Preparing to Ride

Dressing for Cold Weather

Wear clothing that will keep you warm and dry. The “wind chill factor” can lower the temperature considerably. For example, suppose the thermometer reads 30° Fahrenheit. If you ride at 25 miles per hour, the wind chill temperature drops to 16° Fahrenheit.

• Dress in layers, which offer superior insulation. As the weather warms up, you can shed a layer at a time to stay comfortable. Three layers are recommended.
  • A vapor transmission layer (material such as polypropylene): Worn next to the body, it draws moisture from the skin while retaining warmth.
  • An insulating layer: Weightier or bulkier than the first layer, it holds warm air around you. Use wool in dry conditions, and synthetics or fleece in wet conditions.
  • A protective outer layer: Available in various weights and materials according to conditions, it protects the inner layers from water and wind.
• Wear a warm ski mask or other head covering under your helmet.
• Wear gloves with gauntlets to prevent cold air from blowing up your sleeves.
• Use a turtleneck shirt or dickey to keep your neck warm.
• In extremely cold weather, wear two layers of socks—a heavy wool pair over a light pair.
• Do not wear:
  • A scarf or loose clothing, which can get caught in the moving parts of your snowmobile or in branches and bushes
  • A bubble-type face guard, which may frost up

The wind chill temperature is given in the body of the table. The National Weather Service issues a Wind Chill Advisory when wind chills are expected to reach -10˚ F. A Wind Chill Warning will be issued when wind chills are expected to be -20˚ F or lower.