S
Stinky151
New member
Okay everyone, I need some input and maybe a gear recommendation....
My nine year old is riding his own sled and learning this year, but my five year old likes to come with us too. He mostly rides with his mom in front of her, the same way she grew up riding. I have a super light helmet and even his own beacon, and she pretty much exclusively stays on trails. I have been heavily involved in motorcycle safety my whole life, and all my kids have ridden with me as they got bigger. I love that the little guy is so into it and its great getting him outside.
Here is my concern.... The trail she loves to ride (canyon creek in NW Montana) requires us to pass through two avalanche zones. We have avy gear and are training with it. she mentioned getting some kind of harness though, to keep him attached to her if there is a slide. I love the concept, but in all my years involved in a state level moto safety program, I would NEVER want my kiddo attached to me. I can totally see her point though. She has been riding her whole life, and isn't a crazy rider, and wont go off trail. Hopefully next year or the year after we will buy a ski doo expedition with a two up seat for the two of them, but my concern in an avalanche is still there.
Now keep in mind we watch the forecasts and avoid avalanche country whenever possible, but many trails here pass through chutes, and you cant control the skiers higher up on the hill. They both wear their own beacon and she has started carrying a probe and shovel now too. We want the kids in the habit of all gear all the time.
Is a harness a terrible idea until he is a little bigger and it isn't needed? does it make sense since he is small to keep him attached to her? And does anyone have a rig they recommend?
I know some will say not to ride with a kid so young, and I respect your opinions, but leaving him home isn't an option. Has anyone else ridden with a harness like this? In a worst case scenario that a slide over runs the trail, will it even keep them together? I appreciate everyones feedback.
My nine year old is riding his own sled and learning this year, but my five year old likes to come with us too. He mostly rides with his mom in front of her, the same way she grew up riding. I have a super light helmet and even his own beacon, and she pretty much exclusively stays on trails. I have been heavily involved in motorcycle safety my whole life, and all my kids have ridden with me as they got bigger. I love that the little guy is so into it and its great getting him outside.
Here is my concern.... The trail she loves to ride (canyon creek in NW Montana) requires us to pass through two avalanche zones. We have avy gear and are training with it. she mentioned getting some kind of harness though, to keep him attached to her if there is a slide. I love the concept, but in all my years involved in a state level moto safety program, I would NEVER want my kiddo attached to me. I can totally see her point though. She has been riding her whole life, and isn't a crazy rider, and wont go off trail. Hopefully next year or the year after we will buy a ski doo expedition with a two up seat for the two of them, but my concern in an avalanche is still there.
Now keep in mind we watch the forecasts and avoid avalanche country whenever possible, but many trails here pass through chutes, and you cant control the skiers higher up on the hill. They both wear their own beacon and she has started carrying a probe and shovel now too. We want the kids in the habit of all gear all the time.
Is a harness a terrible idea until he is a little bigger and it isn't needed? does it make sense since he is small to keep him attached to her? And does anyone have a rig they recommend?
I know some will say not to ride with a kid so young, and I respect your opinions, but leaving him home isn't an option. Has anyone else ridden with a harness like this? In a worst case scenario that a slide over runs the trail, will it even keep them together? I appreciate everyones feedback.