I watch these videos every fall in preparation for the upcoming season. Thanks for making videos that are informative and to the point, they’ve made me a better off trail rider.
I and my wife are new to riding sleds, I have years of motorcycle experience street and dirt in Florida. My wife doesn’t ride a motorcycle that doesn’t have three wheels but wants us to buy two sleds when we move to Alaska at the end of ‘24 I am saving all the good videos on riding and repair that I find and this video you made is one of them. We only rode a sled on a guided tour one time so this video is extremely useful for us. Thanks Brother, Fred Tanner 👍😎👍
Dan, I have been riding for 10 years with some guys that seem to make it look so easy. I have struggled with confidence and been frustrated more times than not trying to keep up. This year I have been watching your videos and putting them to practice and I will say that riding has become far more enjoyable!!! My confidence is sky high and have been places already this year that I normally wouldn't go!! I just want to say thank you!!!!
@@ltsmonke I have found the videos to help a lot. Every time I go and ride this year I have really put all my focus into practicing what Dan teaches. I will keep doing that until it becomes natural. Helps out a lot!!!!!
@@NextLevelRidingClinics thank you guys for taking the time to make videos! It's hard to watch your buddies that make it look easy sometimes and apply what they do. The step by step break down with an explanation is awesome!!! And it works!!!
This video taught me to carve last year thanks for the tips. I'm 13 and I ride a 2009 Ski-doo Renegade 600 with a motor out of a 600RS. It was my first sled that could actually go around a corner (I only had late 90s MXZ's and Arctic Cats before) but I've always done crossover riding even with those older sleds and being able to carve improved my riding a lot. I always tried to just be in a neutral position and lean with countersteer, I never caught onto opposite foot forward until this video
Great video lesson. I ride snowmobiles for work on powerline right of ways ...I've taken riding courses regularly..but i got to say this short video had more good tips than most snowmobile safety courses
Good stuff Dan. This will just be my second year riding in deep powder out here in Oregon. I was a flat land rider for years and still adjusting to the vast amount of differences. I have been watching all your video's and they have been very helpful i am just trying to build more riding confidence for sure. I definitely need to try and make it out there to Idaho to attend your clinics I think it would be very helpful..
Thanks Ryan, comments like this really mean a lot. Good to hear the videos are helping. It would be great to see you at one of our clinics in the future. Thanks for watching.
My biggest flaw is shifting my weight in certain situations like turns and hills as he stated. I've caught my sled wanting to tip in corners even though I feel that I am shifting my weight as necessary. Definitely hits my confidence as I feel I have no control over the sled.
I’ve only been twice I’m throwing the idea around of investing into a sled, I definitely haven’t had more fun than frustrating moments from lack of knowledge and confidence. Thanks for the advice and helpful tips
I just started riding last year and have made all these mistakes. I am still working to build confidence and get the side hill figured out. Thanks, Dan, for all of these videos! Extremely helpful.
I went snowmobiling for the first time a few weeks ago at rabbit ears pass and wish I watched this video beforehand. It was 8 hours of the hardest thing I've ever done. I'm a seasoned motocross/supercross racer and figured I could pick it up pretty quick, I was absolutely humbled at the end of the day. Thanks for making these vids for us new guys!
Hi Dan! I've been riding over 45yrs and man how the sleds have changed!!! I ride western Quebec area so never had a mountain sled. I trap so I've had a number of wide track sleds. I bought a 2019 Titan XC last year and it is a blast to ride. This year I got myself 2020 850 SKS 155...first ride I tried to blip the throttle make a sharp turn and fell flat on my side in the snow...laughed at myself while flipping the machine back upright...took me about an hour playing in an open field to get the hang of it. The Titan is fun but the SKS crazy fun. Going riding in Chicoutimi with some friends that almost 20yr younger than me. I'm watching your videos and hoping I can keep up with them!!!
Love the vids. Some of the best out there. Not the “look at me and my $40K boosted sled” pretentious crap on other channels just trying to sell stuff. Great tips.
Good video, been at this sport since the early 90's. Your last point of being confident is so often overlooked or taken to the point of over confidence. Which can land you in a tough spot lol Keep up the good work! !!
Thank you for the great video, I'm new to the next generation sleds, I bought a new 2020 Pro RMK 800 155, only have 109 miles on it, however the sled is absolutely amazing. When i first rode it, it felt very trippy, and I thought.. oh no, did I get the wrong sled for me... I rode 1980 sleds years ago, but every time i get on it, only rode it 3 times so far, i absolutely respect the machine and love it more each ride, i rode it in some deep powder and honestly i could not believe how amazing this sled really is, i can see why experienced riders love it so much, your videos help a lot, I'm just a beginner but will do my best to get out and practice as much as I can. This sled is truly incredible and I want to be able to handle the pro rmk the way it is made to be rode. Thanks again, I'm 45 years old and I'm thinking this sled will keep me young as long as I can keep up to the sled. Lol, take care this season.
