New guy help

[MissoulaZ28]

My buddy and I are both fairly new to snowmobiling, a year or so of trail riding each. We are just starting to play on some smaller hills and powder areas. Any way my question is on the way back down the hill do I need to give it some gas and use turns to slow down, or s it alright to just let gravity pull you down and have the motor spin at whatever rpm's the the clutches spin it at?

Hope that makes sense, like I said I am a total newbie so I have stupid questions.

thanks
Barry

 

[2XM3]

no turns, blip throttle to keep clutches shifted out,pump brake,but do not lock it. Keep in heavy snow areas (acts to slow u down) you can also carefully "fishtail" the sled a bit to check your speed.

If you try and turn sharp you may roll it....going ups always easier btw...

 

[skibreeze]

Depends on your clutching and terrain. Some sleds are better at backshifting than others. Some respond well to keeping the clutching engaged. If you can stay in fresh snow, it will help you go slower. Just pushing one ski down in the powder can be very helpful, if the snow is soft enough. On wider slopes you can definitely try turning, in fact it is a skill that is fun to practice and will definitely keep you out of some hairy spots from time to time.

This vid is what you are ultimately aiming to be able to do. Be able to ride in damn near any terrain, about 1:25 in there is a sick downhill turn.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b0kDbV8lxU

 

[jcrjet]

Either way is acceptable. If you can get a little instruction from a decent mountain rider and learn how to turn uphill from a pointed downhill position, then you can pretty much go anywhere with confidence.

 

[MissoulaZ28]

thanks. I've never had a two stroke until these sleds, so I wasn't sure if the clutch turning the motor was bad with not having as much gas/oil entering for what the rpm's are. Up is definitely easier from what I've seen so far.

I just picked up a 98 ski-doo summit-x 670 to replace the indy that blew up on me.

 

[WingNutRacing]

good on ya

Good luck, and keep at it..

 

[RideRevy]

If your in deep snow just lean to either side and ride straight down. If your on hard snow just pump the brakes and hold on. Hope you have lots of fun, I know I did on my first trip to the mountains.