Sidehilling is not only a developed skill, but an adaptive art for backcountry snowmobilers. Your techniques must be adaptive to the ever-changing snow conditions.
The beauty of snowmobiling is that almost every time you go out in the backcountry, you experience unique situations and snow conditions. You riding ability has to be as adaptive to the conditions as possible.
Particularly early in the season the snow tends to morph quickly with the weather conditions. Cold temperatures and new snow equals powder riding. Cold temperatures and no recent snow can lead to crusty snow conditions. Just a little sun and warm air can lead to soft, spongy snow conditions.
Recently, the editors of SnoWest Magazine were riding with friends in the backcountry of eastern Idaho where the snow conditions were constantly changing throughout the day.
We decided to visit with Jeromy Hart, Idaho Falls, ID, about how he was adapting to the changing conditions while climbing out of a canyon and up over a steep open ridge.
Hart said the first thing he does is to read the snow conditions as he starts his climb and sidehill out of the bottom of the canyon. Then he’s looking ahead to read the angles of the slope and see if there are any wind holes or cornices that could affect his line.
But most importantly, Hart said he is feeling out the snow. “I need to know how hard the snow is so I know how much I need to counter-steer.”
The harder the snow, the slower the speed; if he goes too fast, the crusty snow can bounce him off his line. Yet, if he goes to slow, he may not maintain the rpm or momentum to make the climb. It’s an acquired skill to know how fast is too fast and how slow is too slow.
Along with the snow conditions, there’s also that point on the hill—the pinch—where you have to commit to your line. Up to that point, you should be looking for an escape route—a plan B in case you’re just not “feeling it” as you make your climb. But once you commit, your options are virtually eliminated and you either make it or you don’t. (And the “don’t” part can be very costly if gravity takes control of the situation.)
The deeper the powder, the faster the speeds and the more aggressive the counter-steer. (And usually, the more forgiving the mistakes.) The harder the snow, the more difficult and technical the sidehilling. (The more you just want to square up to the slope and power over the top if possible.)