Yeah, especially in that grainy "ground coffee" snow that we get here (Finland) in March, when you're on a heavy machine like a Yeti, Commander or Viking. But it's even worse when you get stuck with a lighter machine, especially if has a narrow track and skis. Have fun with that! Would also like to maybe add a couple of new techniques to existing experience.
The entire point of these videos is to build the confidence to know exactly how and where to use the machine. The sled doesnt get stuck. The rider does. These machines will go anywhere and do anything your heart will desire. Its getting out of your head, keeping your chin up to the changes in snow, and knowing when to use the throttle for control. These keys points are far more important than sled recovering. Blaming snow conditions is a crutch for poor habits while operating a sled.
@@sssPUNKyyy hello from the state's! What is your snowmobile season like in Finland? Typically how much snow do you get? Speaking of yeti...... Are there any Sasquatches in Finland?
Great video. A couple things. Teaching new riders to practice powder turns in a meadow, so they can use that technique to change direction instantly on the mountain. Plus, how to use your legs against the machine to steer while climbing.
Totally awesome video and tips!! As a former pupil of your classes, I can say for me, the biggest teaching moment was to LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO!! I was unknowingly only looking 10-15 feet in front of my skis, which equals a major fail, like driving though a pine tree at full throttle. Now I intentionally over exaggerate looking in the direction I need to go, wether on my sled, riding my KTM or driving my truck. This simple thing is a game changer people!!
Bang on bud. I’m going from a 96 mxz 583 to 2019 850 summit 154 and that’s everything I do. Don’t breath. Not looking forward to what’s coming. Awesome video. Thanks.
A lot of great info here and I agree that you can never stop learning. I’ve been riding sleds since 8 years old I’m 54 now and these newer sleds with the rider forward position makes off trail riding so much more fun and controllable. The only thing I slightly disagree with you is on the gold finger (left side throttle). Maybe it’s because I’m from the east, we don’t see the depths of fluff that you are riding in. Definitely we have seasons with some serious snow anyways in my opinion only the left side throttle in certain situations has made the difference from getting stuck or just being able to manipulate the throttle from the left side of the sled with the mountain bar and not leaning across the sled to use the RS throttle. Just my opinion. Thanks for the great videos and as I said above were always learning no matter how many miles we’ve rode. If your not pushing yourself and trying new things you can’t find out what works and what doesn’t. Always out to #1 have fun and improve my riding experience!!! Many thx
I’ve been riding for over 20 years and it’s only been the last few years that I started to really get it. Thanks to you and the other pros that explain in detail the simple things that make off trail riding easy and fun. Keep up the good work.
Awesome video, thank you. I ride a trail sled for work everyday and these tips are certainly going to make a difference. I found out the hard way that not carrying momentum and the sled taking the fall line recently so this is super helpful. Thanks again! Question, how can I have more control on a flat or mild cambered trail in icy conditions?
Dan, I appreciate your public tips. it's good for the community at large. I hope to run into you someday, maybe near Blind Bull, or something more challenging out in the boonies!
All very good tips! Every ride I catch myself with out a finger on the brake, working on bad habit we had for long time can be hard. Keep up the good work Dan, making us better rider every video.
It can be hard to break those habits for sure, try riding with a finger on the brake all the time even on the trail. It will help build that muscle memory. Thanks for watching
Thanks for the informative video. Ive had snowmobiles since 1984 but this is only my 4th year of riding mountain sleds in the deep powder. I'm slowly improving and videos like this help. I'm headed to Utah to ride on Thursday and hope to remember all of these tips. Mountain riding sure is fun but way different than all the flatlander stuff I know.
I rented an alpha and got stuck at least 10 times, hit a couple of trees and finally busted the right suspension but kept riding the rest of the day. Yeah this was my first time riding off trail in deep snow. It was a pain in the but and cost me alot of money, but it was fun as hell and today i bought my first own snowmobile, an polaris khaos. Will definitely keep your words of advise in the back of my head. Thanks
Thanks for the video. I bought a 2005 RMK 900 and it's definitely been a learning experience trying to ride and enjoy it. I'll be thinking about these tips next time out.
Just bought a couple sleds and have watched most of your videos. Thanks for the advice and the knowledge you share for us Noobs! Every time I go out I practice what you teach. And each time I get better and more confident. Thanks again!
Good tips. We do a lot of ice fishing and encounter slush. I've seen many people slow down or just stop and then get stuck, a big mistake. If you are in this situation one should pin it and find solid ground on shore or a previous sled track that is frozen. He sure to clean out the slush from the track ASAP.
Thank you! Not a new sledder, but I've been away for a longtime. I do ride a dual sport bike, and some of your technique is similar to it. I'll have to learn more. Right now I'm building ride time on an 03 Arctic Cat 900. Tracks, trails and icefishing, then powder.
I've had a little advantage, having grown up in the 80's riding phazer's, and other pre mtn sled machines, so momentum and adapting to new techniques as the sleds advanced, was kinda intuitive. Here's the real trick part though, sleds are so advanced, and easy to ride now, within a few rides you'll be amazed at where you can go, the learning curve has been shortened dramatically!
