Preseason Snowmobile Gear Check (2023)

Here at SnowBigDeal, we are beyond stoked for this year's riding season. We've already had a fair amount of snow accumulation in our mountains, along with most of the West. We hope the trend continues and this year provides plenty of powder for all of us thrill-seekers.

Don't spend your season struggling with your gear. We recommend that riders complete a thorough snowmobile gear check to get the most out of any riding season. Ensuring your equipment is in decent shape and ready to go will give you the freedom to get out there and enjoy the snow hassle-free. Gear checks are also vital in avalanche preparedness. Before any ride, you should ensure that your avalanche safety gear is operational and that you understand how to use it. Here are a few things you should check before your first ride.

Avalanche Rescue Beacon/Transceiver

Checklist

1. Check for any signs of corrosion and clean battery terminals.
2. Replace beacon batteries with a fresh set.
3. Test your beacon functionality and practice.

If you ride in the backcountry and you don't already have an avalanche transceiver, you should. Avalanche beacons are our #1 recommended pieces of avalanche safety equipment. SnowBigDeal has a large beacon selection you can browse here.

Ideally, in the springtime, you removed the batteries from your avalanche beacon and stored the device in a dry environment for the off-season. Beacon batteries will leak and corrode over time which can affect the beacon's battery terminals and electrical components. Corrosion left unchecked can permanently damage your device. Before your first ride, you should check your avalanche beacon's battery compartment for any sign of deterioration and properly dispose of old batteries. Remove any corrosion from the battery connections and battery compartment. Replace batteries with a brand new, fresh set. Cleaning battery debris does not guarantee that your beacon is functional or reliable. Before any ride, it is vital that you test and practice with your beacon. Test your beacon several times in transmit and search modes. If your transceiver is buggy or inaccurate, it may be time to upgrade.

Avalanche Airbag Pack

There are two main types of avalanche airbag packs: (1) electronic airbag packs and (2) canister/cartridge airbag packs.

As with avalanche beacons, during the off-season, riders should remove batteries from their electronic airbag systems and stow packs in a dry location. Invasive corrosion can permanently damage the expensive electronic systems of these packs. Canister airbags can be stored with or without a connected canister. Always refer to your manufacturer's manual for proper storage and maintenance instructions. Before your first ride, check your avy bag battery compartment for any signs of decay and properly dispose of old batteries (if present). Carefully remove any debris from the battery connections and the battery housing. Charge the airbag system and replace the batteries with a fresh set. Some electric airbag packs, like the Klim Aspect 16, may require the system to be charged via the power cable before the airbag becomes functional. Brushing away corrosion does not guarantee that the airbag system will perform as intended. We encourage frequent testing and deployment, especially before each ride. For canister airbag packs, ensure that your canister is full and pressurized to the manufacturer's recommendation and properly installed. We recommend always having a spare canister refill on hand.

For ABS canisters, weigh the canister without the cap to verify the canister is full. Canisters should weigh within 10 grams of the labeled weight (typically shown on a white sticker). We recommend a test fire if the weight is more than 10 grams off.

Radios

Backcountry radios are a favorite accessory among outdoor recreationists. Users should avoid battery corrosion, common with electronic devices, through careful long-term storage and routine maintenance. Some radios, like the BC Link 2.0, have internal batteries that cannot be removed. Protect battery health by storing internal-battery radios at full charge. To save time on the sled, preset your channels before your ride.

Other Electronics - Heated Gloves, Goggles, and Jackets

Heated gear is becoming more and more popular among winter sports enthusiasts. Heated goggles like the 509 Sinister X7 Ignite Goggle help prevent fogging and increase riders' visibility. It is beneficial to clean goggle lenses before and after each ride for optimal clarity.

Heated gear requires similar maintenance as previously mentioned electronic devices. For long-term storage, remove the batteries from the device, if possible, and stow it in a dry location. Take adequate measures to prevent corrosion and carefully remove degradation when present. At the start of each riding season, properly dispose of old batteries (if present) and replace them with a fresh set. Test your gear before your ride to avoid unpleasant surprises. Follow manufacturer guidelines on proper storage and maintenance of each device.