How to operate a snowmobile

This is something that will help you in becoming more confident when riding out with us. Our guide will then give you a verbal course when you arrive at our location. Please follow his/her instructions in full.

RED BUTTON CUTS THE POWER

If there is a problem, stop the snowmobile! If it‘s behaving unnaturally you can always cut the power with the red button on top of the handlebars. Press it down and all power is cut off, pull it up and you can start it again with the ignition. The red button is also known as a kill switch when it’s pressed down no electricity is provided to the engine and controls. You are completely unable to start the snowmobile up again if the switch is pressed down.

ONLY OPERATE THE THROTTLE WITH YOUR THUMB

The throttle is thumb-operated on the right. It‘s important to use only the thumb, not the whole hand when operating the throttle.If the driver uses his whole hand and feels like he is falling off, the natural reaction is to grab tightly. Therefore, you will floor the throttle which can cause excessive speed and injuries. The snowmobile is totally automatic. Give is slowly/gently some gas with the throttle and it will go automatically. There is no clutch or gears to worry about. Once you release the throttle it will begin to slow down automatically.

DO NOT USE THE BRAKE AND THROTTLE AT THE SAME TIME

The brake is on the left side of the handlebars. It operates like a bicycle brake. However, you don‘t need to operate the brake every time you want to slow down. This is due to the internal friction forces of a snowmobile and the track. If you release the throttle the snowmobile starts to slow down. Apply the brake, only if you want to brake faster. If you use both the brake and throttle at the same time, the brakes will overheat.

LEAN AGAINST IT!

When driving, the operator and passenger must lean their bodies against the snowmobile to prevent it from tipping over. If the snowmobile leans to the right then you must lean your whole body to the left as a counterweight.

KEEP FEET ON THE FOOTRAIL!

When driving, always keep your legs on the foot rail. If the snowmobile falls over, don‘t step off the foot rail. If you do so, the running boards will clamp your legs between the snowmobile and the ground, possibly causing injury. The same applies to the passenger.

FOLLOW THE GUIDE IN A SINGLE LINE

The snowmobile guide will instruct you to follow him in a straight line. This is important because if you follow the guide, you will be aware of upcoming terrain. There are rocks, crevasses, and other dangers. If you travel out of line, you are putting yourself in danger because you are then unaware of upcoming terrain.

IF YOU GET LOST, STAY PUT!

If there is a problem during the tour, stop the snowmobile and raise your hand. The guide from the back will come and help you. If you can‘t see the snowmobile in front of you, stop. If you think you are lost, stay put! It is vital that you do not move the snowmobile if you lose the group. Then our guides can track you down with their systems. If you try to find your way back after losing the group then you will risk getting even more lost further from the glacier hut. If you get lost, keep all your equipment on and leave the snowmobile running with the lights on.

We’ve made these instructions available online for you to download. They are available in four different languages. Please contact us if you need further clarification.