I recently went out to the big horns with my dad whose in his 50s. When he got stuck and had to get off his sled it was almost impossible for him to do anything because he would sink in past his hips and couldn't move. My question for those of you who are older/heavier how do you go about getting around in deep snow? I'm thinking about buying him a set of snowshoes!
How do you get around in the deep?
- Thread starter polaris dude
- Start date
The smarta__ answer is don't get stuck so you have to get off the sled, of course. I'm no expert (at working in deep snow, very much an expert in being old and fat) but for me it depends on what I'm trying to do next. If it's to dig out the sled I just start trying to stomp snow down until I've created a hole with a solid base. Getting started at that can be a real exertion. If I'm trying to move to another location, like get off my sled to help someone else who is stuck, I've found that crawling or even rolling can spread your weight out and keep you more or less on top of the snow. I'm sure there are others with better answers.
BTW, is the snow still that good in the Horns? Which end were you riding, north or south?
BTW, is the snow still that good in the Horns? Which end were you riding, north or south?
My 60 year old Dad just takes things really slow... Gets off, steps around a bit, padding the snow down, takes a break once he's out of breath, does it again, digs when he has to...
Slows our day down sometimes, but we usually have really good conversations during these times, so it goes by quickly.
Slows our day down sometimes, but we usually have really good conversations during these times, so it goes by quickly.
My 82 year old Dad sits on his seat until I pull up beside him so he can step from his running board to mine he takes my sled and rides while I dig his out
it's payback time for helping me out when I was a kid its all good. By the way he rides a 163 x skidoo and still gives her on the hill, pretty cool!
it's payback time for helping me out when I was a kid its all good. By the way he rides a 163 x skidoo and still gives her on the hill, pretty cool!
That's awesome!
i weigh in about 280 and i found that crawling usually does me pretty good.
yep..other then digging the sled out....crawling on all fours works fine for me..
Another vote on the crawling and rolling, I am 6'0 and 310 with gear on and its tough on deeeep days plus drink a couple 5 hour energy shots or monster or red bull whatever you like. Also keep drinking your water, you might be surprised how important this really is.
T
theultrarider
Well-known member
Yep, at 50, I am still usually the one running around digging all the kids (20 something) out... And when I get off of my sled, if I sink past my waist (which at 250 is often) bend your legs at your knees and use your lower legs as snow shoes. Makes a big difference. When it's really deep and soft, I will lay down and roll or belly crawl.
Yep...I just sit on the seat and wait for tim(the ultrarider) to come get me unstuck.....
mostly I just start packing snow with the feet till I get it done..resting often to make sure I dont cause myself a heart attack....(I notice lots of guys rush to get unstuck...I always tell em..stop and catch your breath..dont push it so hard...
And Ricoshet, that is bad *** what you do for your day...
mostly I just start packing snow with the feet till I get it done..resting often to make sure I dont cause myself a heart attack....(I notice lots of guys rush to get unstuck...I always tell em..stop and catch your breath..dont push it so hard...
And Ricoshet, that is bad *** what you do for your day...
Yep deep days I just crawl..best way unless you want to strap on the shoes.
Crawl, roll and be somewhat less agressive, my riding buddy is 65 so we take it careful because we tend to be played out after 6 or 8 stucks. Also I now carry a jack, takes a lot longer but saves a lot of energy.
This was over spring break 2 weeks ago literally a day BEFORE the temps were constant 50s. Even then it was really windblown and the good snow was all in the trees.
My dad got a new sled this year though(went from a 1996 to an 09 iq) and just had trouble getting used to how tippy it was and things of that nature. He got stuck a little more than me and the other guy and tried to rush and get unstuck. I think I might adopt richoshet's tactic though I definitely have been dug out plenty of times by my dad
U
Unklsnomobile
Active member
At 340 plus gear I can relate. I often sink past my knees while the light weights (200 lbs) just run around. So first of all I got a 174" track. A little boost to make sure it turns fast. When I help others get unstuck, it is usually more work getting to them. I seriously considered strapping a set of snow shoes to the sled. My buddy even forwarded me an add for some. I think he felt sorry for me. It sure is a good work out, but I prefer the sled does most of it
In a few months I'll be 50 myself, my back is shot, my knees are shot, my elbows have lost their flexibility, my shoulders dislocate at the slightest hit, but for the most part I can still hang with most hotshot 25 year olds. I have learned to NEVER get stuck, if I do get stuck with my Pro I must have had a migraine inducing brain cramp. My Pro will creep along for 3 or 4 seconds giving me all kinds of time to plan a turnout, perfect sled for an overweight brokedown dinosaur.
T
theultrarider
Well-known member
Sorry Bout the red. Big thumbs, little phone!
Confused
Riding hard at 50 gives you a small phone? I ride with alot of older folks that I really look up to, some are real masters of the mountain, fun to watch. Some with hip replacements and knee replacements have a real knack for being one step ahead of the sled, this way they never have to ask for a helping hand.
Riding hard at 50 gives you a small phone? I ride with alot of older folks that I really look up to, some are real masters of the mountain, fun to watch. Some with hip replacements and knee replacements have a real knack for being one step ahead of the sled, this way they never have to ask for a helping hand.
N
nikeholley
Well-known member
Have tried the sno shoes some, not the handiest deal out there. Nice to have if you need to walk out, but a PITA getting around a sled, especially if it's in a tree or tight area.
I have found it's best to just have a good plan and work smart and steady.
After watching Amber un-stick and execute a 180* turn with an M1000 that was jammed in tight trees, I picked up some great tips on making it easier.
What I need to do is go on a frickin' diet !!!
Bag
I have found it's best to just have a good plan and work smart and steady.
After watching Amber un-stick and execute a 180* turn with an M1000 that was jammed in tight trees, I picked up some great tips on making it easier.
What I need to do is go on a frickin' diet !!!
Bag
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