Ice safety for snowmobiles

Driving on Ice

Many snowmobile trails and routes cross ice-covered lakes and rivers. Driving on ice requires knowledge and respect for the dangers, as the ice can vary significantly in thickness even on the same body of water.

Requirements for Ice Thickness

The ice thickness required depends on the weight of the vehicle. For snowmobiles with a driver, the following rule of thumb applies:

These numbers are guidelines. If in doubt, you should not drive out onto the ice.

Danger Zones

In some places, the ice is always weaker than the rest of the water:- Inlets and outlets of rivers and streams

• Areas with currents under the ice
• Around rocks and piers that conduct heat
• Places where snow insulates the ice and slows its growth
• Late in the season when the ice melts from below and from the edges

Be especially careful at transitions between water and land, where the ice is often thinnest.

Signs of weak ice

Learn to recognize dangerous signs:

• Dark spots in the ice indicating thinner ice or water underneath
• Cracks spreading and making sounds
• Water on top of the ice indicating that the ice is being pressed down
• The ice rocks or feels elastic under the snowmobile

Preparedness in case of breakthrough

If you or someone drives through the ice:- Bring ice picks around your neck to be able to climb up the ice edge

• Kick with your legs and pull yourself onto the ice in the direction you came from
• Once you’re up, roll yourself away from the hole to distribute your weight
• Get warm and dry clothes immediately to prevent hypothermia

Driving in a column

On ice, you should keep a good distance from the snowmobile in front. Several snowmobiles close together put more stress on the ice than a single one. Never drive side by side closely next to each other.

Test your rule knowledge with the free theory test .

Further reading

• Read about snowmobile safety for cold and avalanche awareness.
• Check snowmobile equipment for ice picks and emergency signaling.