@@BaldDogM71: It was as close to a mtn sled as we had at the time. Everything else sat really low, and were heavy lake racers. In deep Wa cascade snow, the phazer's broke trail for everyone else. Kinda funny to think now, having to break trail on logging roads, but if it was deep snow, that was actually a challenge at the time.
@@joel387ktm: Yup without having experience, a feel for momentum, reading terrain, and snow conditions. I've seen new riders get into stuff, that can be really hazardous, and they don't even know it.
More riding tips please. I struggle with side to side carving. Feels foreign, especially right turns.. I'm using counter steer and leaning. Maybe just more seat time? Please keep this rolling Dan. Much appreciated and look forward to tech riding tips.
If you haven't already check out some of the older videos on our channel. The 5 Mountain Riding tips, Sidehilling 101 and Throttle Blip all have some info that may help. Thanks for watching.
great video last weekend was my first weekend riding in the sticks and everything you went over were things i found myself not doing an ending up stuck
Your videos are the best! I am new to snowmobiling but loving it every time I go out. I actually just did a whole engine swap on my 2013 rmk assault. I have to constantly remind myself of all these tips and tricks. Hopefully with enough practice I can do it the right way without thinking about it so much. Keep up the videos !
All great points/reminders. Just home from my first trip west and can relate to all of them. However, i can also relate to seeing the success that comes from doing the right thing, eyes up, momentum, etc. And can understand just how I ended up stuck below "that" tree [which I looked at because I didnt want to hit it, rather than looking where I wanted to go]......Looking forward to continued success and confidence ! Tnx Dan/Nxt Lvl
Its very interesting. I have been riding for 15 years but have also been fighting side hills because Im constantly trying to do what I was shown instead of doing what feels more natural. Natural is closer to what you have shown.
One of the biggest things that drained all my riding energy was getting stuck and helping others get unstuck. My first year of riding I could hardly ride 2 days in a row because the simple stucks soaked up too much time and energy. Some people swear by the shovel and boot stomping method - I’ve learned that ski pulls, kicking a bit of snow under the track, or just flattening the snow below the belly pan is all it really takes to make a simple stick stay just that.
Dan, Dan, Dan....I feel like you've been watching me from behind the trees....again. I've had my 850 PRO 163x3 out about a dozen times now and try to practice when I can. These last couple trips out have been kind of practice free tho (But with good reason). Many renters out here on the trail systems up by Grand Lake, and just as many stuck renters. Lots of time getting them unstuck from the 4+ foot deep side spots OFF the trail, or trying to run up the face of Gravel Mtn with a passenger on a 900 Ski Doo and no knowledge of how to even do it (Part throttle, no power, and no momentum). Seen a few roll back down the hill with parts flying. I learned a lot last year on how to get unstuck with my underpowered 600 ACE, and that training has come in handy this year helping others. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that we all get off the mtn safe. And I once again thank you for your efforts thru these videos. You've saved my butt, and I've been able to pass it on. Keep up the good work....
Thanks for the feedback Dave and good to hear the videos are helping.You are exactly right that getting home safe should always be the priority. Keep up the progression and for your support of the channel.
Good information, I am a good and very experienced dirt bike rider, just got into snowmobiles and feeling awkward and frustrated trying to get it up on edge and turn like in this video. (my first ride) Thanks for the great video, I am anxious to practice these techniques. I couldn't get it on edge and carve, just following the slope awkwardly like you said. Being a dirt bike rider it was really frustrating, so nice to see what to do to overcome these issues. Like you said I felt like I was riding a sofa. LOL
This is probably the best and most helpful video you've done to date. Thank you, it explains alot to beginners, I wish I had seen this before I had to try everything the hard way! This series is really helping my friend who is on his first season of riding.
Thanks, just got invited to a Jackson Hole weekend ride. Never been on a sled. Looks like you ride like an ATV on packed trails, and ride like a road-race motorcycle on deep powder and 'hang off' to turn. Will practice what I've learned here. I'm a dirt-biker and Blackwater 100 vet and ridden with Iron Man Sloan and Dave Coombs.
Great info Dan, was curious about a video for jumping.Not busses or anything but just some solid advise to takeoff and landing techniques, or possibly dropping into steep chutes or summiting out of them, Thanks again!
Felt good that I already practice a lot of these tips, this was also super helpful! Going to work on momentum, and continued confidence! Any time I’ve had a hiccup riding it’s because I’ve second guessed myself. Subscribed!
Awesome Dan. Everything you've said is what I struggle with. Also I dont get enough time to ride! Maybe when i get back from this deployment I can make it over to one of your classes
First of all, great video! Very detail for a person who has never ridden in a mountain setting. Looks like it would be a great time and with a little Guidance maybe even better. Thanks for your time!
