Before you purchase a snowmobile you should make sure you have a complete snowmobile safety kit.
That's the advice Anna Zintl, president of the Mica Mountain Riders Association, would give anyone looking to get into the sport this winter. Zintl said she knows that snowmobiling is an expensive sport but having proper safety gear is paramount.
"I think it's really important to look at safety gear first before actually buying a snowmobile," Zintl said. "That includes things like a way to communicate with someone when you're out of cell service. In a lot of our riding zones across B.C., there is no cell service and if you have an older iPhone you can't use their satellite services. If your machine was to break down you have a way to reach out to someone to help you."
Zintl, a nurse and paramedic based out of the 100 Mile District General Hospital, has been snowmobiling for most of her life first taking part in the sport when she was around seven years old. She said she loves the freedom snowmobiling provides and the natural beauty she gets to see when out on a ride.
"I love being able to see untouched landscapes," Zintl remarked. "The things you get to see out there are absolutely phenomenal. (Earlier this month) when I was riding we saw one of those pine martens and the thing came right up to the snowmobile twice. We saw three separate martens that day and unless you're spending every moment out there, it's not often you can see something like that."
She's been a member of the Mica Mountain Riders for several years now. The association is dedicated to maintaining and promoting snowmobiling in and around the Mica Mountain recreation area and offers courses and workshops for beginner and inexperienced riders.
A proper snowmobile safety kit includes many items, ZIntl said. Some of the most important are the aforementioned satellite phone and a two-way radio but also avalanche gear including a shovel, a saw, a first aid kit, a fire starter kit, a beacon, a transceiver, a probe and a backpack or vest with an airbag in it. Zintl also recommends a chest protector in the result of a crash or being buried in an avalanche, in the worst-case scenario.
Once you've secured a safety kit, Zintl said making sure you have proper snowmobiling gear is the next step. This includes a helmet, a warm jacket, snow pants or a mono suit and a warm pair of gloves and boots. She also recommends having another set of gloves so that if your initial pair gets wet you can change into a dry pair.
"Snowmobiling is a pretty expensive sport and I think it's really important to spend the money to make sure you have your safety gear," Zintl said. "You're comfortable when you're riding because you're not cold and wet and you're not putting yourself or others at risk."
Once you're out there Zintl remarked there are other steps you can take to ensure your safety. This includes not riding in ways you're uncomfortable with and communicating with your ride partners if you are running into any issues. There's no shame in not being able to do jumps or ride through a tree line if your skills aren't up to it, Zintl said.
Not riding by yourself but instead going with a group is also important, she noted. Zintl said whenever she goes riding with her partner she frequently checks in with him on the radio so he knows how she's doing.
"My group knows I'm a nurse so they know if there is a medical issue I can jump into that right away. They also know who is the next person who has the best medical background," Zintl explained. "Really strong communication with your group and being very open and honest with them is important."
Zintl said that anyone who is starting out snowmobiling this year and would like to learn more about snowmobiling is welcome to attend some of the association's beginner and intermediate clinics being organized this winter.
The beginner snowmobile safety course will be held on March 12 while the intermediate course will be on March 13, both at the Mica Mountain recreation site. They'll also be hosting an avalanche safety course on Feb. 1 and 2 for anyone looking to brush up on their skills. To sign up for these courses or any of the association's events, the association can be reached at micamountainriders@gmail.com and Zintl can be contacted via zintlanna@gmail.com.
Zintl said that so far the conditions in the South Cariboo for snowmobiling have been better than last year and is hoping for more snow in the coming months. She encourages anyone interested in trying out the sport to do so this year while the snow lasts. She noted that the association grooms the trails leading from Mica Mountain's parking lot to their lodge which is perfect for riders of all experience levels to practice in.
"Don't be afraid to get stuck and don't be afraid to get out there and try it. I know it can be really intimidating for young people and women who haven't been out as frequently or aren't as comfortable," Zintl remarked. "Don't be afraid to try or reach out to the club for help or to see if we can set you up with someone (with experience)."
