The snowmobile community will sponsor the 28th annual International Snowmobile Safety Week. This is a special event for the snowmobile community, including State and Provincial Snowmobile Associations, Visitors and Convention Bureaus, Chambers of Commerce, Snowmobile Clubs and local and state and provincial agencies joining together to recognize the importance of safe, responsible snowmobiling. Many groups highlight safety week by holding various snowmobile safety training programs. All of the efforts highlight the key position statements highlighted by the safety week efforts. Those key points include:

• Snowmobiling and alcohol don’t mix - Don’t drink and ride.
• Smart Riders are Safe Riders – Take a snowmobile safety training course.
• When night riding slow down – Expect the unexpected.
• Know before you go – Always check local ice conditions.
• Cross with Care.
• Know the risks and be prepared – Make every trip a round trip.
• One is the loneliest number – Never ride alone.
• Ride safe, stay on the trail – Respect private property.

Avalanche Awareness:
When snowmobiling in Avalanche terrain, always check the existing conditions. You can do so by visiting one of the two websites:

• United States: www.avalanche.org
• Canada: www.avalanche.ca

The five guidelines for mountain terrain riding:

• Get the Gear: Ensure everyone has an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe on their person and knows how to use them.
• Get the Training: Take an avalanche course.
• Get the Forecast: Make a riding plan based on the current avalanche and weather forecast.
• Get the Picture: If you see recent avalanche activity unstable snow exists. Riding on or underneath steep slopes can be dangerous.
• Get out of Harm’s Way: One at a time on all avalanche slopes. Don’t go to help your stuck friend. Don’t group up in runout zones.

This year we are continuing our effort that all snowmobilers must respect private landowners and public land and the land managers. We highlight the need to protect land use privileges and to stay on the trail and if you don’t know – don’t go. Remember to Take the Pledge at www.snowmobilerspledge.com.

Snowmobile Clubs and Associations / Federations are encouraged to invite local representatives from the business community to go snowmobiling and show them our known, safe riding standards. There is information available from the ISMA Office to help support your efforts. That information includes the Safe Rider video chapter series, with 13 videos, located on the www.snowmobile.org and www.gosnowmobiling.org websites. All of the videos are free and can be downloaded and used at local events. There is a Safety Week Manual available to download, from www.snowmobile.org, with ideas on how to set up a Safety Week event and get the International Snowmobile Safety Week recognized in your community.

During your campaign activities, we encourage you to take photos and share them with others on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GoSnowmobiling.

Snowmobiling is a Fun Family Activity where we must keep safety as a top of mind awareness issue.