First off, great video! Second, I think a big part of the mistakes comes from two things: inexperience and HP. I've been riding 35+ years. (God, I'm getting old.) The advantages of today's machines are vast (i.e., big HP, bigger footprint, aggressive tracks). Some of the basic things you mentioned were a given when you couldn't call on the machine to just do it for you. I ride a 4-stroke these days and it's much the same. The lack of extreme low end makes me approach things differently. Most of the 2-stroke guys want to be ski-up and trenching that they forget about flotation and finesse. Being a beginner rider these days . . . I can't imagine the possibilities and confusion. Good job breaking it down. I think demoing some techniques with a variety of sleds (and sled types) would be cool.
Dan Excellent video thanks.. this helped me a lot never too good to learn more... I also learned suspension set-up as well for rider weight this was another key tool.. Thank you again keep them posting its huge help...
Nice video, I have learned a lot both from you and my friends. But the hardest part for me is to learn to sidehill on both sides so to say. On when side no problems but on the other side almost impossible :(
Great video Dan! I'm from Michigan so I typically only get to ride the mountains once a year. I ride in Pinedale, hoping to do a clinic with your outfit someday. The guy I ride with from pinedale has done your clinic, and he has helped me a great deal over the last couple years. Really appreciate what you do for the sport!
Hey guys would love to learn how to stop being high sided by the sled. And how to cross a creek. (Not one with water, but a creek line with two sides. One to drop in and one to come out)
I needed this video before I ever even hopped on my sled! I've tipped over my 4 stroke "tank" 3 out of the 6 times I've been out, and that was just trying to come out of a ditch every time lol
One of the worst parts of having a 4stroke sled is that when that big monster rolls over, even if it doesn't have you pinned down odds are its over there leaking motor oil all over and setting you up to be stranded.
Thank God I'm not the only one singing and talking to myself in my helmet
hahaahhaahaha
i get into arguments,..... with myself
Omfg all the time!
I do it on the bike and the snowboard🤣🤷♂️
i’m dead 😵 😂 ahhaahah
I watch these videos every fall in preparation for the upcoming season. Thanks for making videos that are informative and to the point, they’ve made me a better off trail rider.
Awesome thanks for watching 🙏🙏
I and my wife are new to riding sleds, I have years of motorcycle experience street and dirt in Florida. My wife doesn’t ride a motorcycle that doesn’t have three wheels but wants us to buy two sleds when we move to Alaska at the end of ‘24 I am saving all the good videos on riding and repair that I find and this video you made is one of them. We only rode a sled on a guided tour one time so this video is extremely useful for us.
Thanks Brother,
Fred Tanner 👍😎👍
Dan, I have been riding for 10 years with some guys that seem to make it look so easy. I have struggled with confidence and been frustrated more times than not trying to keep up. This year I have been watching your videos and putting them to practice and I will say that riding has become far more enjoyable!!! My confidence is sky high and have been places already this year that I normally wouldn't go!! I just want to say thank you!!!!
Thats awesome Josh, great to hear the videos are helping your riding. Thanks for the support.
The throttle is your friend. that can be a tough one to integrate. good luck.
Same here, its really hard to keep up sometimes
@@ltsmonke I have found the videos to help a lot. Every time I go and ride this year I have really put all my focus into practicing what Dan teaches. I will keep doing that until it becomes natural. Helps out a lot!!!!!
@@NextLevelRidingClinics thank you guys for taking the time to make videos! It's hard to watch your buddies that make it look easy sometimes and apply what they do. The step by step break down with an explanation is awesome!!! And it works!!!
Your tutorials have made me 10 times better than I was just a year ago!!! You opened up new worlds for me and I'm thankful!!! Keep up the good work!!!
Thats what we like to hear Frank. Thanks for watching.
This video taught me to carve last year thanks for the tips. I'm 13 and I ride a 2009 Ski-doo Renegade 600 with a motor out of a 600RS. It was my first sled that could actually go around a corner (I only had late 90s MXZ's and Arctic Cats before) but I've always done crossover riding even with those older sleds and being able to carve improved my riding a lot. I always tried to just be in a neutral position and lean with countersteer, I never caught onto opposite foot forward until this video
Nice bro! I’m 14 and am on a 2020 skidoo turbo and can finnaly keep up for the most part with my dad who is very good on a sled
@@rykercarlson2131 spoiled
Great video lesson. I ride snowmobiles for work on powerline right of ways ...I've taken riding courses regularly..but i got to say this short video had more good tips than most snowmobile safety courses
Must be fun😊
Windsurfing was the same deal. Comparatively effortless after mastered. Thank you very much for this information.
Good stuff Dan. This will just be my second year riding in deep powder out here in Oregon. I was a flat land rider for years and still adjusting to the vast amount of differences. I have been watching all your video's and they have been very helpful i am just trying to build more riding confidence for sure. I definitely need to try and make it out there to Idaho to attend your clinics I think it would be very helpful..
Thanks Ryan, comments like this really mean a lot. Good to hear the videos are helping. It would be great to see you at one of our clinics in the future. Thanks for watching.
