Cutting a good sidehill depends on how steep the slope is and what the snow conditions are like. It is the same general idea as doing a pow turn except you hold it in a straight line. You counter-steer and lean the sled, balancing it on the outside edge of the ski. If I am on a really steep slope, sometimes I will get as far forward on the sled as possible to keep the front end down and stay in control. It's all about balance and knowing when to give it throttle. You can go and practice on some smaller pow hills and just get used to the sled and be prepared to have a few wipeouts.
-Rob Alford
Sled prep is one of the most important aspects of riding. Riding style setup and preventative maintenance can prevent serious issues when sledding. It's important to have a sled that fits your skill and style of riding as well as something that's not going to leave you stranded on the hill somewhere or worse.
-Paul Thacker
Photo: Dice K.
Sled maintenance has always been a good learning experience for me. It can really put a damper on the day when you get up to your favorite riding spot and realize nuts and bolts are missing. Always check your sled for the obvious, you don't have to go crazy, but keep in mind that snowmobiles tend to rattle themselves loose throughout the season and staying on top of your sled's maintenance will prevent you from being "that guy."
-Dan Adams
Powder turning is one of those trial and error kind of things. I turn the bars the opposite way that I want to go, lean the sled over and apply a healthy amount of throttle. It has to be done all at the same time and, depending on what sled your running, you may have to really lean the sucker hard.
-Rob Alford