Best Advice for Beginners Sleddin in the Mountains

[Rikster]

I have been snowmobiling since I was 6 years old which was about 20 years ago and have basically rode trail and off trail in the Dakotas/Minnesota. I just bought a couple mountain sleds last spring and fall and want to start making trips out west. I have been reading alot about taking an avalanche class and purchasing gear. What is the best advice you have for someone who has experience riding sleds but a beginner to the mountains. I am hoping to head out to the big horns/cook city or possibly west yellowstone if/when they get some good snow.

Thanks in advance for the advice

 

[snowww1]

Buy the "Schooled" DVD's by www.deviantsled.com it will help tremendously with riding techniques in powder.

Get s snobunje.

Take an avalanche class. I'll be teaching some in the Dakotas January 16, 17, 18. Info can be found on the schedule page at www.avalanche1.com

Have fun!

 

[MT rydn]

I have been snowmobiling since I was 6 years old which was about 20 years ago and have basically rode trail and off trail in the Dakotas/Minnesota. I just bought a couple mountain sleds last spring and fall and want to start making trips out west. I have been reading alot about taking an avalanche class and purchasing gear. What is the best advice you have for someone who has experience riding sleds but a beginner to the mountains. I am hoping to head out to the big horns/cook city or possibly west yellowstone if/when they get some good snow.

Thanks in advance for the advice

Study the Gallatin National Forest avalance center website. Study/look at pictures/check out the youtube videos they post/and avalanche course. Study hard how to avoid problems as much as how to find and dig out a friend/family member.

 

[Raff_9001M]

If you are really new to powder type riding, the first thing I tell people to do when learning to carve/steer is fall off the sled. When they realize it doesn't hurt, seems to build confidence.

 

[EagleRiverDee]

Buy a beacon, probe and shovel--- and make sure everyone that rides with you also has one of each- and knows how to use them. Too many people think just having the gear is enough.

Take an avy course, one that includes both classroom and field instruction so you learn how to use your beacon and practice burial scenarios. The beacons are not hard to use, but the time for a learning curve is NOT right after your buddy got buried. Practice. Ask your buddies to go to class with you if they haven't had avy training. When I took my avy training in just two burial scenarios we went from finding 3 buried in 18 minutes (which is NOT good) to finding 2 buried in 8 minutes which isn't bad and was a major improvement but reality is that you really want to dig people out as quickly as possible. Every minute they are buried decreases their chances. Beacon practice is really important, and also having training in managing a rescue is important. Frequently either no one wants to take control, or everyone turns to the best rider in the group who may or may not have any actual avalanche training but is seen as the expert because of his riding skill. Someone is going to have to step up and take control.

Good books to read up on are:

Snowsense by Jill Fredston and Doug Fessler
Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper

I also find it helpful to ride with people with experience and try not to take more than one newbie at a time. Our riding group is usually about 4 people which is good for when someone sticks a sled in a creekbed or something. Experienced riders usually know tricks to get a sled unstuck, which is helpful. Make sure your riding buddies are trustworthy. Buddy up with one person in particularly that you keep an eye on and that keeps an eye on you, in the event something happens. You would be surprised how often you can get in trouble within visual distance of your riding group and they can't find you, especially in flat light.

 

[Rikster]

I put 200 miles on my M7 last spring and I did practice the carving and boondocking. You are definately right, once you tip your sled over and get past the fear of tipping over/falling off its alot easier riding in the powder. Thanks for the advice

 

[stum1967]

Get a gps unit with a base map of the areas you'll be riding and a trail map with long & lat, and make sure you know how to use it. When you are unfamiliar with the area you are riding, it is a must. It can get you back out if the weather changes or mark a broke down sled, or in our case last year give search and rescue a location for help.