Trail riding here in the Sierra Nevada, often breaing trail in deep fresh powder, is brutal and unforgiving. But it makes us stronger riders!
Some of the techniques that you describe remind me of when I took my motorcycle course. I super enjoyed this video.
Been binge watching your videos as Im going pick up my first sled on Saturday
That’s awesome man best of luck and remember to make each day on the snow count!!!
My biggest flaw is shifting my weight in certain situations like turns and hills as he stated. I've caught my sled wanting to tip in corners even though I feel that I am shifting my weight as necessary. Definitely hits my confidence as I feel I have no control over the sled.
I’ve only been twice
I’m throwing the idea around of investing into a sled, I definitely haven’t had more fun than frustrating moments from lack of knowledge and confidence. Thanks for the advice and helpful tips
I just started riding last year and have made all these mistakes. I am still working to build confidence and get the side hill figured out. Thanks, Dan, for all of these videos! Extremely helpful.
Thanks for watching
I went snowmobiling for the first time a few weeks ago at rabbit ears pass and wish I watched this video beforehand. It was 8 hours of the hardest thing I've ever done. I'm a seasoned motocross/supercross racer and figured I could pick it up pretty quick, I was absolutely humbled at the end of the day. Thanks for making these vids for us new guys!
I had the same experience. the second time I tried it I started to get the hang of it and it was a blast.
I’m a first time rider and I struggle big time as a 6 foot 240lb guy and this helped out I always look at the sled instead of where I wanna go
Hi Dan! I've been riding over 45yrs and man how the sleds have changed!!! I ride western Quebec area so never had a mountain sled. I trap so I've had a number of wide track sleds. I bought a 2019 Titan XC last year and it is a blast to ride. This year I got myself 2020 850 SKS 155...first ride I tried to blip the throttle make a sharp turn and fell flat on my side in the snow...laughed at myself while flipping the machine back upright...took me about an hour playing in an open field to get the hang of it. The Titan is fun but the SKS crazy fun. Going riding in Chicoutimi with some friends that almost 20yr younger than me. I'm watching your videos and hoping I can keep up with them!!!
Love the vids. Some of the best out there. Not the “look at me and my $40K boosted sled” pretentious crap on other channels just trying to sell stuff. Great tips.
But is though?, many would love to afford sledding, but can't, too busy supporting others who actually can!
BREATHING!!!! I was out the other day and caught myself not breathing! Such a huge part that is very essential
For sure. Thanks for watching.
@@NextLevelRidingClinics do u ever ride in good snow?😂
@@beaulittle4178 A smart man never tells....
When I get up and go like about 90 or 100 on the tails I find my self breathing really heavy and fast
Wow! Simple and common sense. I am a new rider and am hanging onto every word that you say. Bless you sir.
Good video, been at this sport since the early 90's. Your last point of being confident is so often overlooked or taken to the point of over confidence. Which can land you in a tough spot lol Keep up the good work! !!
I’ve learned nothing but i did learn all those tips myself the hard way!!😂Great informative video keep it up! Could of used this info 10 years ago!
Me to. Like i already do all the stuff like he says. I have been riding like 7 years
Thank you for the great video, I'm new to the next generation sleds, I bought a new 2020 Pro RMK 800 155, only have 109 miles on it, however the sled is absolutely amazing. When i first rode it, it felt very trippy, and I thought.. oh no, did I get the wrong sled for me... I rode 1980 sleds years ago, but every time i get on it, only rode it 3 times so far, i absolutely respect the machine and love it more each ride, i rode it in some deep powder and honestly i could not believe how amazing this sled really is, i can see why experienced riders love it so much, your videos help a lot, I'm just a beginner but will do my best to get out and practice as much as I can. This sled is truly incredible and I want to be able to handle the pro rmk the way it is made to be rode. Thanks again, I'm 45 years old and I'm thinking this sled will keep me young as long as I can keep up to the sled. Lol, take care this season.
Can’t wait for my season to start
Just got a blizzard here time to ride😁
Same still waiting for that 2 meter mark
thanks brother... I have 20 years of riding and I always learn more from you and the BOYS!
What about a video on how to get unstuck in different situations.
Thats a great idea. We will add it to the list. Thanks Darrel
Yeah, especially in that grainy "ground coffee" snow that we get here (Finland) in March, when you're on a heavy machine like a Yeti, Commander or Viking. But it's even worse when you get stuck with a lighter machine, especially if has a narrow track and skis. Have fun with that! Would also like to maybe add a couple of new techniques to existing experience.
The entire point of these videos is to build the confidence to know exactly how and where to use the machine. The sled doesnt get stuck. The rider does. These machines will go anywhere and do anything your heart will desire. Its getting out of your head, keeping your chin up to the changes in snow, and knowing when to use the throttle for control. These keys points are far more important than sled recovering. Blaming snow conditions is a crutch for poor habits while operating a sled.
@@sssPUNKyyy hello from the state's! What is your snowmobile season like in Finland? Typically how much snow do you get?
