Snowmobiling is more fun if you share it with friends. But where can you find riding buddies? In a nutshell, the seven best places to find people to snowmobile with are as follows:
- On the trail
- Snowmobile clubs
- Snowmobile events
- Dealerships
- Taking the safety course
- Online forums and social media
- “Take a friend snowmobiling” campaigns
If you want to learn more about these opportunities, keep reading. We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know under one roof!
7 Best Places to Find People to Snowmobile With
1. On the Trail
It’s safe to say that the easiest way to find others to ride with is by visiting local trails.
The trail system is typically used and maintained by local sledders who are happy to share their knowledge and experience. You can meet them and initiate conversations in the parking lot or trail-side restaurants.
2. Snowmobile Clubs
Another great way to make some new snowmobiling friends is by joining a local snowmobiling club. Where can you find these clubs?
You can make a good start by visiting the official website of The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA). You can find the contact details of most snowmobiling clubs and associations in the U.S. and Canada through this link!
What’s more, snowmobile clubs often contribute to maintaining local trails, so you will have a chance to do some volunteer work throughout the off-season. This helps you meet new people while being a helpful member of the community!
3. Snowmobile Events
Not only are snowmobile shows and events fun to visit, they are also great places to socialize.
Based on your interests, there are several options to choose from, like various snowmobile races (Sno-Cross, Ice oval, Asphalt drag, Grass drag), vintage shows, swap meets, and so on.
The best thing about visiting these shows and swap meets is that enthusiasts displaying their sleds are happy to chat about their machines and make some new friends.
4. Dealerships
Snowmobile dealerships may seem like a strange place to make some snowmobile friends. But dealers not only know their customers, they can also become friends as well!
Therefore, shops and dealerships are not only great places to buy gear and get your services done but they also offer excellent opportunities for networking.
Many snowmobile dealerships host events like demo rides, charity events, and more.
Since 2019, North American snowmobile manufacturers, dealerships, and associations organize the “International Snowmobile Celebration” event every year.
The idea came from Sweden, where this dealer-hosted event was called the “Day of the Snowmobile.” The intent was to celebrate the snowmobiling community and “warm-up” the enthusiasts for the following season.
5. Snowmobile Safety Course
When it comes to finding riding buddies, the snowmobile safety course is often overlooked. However, taking the safety course is an excellent way to meet other riders in your area who are also beginners but take safety seriously.
As a novice rider, you need these types of friends! Since you lack experience, you would have a hard time riding with experienced riders in the early days.
So, even if your state doesn’t require it, it’s highly recommended that you take the course if you haven’t already.
6. Online Forums and Social Media
There’s no question that one of the easiest ways to make new snowmobiling friends is to sign up for some online snowmobile forums and FaceBook groups. You can find many online communities and social media platforms dedicated to specific snowmobile brands, models, and even riding areas.
All of them are great places to discuss the sport while simultaneously making some new friends.
But if you are looking for some “offline friends” to ride with, best practice is to focus on the local forums. If you meet some friendly riders virtually, don’t hesitate to organize a trip with them!
7. “Take a Friend Snowmobiling” Campaigns
Last but not least, the “Take a Friend Snowmobiling Campaign” can also help you get into this sport and make some new friends.
This campaign is organized by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) every year to introduce newbies to the sport.
Studies show that there are a lot of new people who want to get into snowmobiling, but they don’t exactly know how to take the first step.
This is where this campaign comes into play! As part of these events, people have an opportunity to ride a snowmobile and discover the positive aspects of this winter outdoor activity.
As the clubs have fewer and fewer members every year, they are trying hard to recruit new members to save this fantastic sport.
Conclusion – How Can I Find People to Snowmobile With?
Riding a snowmobile is a unique experience, something that you can’t find anywhere else. Riding in a group always means more fun and safety, so sledders typically prefer riding in groups.
But if you are new to this sport, finding people to snowmobile with can be a little frustrating. So how can you find snowmobile friends? Here’s our list of the seven best places to start with:
- On the trail
- Snowmobile clubs
- Snowmobile events
- Dealerships
- Taking the safety course
- Online forums and social media
- “Take a Friend Snowmobiling” campaigns
As a final word, if you are a complete beginner, it’s highly recommended that you not ride alone for safety reasons. You don’t know when you will get stuck in deep snow or even need a tow after your sled has left you stranded!
