Sunday, November 1, 2009

Basic Guidelines Before You Charter a Snowmobile

By Kent Ragwell

When the weather is nice and you are on a holiday in a ski holiday resort or in a mountain cabin, the urge to spend the day snowmobiling is pretty much hard to reject. The activity is just filled with thrills and the promise of a great experience could be very intoxicating. But don't fret if you do not have your personal snowmobile with you. You can always lease them out.

But before you talk to your resort manager or the local snowmobile shop proprietor to rent a snowmobile or two, there are some things you need to know and do. First, you need to determine whether the snowmobile is properly documented and licensed with the appropriate government authorities. Although this will likely be taken care of by the resort staff or teh rental company personnel, it never hurts to make sure.

Some states demand that you take a form of a special safety course. Now, hold your horses if you are an accomplished individual with snowmobiles. You can assure the business owner that you know how to handle a snowmobile and show them your license (if you have one) so you can forego the safety course. Otherwise, it would be prudent if you just stand by the law.

Majority of ski resorts will have a fleet of snowmobiles free for charter. However, if you are not staying in a fashionable ski hotel, you can always find the local places. Ask the locals for directions and hints and they will definitely direct you to the right way.

When you are planning to rent a snowmobile, consider your level of expertise. Are you a beginner or an expert in such activity? Your knowledge in dealing a snowmobile is key in picking what type of snowmobile you should charter.

For beginners, you should choose to use the trail snowmobiles. Snowmobiles of this type are assembled with 60-70 horsepower machines. Though they are light and simple to drive, do not ride alone if you do have the adequate experience to wield a snowmobile all by yourself.

Touring snowmobiles are ideal for long distances. They got side-mounted mirrors, larger windshields, reverse gear and electric start. Another attribute of the trail models is that they are slightly bulkier and heavier than the other models. This means a touring snowmobile is not designed for narrow trails and uphill climbs.

Performance snowmobiles are the ideal type for seasoned snowmobile riders. Equipped with an 85 horsepower engine and often assembled with a reverse gear and electric start mechanism, performance snowmobile is generically perfect ride. That is if your intent for snowmobiling is strictly recreational.

For those who are genuinely professionals of their crafts and live life on the edge, then the mountain type of snowmobile is the greatest choice there is. The mountain snowmobile is engineered for uphill and downhill runs and can get across through heavy snow powder. Its long and narrow chassis does not make it suitable for trails though.

One last thing, always practice safety. That means you need to wear the appropriate clothes and other safety apparel such as gloves and goggles. The rental company may also have these safety gears included with the package. Also, ride safely. A safe ride is always a fun ride!

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