Speaking of yeti...... Are there any Sasquatches in Finland?
Grant Bemis they do if you have sleds from the 90’s
I'm glad you threw in that tip about confidence- On Point! It really applys to every aspect of life
Great video. A couple things. Teaching new riders to practice powder turns in a meadow, so they can use that technique to change direction instantly on the mountain. Plus, how to use your legs against the machine to steer while climbing.
Always a treat to see your videos Dan. Thank you!
Some of the best content hands down, and does it without 1 single cus word ... at least not out loud anyways. Now that's a breath of fresh air..
Thanks Tracy
Totally awesome video and tips!!
As a former pupil of your classes, I can say for me, the biggest teaching moment was to LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO!!
I was unknowingly only looking 10-15 feet in front of my skis, which equals a major fail, like driving though a pine tree at full throttle.
Now I intentionally over exaggerate looking in the direction I need to go, wether on my sled, riding my KTM or driving my truck.
This simple thing is a game changer people!!
Pretty amazing how that one small change can make such a huge difference. Thanks for watching Aaron.
I am a snowmobile beginner and I believe this video has helped me learn some tricks that will help me on my upcoming trip to Colorado. Thank you.
Bang on bud. I’m going from a 96 mxz 583 to 2019 850 summit 154 and that’s everything I do. Don’t breath. Not looking forward to what’s coming. Awesome video. Thanks.
A lot of great info here and I agree that you can never stop learning. I’ve been riding sleds since 8 years old I’m 54 now and these newer sleds with the rider forward position makes off trail riding so much more fun and controllable. The only thing I slightly disagree with you is on the gold finger (left side throttle). Maybe it’s because I’m from the east, we don’t see the depths of fluff that you are riding in. Definitely we have seasons with some serious snow anyways in my opinion only the left side throttle in certain situations has made the difference from getting stuck or just being able to manipulate the throttle from the left side of the sled with the mountain bar and not leaning across the sled to use the RS throttle. Just my opinion. Thanks for the great videos and as I said above were always learning no matter how many miles we’ve rode. If your not pushing yourself and trying new things you can’t find out what works and what doesn’t. Always out to #1 have fun and improve my riding experience!!! Many thx
I’ve been riding for over 20 years and it’s only been the last few years that I started to really get it. Thanks to you and the other pros that explain in detail the simple things that make off trail riding easy and fun. Keep up the good work.
Thats what we like to hear. Thanks for watching.
holding your breathe thats my common mistake even when I dont sled... when i concentrate... always forget to breathe hahah
Awesome video, thank you. I ride a trail sled for work everyday and these tips are certainly going to make a difference. I found out the hard way that not carrying momentum and the sled taking the fall line recently so this is super helpful. Thanks again!
Question, how can I have more control on a flat or mild cambered trail in icy conditions?
This will be my first year on a sled. Great tips thanks and be well and stay healthy.
Thanks for the tips Dan! Always trying to make the community better. A guy can appreciate that!
Thanks for the support, we appreciate it.
Dan, I appreciate your public tips. it's good for the community at large. I hope to run into you someday, maybe near Blind Bull, or something more challenging out in the boonies!
Thanks for your support Jim
I've never rode in the mountains but might make a trip this year. Thank you for this. I'll search for more
All very good tips!
Every ride I catch myself with out a finger on the brake, working on bad habit we had for long time can be hard.
Keep up the good work Dan, making us better rider every video.
It can be hard to break those habits for sure, try riding with a finger on the brake all the time even on the trail. It will help build that muscle memory. Thanks for watching
Here’s a really good video idea... do a “tutorial” of efi snowmobile tuning what u should do and should not. Keep making great content I love it
Thanks for the informative video. Ive had snowmobiles since 1984 but this is only my 4th year of riding mountain sleds in the deep powder. I'm slowly improving and videos like this help. I'm headed to Utah to ride on Thursday and hope to remember all of these tips. Mountain riding sure is fun but way different than all the flatlander stuff I know.
Thanks Mike, enjoy your trip to Utah.
Totally nailed the newbie snowmobiler, which is me! Totally agree with what he said and I'm gunna use those tips next ride!
I'm getting ready to get a sled and I am not an avid rider so this video was very informative. Thank you
i am a beginner and this video helped me a lot! thank you for making these videos.
You're very welcome!
I rented an alpha and got stuck at least 10 times, hit a couple of trees and finally busted the right suspension but kept riding the rest of the day. Yeah this was my first time riding off trail in deep snow. It was a pain in the but and cost me alot of money, but it was fun as hell and today i bought my first own snowmobile, an polaris khaos. Will definitely keep your words of advise in the back of my head. Thanks
Thanks for the video. I bought a 2005 RMK 900 and it's definitely been a learning experience trying to ride and enjoy it. I'll be thinking about these tips next time out.
Thank you for all of your video !
Suggestions :
-- Difference/preference between brand of snowmobile.
-- How to get out of stuck spots.
