe
If you’re not in an avalanche-prone area, you can focus on more general emergency gear. Include some or all of the following:
Tow rope
First aid kit
Emergency tool kit (complete with spark plugs, spare belt, etc.)
Map of the area and compass
Hydration system
Light, protein-dense snacks
Extra clothing
Backup power bank, flashlights
Identification/money/license
Flares or strobes
Communication devices
Related resources
Snowmobile season is here! Before you hit the trails, check the weather, get your maintenance in order, and review our other snowmobile safety tips.
The general information in this blog is for informational or entertainment purposes only. View our blog disclaimer.
*Data accuracy is subject to this article's publication date.