October 2019 • 611
Start early, finding
deals takes time.
However, if you are six
months or more ahead of
your riding season, remem-
ber to anticipate your child’s
growth.2
If possible, purchase
gender neutral colors
and styles. Having
gender neutral options
makes it easier to pass the
gear down to younger chil-
dren and broadens the audi-
ence if you chose to sell the
item once your children have
outgrown it.3
If you are renting your
snowmobile, check to
see if they offer cloth-
ing rentals. This may be your
best option if you are only
going once or twice a year.4
Give gear to your chil-
dren or spouse as
birthday or holiday
gifts. Incorporating gear into
your holiday budget mightmake it easier to swallow.5
Get involved with your
local snowmobiling
club, this is a group of
like-minded individuals that
will be a great resource for
purchasing and selling gear,
as well as knowing where to
find items locally.6
Stops at warming
huts, bonfires in the
backcountry, and res-
taurants on the trail do won-
ders for less than stellar
gear. Make sure to plan for
these stops when taking
younger riders.7
Test your gear on
shorter rides to make
sure it is adequate. If
your gear is not up to grade
it is better to know that on a
2-hour ride rather than a
10-hour ride.8
Make sure your kids
are old enough to
communicate whenthey are cold, and check
with them often. As a driver,
you are often out of the wind
and using a lot of energy to
keep you warm. Your two-
up rider might be more
exposed to the elements
and isn’t working as hard.
Communication is key to
keep everyone not only
comfortable, but safe as
well.9
Take backups. Taking
kids means you will
never pack light. An
extra pair of goggles, socks,
and gloves (even boots if
you have them) should
always be taken in case they
get wet. Your back up set
doesn’t need to be expen-
sive, but you should have
them.10
Check the weath-
er. Warmer days
are the best for
bringing kids, especially if
you are introducing them to
the sport.11
Remember to
layer clothing for
variations in tem-
perature. Wearing layers is
the best riding option for
you, and kids are no differ-
ent. A good base, mid, and
top layer will help to ensure
your kids are comfortable if
the conditions change. Stay
with moisture wicking mate-
rial, cotton is not your best
option.11 T O P GEAR TIPS FOR FAMILIES
WARM EQUALS HAPPY With a good-fitting helmet, coat, pants, boots and toasty gloves the
kids will be all set for a great day on the snow with mom and dad.NAME COAT PANTS GLOVES BOOTS SOCKS HELMET BALACLAVA GOGGLES
ELLA WOMEN'S SMALL WOMEN'S SMALL WOMEN'S SMALL WOMEN'S SIZE 6 ADULT SMALL ADULT SMALL ADULT SMALL ADULT SMALL
KIDS EXTRA LARGE KIDS EXTRA LARGE (SIZE 14) KIDS EXTRA LARGE KIDS SIZE 4-4.5
SIMON KIDS 4-6 KIDS 4-6 KIDS SMALL KIDS SIZE 2 KIDS MEDIUM KIDS LARGE KIDS MEDIUM KIDS MEDIUM