How to drive a snowmobile
Check the video and read the instructions below, so when you're enjoying a snowmobile safari with us you will already be somewhat familiar with the guidelines. In any case and for safety reasons, our guides will make sure that you understand everything before our safari departs.
The driver of a snowmobile must be at least 18 years old and in possession of a valid driving license.
Children under 15 year of age will travel in a sledge pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. For your own safety and for the safety of others, driving a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol or any other narcotics is prohibited by Finnish law.
In case of an accident the self-liability risk is maximum 980 EUR /snowmobile/accident/driver, meaning that if you happen to crash the snowmobile you will have to pay the damages to a maximum of 980 EUR.
If, however, the cost of the damages is less than 980 EUR you will only be required to pay the actual amount.
Snowmobiles are insured as required by the Finnish Traffic Insurance Act. This insurance covers medical care for personal injuries caused by an accident to the driver, the passenger (if any) as well as any outside party, as determined in the policy of the insurance company. Personal travel insurance is still recommended.
On snowmobile safaris we are driving with 2 persons per snowmobile. It is also possible to drive the snowmobile alone when paying a single supplement.
On safaris we always drive in one line. The guide drives in the front, and you will follow behind keeping a safety distance of at least 20 metres between each snowmobile. This is so you will have enough time to react in case of an emergency.
It is completely prohibited to drive side by side, overtake other machines, or curve or speed up unnecessarily.
When we are driving you won’t be able to hear anything else than the sound of the engine and this is why we need to communicate by hand signals.
When your guide shows you a hand signal, please repeat it so that everybody in the line knows what is going on.
HAND SIGNALS:
RAISING OF LEFT HAND means PREPARE TO STOP!
It might take 20 metres or 50 metres but soon we are going to stop. When you see this signal, park your snowmobile as close as possible to the snowmobile in front of you so that a tight line is achieved.
LEFT HAND UP AND DOWN means LET’S GO!
WAVING LEFT HAND means ATTENTION, SLOW DOWN!
There might be a big bump, a tight curve, some oncoming traffic or maybe a reindeer on the track so slow down and pay extra attention to what's in front of you.
CROSSING THEIR HANDS. This is a sign which only the guides are using. It means "Stay on the snowmobile and don't move or go anywhere"
The guide may need to go back to check the situation. If you have any problems during the snowmobile safari just raise your left hand and park your snowmobile. Your guide will come help you. The driver sits on the front seat and has control of the vehicle.
Try to find a comfortable position, not too far or too close to the handlebars. The passenger sits behind the driver taking a good grip from the handles. All the time keep your feet on the foot rail.
The snowmobile is an easy vehicle to handle. The engine is fully automatic and you only need to use the accelerator and brake to control the speed.
Under your right thumb you will find the accelerator/gas and under you left hand the brake. Please do not use the accelerator and brake at the same time because it will damage the engine. The red button on top of the handlebars is the “kill switch”. When you press it down it will stop the engine.
You steer the snowmobile with the handlebars and most importantly your body weight. When you want to turn, you should turn the handlebars in the direction you want to go and at the same time shift your body weight to the inside curve.
Please do not try to start the engine yourself; experienced safari guides will always do that for you.
Please ensure that you respect our countryside and nature, and remember to dispose of your rubbish in a responsible manner.
Please note the guides are obliged to stop the safari every time they see a driver acting irresponsibly with the snowmobile.
The guides are responsible for the group and are authorised to stop the safari if a participant is seen as a potential danger to him/herself or to other participants, or if someone is in poor health.