Great suggestions, thank you
Just bought a couple sleds and have watched most of your videos. Thanks for the advice and the knowledge you share for us Noobs! Every time I go out I practice what you teach. And each time I get better and more confident. Thanks again!
Heck yeah. Keep up the progression and thanks for watching.
This is one of your best little videos ...
thank you lots for sharing ...
AMAZING
very informative. I have an older sled but can always learn. thanks
Very well put and informative, great video Dan! Thank you for the riding tips.
only started a few year back and this was clear - to the point and exactly what I need thanks, I will look for more.
Good tips. We do a lot of ice fishing and encounter slush. I've seen many people slow down or just stop and then get stuck, a big mistake. If you are in this situation one should pin it and find solid ground on shore or a previous sled track that is frozen. He sure to clean out the slush from the track ASAP.
Solid video. Refreshing a lot of important stuff.
Thank you! Not a new sledder, but I've been away for a longtime. I do ride a dual sport bike, and some of your technique is similar to it. I'll have to learn more. Right now I'm building ride time on an 03 Arctic Cat 900. Tracks, trails and icefishing, then powder.
This is amazing video. I can’t wait to use what I learned. Thank you, Dan Adams.
I've had a little advantage, having grown up in the 80's riding phazer's, and other pre mtn sled machines, so momentum and adapting to new techniques as the sleds advanced, was kinda intuitive. Here's the real trick part though, sleds are so advanced, and easy to ride now, within a few rides you'll be amazed at where you can go, the learning curve has been shortened dramatically!
I remember when the phazer came out that was the sled to have back in the day
@@BaldDogM71: It was as close to a mtn sled as we had at the time. Everything else sat really low, and were heavy lake racers. In deep Wa cascade snow, the phazer's broke trail for everyone else. Kinda funny to think now, having to break trail on logging roads, but if it was deep snow, that was actually a challenge at the time.
@@Trad-Am oh cool
so true ive seen newbies get places they should never be on these new sleds
@@joel387ktm: Yup without having experience, a feel for momentum, reading terrain, and snow conditions. I've seen new riders get into stuff, that can be really hazardous, and they don't even know it.
Thank you for making this video! I'm going for my first ride in a few days!
Excellent video I didn't know about breathing and how to position going up the hill
More riding tips please. I struggle with side to side carving. Feels foreign, especially right turns.. I'm using counter steer and leaning. Maybe just more seat time? Please keep this rolling Dan. Much appreciated and look forward to tech riding tips.
If you haven't already check out some of the older videos on our channel. The 5 Mountain Riding tips, Sidehilling 101 and Throttle Blip all have some info that may help.
Thanks for watching.
great video last weekend was my first weekend riding in the sticks and everything you went over were things i found myself not doing an ending up stuck
Nice 👍🏼 this is helpful, I started riding last week and all I know is how to turn it on and go 😂
thanks for the video and the notes about the wrench size and quantity of oil
Your videos are the best! I am new to snowmobiling but loving it every time I go out. I actually just did a whole engine swap on my 2013 rmk assault. I have to constantly remind myself of all these tips and tricks. Hopefully with enough practice I can do it the right way without thinking about it so much. Keep up the videos !
Thanks for watching AJ
Great video buddy! Can't wait to forget all of it when I get out there...haha! Butt out hug is my dance move too!
As a newbie, I really appreciate your video...thankyou!
been at it for 3yrs and its very reassuring knowing my only bad habit has been overconfidemce or a lack of it. grandpa taught me well
All great points/reminders. Just home from my first trip west and can relate to all of them. However, i can also relate to seeing the success that comes from doing the right thing, eyes up, momentum, etc. And can understand just how I ended up stuck below "that" tree [which I looked at because I didnt want to hit it, rather than looking where I wanted to go]......Looking forward to continued success and confidence ! Tnx Dan/Nxt Lvl
It can be so satisfying when make progress. Thanks for watching and have a good winter.
Its very interesting. I have been riding for 15 years but have also been fighting side hills because Im constantly trying to do what I was shown instead of doing what feels more natural. Natural is closer to what you have shown.
I’m sending this video viral. You are right on all this. I had to learn these myself over the past 20 years tho. Thanks again Dan 👌👌👌🔥🔥🔥
Thanks for the support, glad you are liking the videos.
One of the biggest things that drained all my riding energy was getting stuck and helping others get unstuck. My first year of riding I could hardly ride 2 days in a row because the simple stucks soaked up too much time and energy. Some people swear by the shovel and boot stomping method - I’ve learned that ski pulls, kicking a bit of snow under the track, or just flattening the snow below the belly pan is all it really takes to make a simple stick stay just that.