 

[roughrider99]

Just my opinion but for a first timer going the mountains, you can read this and that, buy all the latest gear etc, I do alot of tour guiding for beginner mountain riders, and the best way to go about it is go riding with an experienced and knowledgeable friend who knows the mountains, no friend? That's ok look around for a reputable professional guide who does rentals as well, don't go and start throwin money at gear yet, take an avalanche class, try out different beacons to see what works best for you, lots of guide outfits rent avalanche gear aswell, a video can show how a sweet POW turn is done, but it doesn't help you try and cross that creek, show you how to get unstuck, or deal with other backcountry situations that may arise

A good guide will take you to an area that's within your abilties, they can show you tips and tricks for riding and safety, after you have made one trip with a guide, you have a starting point for knowledge on mountain riding that you can build on and you also have been shown an area which you can likely return too. And know that your going somewhere that's not gonna get you in above your head. I'm not sayin fork out big money for a your guide everyweekend but go with a good friend or a guide the first or even second time, just to get you started, my 2 cents

 

[knzee]

Just my opinion but for a first timer going the mountains, you can read this and that, buy all the latest gear etc, I do alot of tour guiding for beginner mountain riders, and the best way to go about it is go riding with an experienced and knowledgeable friend who knows the mountains, no friend? That's ok look around for a reputable professional guide who does rentals as well, don't go and start throwin money at gear yet, take an avalanche class, try out different beacons to see what works best for you, lots of guide outfits rent avalanche gear aswell, a video can show how a sweet POW turn is done, but it doesn't help you try and cross that creek, show you how to get unstuck, or deal with other backcountry situations that may arise

A good guide will take you to an area that's within your abilties, they can show you tips and tricks for riding and safety, after you have made one trip with a guide, you have a starting point for knowledge on mountain riding that you can build on and you also have been shown an area which you can likely return too. And know that your going somewhere that's not gonna get you in above your head. I'm not sayin fork out big money for a your guide everyweekend but go with a good friend or a guide the first or even second time, just to get you started, my 2 cents

Good advice right there...Take a couple guys who know the area besides the trails and aren't afraid to dig you out when you get stuck, and you will get stuck.

When you go with a local or someone who knows the area they should be able to keep you out of avy danger. I would say go to an avy class but most likely, if you have a good guide/friend that does this type of riding, you should not be in danger your first couple trips out. If you like it and plan on doing it more then buy it but avy packs, beacons, probes etc are a little costly and yes I know a life is worth more but You shouldn't be in any danger with the right guide/friend.

Work out a little before you go too. It is amazing how a day of deep snow boondocking can wipe someone out that dose not do it much.

 

[Rikster]

Thanks everyone for your prompt replies and advice. I do have a few good friends that go to the mountains every year and I will definately go with them or a guide for the first couple times. I did sign up for an avalanche class. Now we just need some snow!

 

[AKboondocker]

Id say always ride with guys better than you if you want to continuosly improve, but individually I would practice balance and throttle control. Try not to get used to riding with your feet all the way up in the footwells either. Stand up while riding, keep knees and arms slightly bent. In deep snow dont try to "steer" the sled. If you want to go right, turn skis left and use your body weight and throttle to accelerate and carry you through your turn and visa versa. Get used to switching from a neutral riding position with one leg on each board and switching to both feet on one side. youll eventually find the perfect amount of throttle and weight transfer to ride like a pro in less time than you think. The best riders Ive seen are guys that really LOVE riding. The guys that are kind of weekend warrior guys and arent really into riding because they love it generally ride like crap most of thier lives. Good luck.

 

[grizzly7]

Just my opinion but for a first timer going the mountains, you can read this and that, buy all the latest gear etc, I do alot of tour guiding for beginner mountain riders, and the best way to go about it is go riding with an experienced and knowledgeable friend who knows the mountains, no friend? That's ok look around for a reputable professional guide who does rentals as well, don't go and start throwin money at gear yet, take an avalanche class, try out different beacons to see what works best for you, lots of guide outfits rent avalanche gear aswell, a video can show how a sweet POW turn is done, but it doesn't help you try and cross that creek, show you how to get unstuck, or deal with other backcountry situations that may arise

A good guide will take you to an area that's within your abilties, they can show you tips and tricks for riding and safety, after you have made one trip with a guide, you have a starting point for knowledge on mountain riding that you can build on and you also have been shown an area which you can likely return too. And know that your going somewhere that's not gonna get you in above your head. I'm not sayin fork out big money for a your guide everyweekend but go with a good friend or a guide the first or even second time, just to get you started, my 2 cents

Great advice!!! Ride with some who has been doing it for a while!

 

[Sledbrain2]

I could not agree more than to hook up with a local or friend who has been there. This site should help you hook up with a local if you put out a feeler thread with enough time in advance for a particular riding area.

