SLEDsmart! USA Knowledge Base

You may not think a group of snowmobilers who are tearing through the snow are concerned with something like ‘etiquette’ or good manners, but trail etiquette is a HUGE part of the riding experience. Particularly when it comes to respecting others.

Mind your manners, represent the sport well and follow these rules: 

• Pace yourself. Don’t ruin your own trip by exceeding your limit, getting sick, or hurting yourself. Don’t be too proud to take a rest.
• Stay sober. Never risk your safety or anyone else’s by consuming drugs and/or alcohol before or during a ride.
• Don’t be a trail hog. Keep to the right side of the trail and keep an eye out for other trail users.
• Be social. If a landowner or trail user stops to talk to you, take off your helmet.
• Don’t tailgate. Keep a safe following distance behind the other riders.
• Always report illegal activity. Don’t let someone ruin the rider rep and compromise trail use for everyone. Even if they’re a friend.
• If you open a gate, close it.
• Leave no trace. Pick up your garbage, and any other trash you find on the trail.
• Report findings. Let landowners or state agencies know about damaged trail sections, broken fences, or impassable obstacles, like downed trees.

Always yield to:

• Other trail users, such as non-motorized trail traffic.
• Uphill traffic (they’ll have more difficulty starting if they have to stop).
• Other riders overtaking you on the trail.

RIDER SAFETY TIP: PULLING OVER WITH CLASS

At some point during your ride you’ll need to stop to pee, get a drink, or wait for other riders to catch up. When you pull over to the side of the trail, make sure it’s a straight stretch that’s clear of obstacles and that other riders and trail users will be able to spot you easily, and get by you without any trouble.