SNOW MOBILES 

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The invention of the snowmobile is not credited to just one person.  The snowmobile has been said to have been invented as early as 1900.  However, the first prototype of the modern snowmobile was built in 1924 by Carl Eliason as the first gas powered snowmobile. Carl Eliason patented his work three years later and built about 40 snowmobiles, however, when Finland ordered over 175 for military use, Carl Eliason sold his patent to the FWD Company.

The snowmobile has been a popular winter past time for decades and has been improved upon over the years in a drastic measure. When snowmobiles first came out they only had about 5HP (horsepower) now they have 100-150HP.  Also, there is a great variety of after market accessories: hand guards, windshields, covers and seats, only to name a few.  Countless other gadgets are available on today's market that help increase power, maneuverability and value of a snowmobile. Most accessories and customization of accessories can be purchased straight off the showroom floor.

As with any other kind of machinery, moving or stationary, there are many dangers to riding snowmobiles but proper safety gear such as helmets, jackets, padded suits, etc., can help stop major injury.

Because some snowmobiles have bad maneuverability and high acceleration, it requires skill and physical strength to control a snowmobile. The greatest danger to a person riding snowmobile is an avalanche as more snowmobile riders die this way than any other.

Many snowmobile riders can and have drowned because they have driven their machines on unstable ice on ponds and rivers.  When a snowmobile breaks through any kind of thin, unstable ice the rider's heavy winter gear stops them from swimming easily or even floating.  Sometimes simply taking the time to read a warning sign is all it takes to be safe and stay out of harms way.

Snowmobiles are becoming more and more popular considering there are many areas where snowmobiles are now used that could not be accessed by people at all in years past. Most cars cannot get to a mountain slope or maneuver between trees and only well experienced hikers could walk such great distances, especially in winter conditions.

A growing number of environmental activists are concerned about the impact of snowmobiles on the environment.  The noise that snowmobiles make can scare wild life that, in winter, may be trying to hibernate.

There is a lot of options to chose from when buying a snowmobile.  Indeed, prices can be high.  However, with a lot of competition from companies like Yamaha, Polaris, Predator, Honda, Kawasaki and many more you willl surely be able to find a great bargain. 

No matter what make of snowmobile that you decide to purchase do remember this: Please never forget to stay safe and always wear a helmet!

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