 

[shelbwyo]

I'm still fairly new to riding as well, but be willing to learn and take advice from someone that is more knowledgeable. I ride with my ol man and some older guys and they know their stuff... Find some good riding buddies that care about you and vice versa. Get equipment and know how to use it. Either get somebody to go with you that knows the are or get a guide. I'm finally getting more familiar with my sled and sleds in general and that extra know-how never hurt anybody. Above all be safe and have fun!

 

[papafinger1]

Wow there is some excellent advice on here. Being a flatlander and knowing that it is sometimes difficult to get any seat time at all until that first 10+ hr drive to the mountains I know sometimes too well how humbling the experience can be. Notice I said HUMBLE? Coupled with all of the great advice above you are certain to have a great experience. It is vital to check your ego at the base of the mountain especially as a first time mnt rider. If riding with experienced riders embrace their advice and go as far as asking them constant ?'s. You can discuss most of the basic riding techniques on the ride out which is a great start. It is one thing to understand the concept of mnt riding but an entirely different animal while trying to apply it on the mnt on terrain that you may have never seen before. Trust those techniques and let er rip. You will get stuck, will probably roll your sled, and struggle some. Who cares enjoy every bit of it and learn from those mishaps. Don't get frustrated and embrace the beauty of the country, the time with friends, and the opportunity to improve your riding skills. All these things will change your life. It did mine. Be safe and have a blast bud it is addicting!

papa

 

[PJ-Hunter]

Buy the "Schooled" DVD's by www.deviantsled.com it will help tremendously with riding techniques in powder.

Get s snobunje.

Take an avalanche class. I'll be teaching some in the Dakotas January 16, 17, 18. Info can be found on the schedule page at www.avalanche1.com

Have fun!

Mike, I totally disagree there. That video is made to help the advanced rider. Those two make it look easy and that's a good way for a newb to get hurt.

If you are a beginner, first of all get protection. Chest protector, knee pads and a good helmet. Avy gear is not necessary for the first few rides to acclimate yourself to the mountains and deep snow.

Start out by playing in meadows carving and the wrong foot forward technique. Move on to some small, not so steep hills and practice sidehilling and turning out. Gain some confidence before you start taking on the bigger stuff. Then get the avy gear and go bigger. Don't go bigger than you are comfortable with. That is the best way to say f*ck this I'm going back to trails. Patience, you aren't going to be climbing steep lines in the trees, dropping 30 footers and jumping gaps for a while. have fun, practice and be safe.

Once you get the hang of mountains, you won't wanna go back to racing trail sleds in MN.

 

[mikew5945]

1st, go find the biggest hill you got. Climb it and get stuck going uphill. Learn how to dig yourself out. Learn how to dig a flat area to pull your sled down to. Learn how to roll your sled by yourself. When you come out here you won't get help on a slope and don't help someone else. ONE SLED ON THE HILL AT A TIME. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Leave the alcohol at home.
Always, always use your head. It is OK to be the chicken. You know what you can do. Only push yourself when you have a plan or three to come out of it.
Ask for ideas, help and criticism.
Most important is to have fun....

 

[EagleRiverDee]

Sledshot.com does a number of beginner instruction videos that helped me to better understand carving and sidehilling techniques, etc. I'd check them out. Plus it's free, they have their videos posted on YouTube.

 

[RidewithChrisBrown]

1: take an avalanche course that has class and field instruction
2: buy a 3 antennae tranceiver, probe and shovel and carry the probe and shovel on your back.
3: practice tranceiver searches often
4: hire a guide or study the terrain on maps or google earth.
5: avoid start zones, slide paths and runouts
6: have fun!!!

You can learn a lot about what you should NOT be doing in those videos too. I have seen a lot of vids of a particular person that show very irresponsible riding in avy terrain (yes, in the trees) and sidehilling and highmarking above other people. Learn to become aware of where you are and what is around you. This could save your own and someone elses life.

Good luck!

 

[PJ-Hunter]

Pretty much with Chris Brown on this. The vids show how not to ride. Those guys are never wearing avy packs and are always running more than one at the same time on a steep hill. makes for a great video but one of these days they are gonna tape somebody dying. Got lucky twice with Burandt and that other guy.