Dan, Dan, Dan....I feel like you've been watching me from behind the trees....again. I've had my 850 PRO 163x3 out about a dozen times now and try to practice when I can. These last couple trips out have been kind of practice free tho (But with good reason). Many renters out here on the trail systems up by Grand Lake, and just as many stuck renters. Lots of time getting them unstuck from the 4+ foot deep side spots OFF the trail, or trying to run up the face of Gravel Mtn with a passenger on a 900 Ski Doo and no knowledge of how to even do it (Part throttle, no power, and no momentum). Seen a few roll back down the hill with parts flying. I learned a lot last year on how to get unstuck with my underpowered 600 ACE, and that training has come in handy this year helping others. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that we all get off the mtn safe. And I once again thank you for your efforts thru these videos. You've saved my butt, and I've been able to pass it on. Keep up the good work....
Thanks for the feedback Dave and good to hear the videos are helping.You are exactly right that getting home safe should always be the priority. Keep up the progression and for your support of the channel.
Been riding for 25+ years. Very good info !👍thanks! A lot of good hints .
Thank you, your tips were perfect, and spot on. I've heard some before, but you made sense in showing and describing the common mistakes!
Good information, I am a good and very experienced dirt bike rider, just got into snowmobiles and feeling awkward and frustrated trying to get it up on edge and turn like in this video. (my first ride) Thanks for the great video, I am anxious to practice these techniques. I couldn't get it on edge and carve, just following the slope awkwardly like you said. Being a dirt bike rider it was really frustrating, so nice to see what to do to overcome these issues. Like you said I felt like I was riding a sofa. LOL
This is probably the best and most helpful video you've done to date. Thank you, it explains alot to beginners, I wish I had seen this before I had to try everything the hard way! This series is really helping my friend who is on his first season of riding.
Very helpful tips! Thanks!
Thanks, just got invited to a Jackson Hole weekend ride. Never been on a sled. Looks like you ride like an ATV on packed trails, and ride like a road-race motorcycle on deep powder and 'hang off' to turn. Will practice what I've learned here. I'm a dirt-biker and Blackwater 100 vet and ridden with Iron Man Sloan and Dave Coombs.
Great info Dan, was curious about a video for jumping.Not busses or anything but just some solid advise to takeoff and landing techniques, or possibly dropping into steep chutes or summiting out of them, Thanks again!
Great info ... simple stuff that will definitely help.
Felt good that I already practice a lot of these tips, this was also super helpful! Going to work on momentum, and continued confidence! Any time I’ve had a hiccup riding it’s because I’ve second guessed myself. Subscribed!
Thank you, greatly appreciated just got a 2021 alpha one and this is great info
Awesome Dan. Everything you've said is what I struggle with. Also I dont get enough time to ride! Maybe when i get back from this deployment I can make it over to one of your classes
Thank you for your service Mike, we would love to see you at Next Level someday.
First of all, great video! Very detail for a person who has never ridden in a mountain setting. Looks like it would be a great time and with a little
Guidance maybe even better. Thanks for your time!
Thanks for the kind words Scott
Great tips for me as I'm a beginner. Seen a few of the videos by this guy, very helpful
First off, great video! Second, I think a big part of the mistakes comes from two things: inexperience and HP. I've been riding 35+ years. (God, I'm getting old.) The advantages of today's machines are vast (i.e., big HP, bigger footprint, aggressive tracks). Some of the basic things you mentioned were a given when you couldn't call on the machine to just do it for you. I ride a 4-stroke these days and it's much the same. The lack of extreme low end makes me approach things differently. Most of the 2-stroke guys want to be ski-up and trenching that they forget about flotation and finesse. Being a beginner rider these days . . . I can't imagine the possibilities and confusion. Good job breaking it down. I think demoing some techniques with a variety of sleds (and sled types) would be cool.
Dan Excellent video thanks.. this helped me a lot never too good to learn more... I also learned suspension set-up as well for rider weight this was another key tool.. Thank you again keep them posting its huge help...
Great to hear this helped. Thanks for watching
Tks man. Much appreciated
Good work
Yet another great vid, thanks. On the staying plumb thing, in skiing we would call it stacking the bones. Less effort, more balance and power.
These are GREAT TIPS !
Dan,what an excellent video.even for advanced riders its great to watch this and just go over the basics again to refresh the brain.well done sir.🤙🏻
Thanks Jordan
Nice video, I have learned a lot both from you and my friends. But the hardest part for me is to learn to sidehill on both sides so to say. On when side no problems but on the other side almost impossible :(
Great video Dan! I'm from Michigan so I typically only get to ride the mountains once a year. I ride in Pinedale, hoping to do a clinic with your outfit someday. The guy I ride with from pinedale has done your clinic, and he has helped me a great deal over the last couple years. Really appreciate what you do for the sport!
Thanks for the kind words David, it would be great to have you at a Next Level Clinic someday.
Nicely done SIR. someday i may come give your clinic a try
Thank you. We would love to see you at a Next Level Clinic some day. Thanks for watching
Great video!
Hey guys would love to learn how to stop being high sided by the sled. And how to cross a creek. (Not one with water, but a creek line with two sides. One to drop in and one to come out)
Great ideas, thanks Tawnie
Tawnie Salterio In one word: momentum
I needed this video before I ever even hopped on my sled! I've tipped over my 4 stroke "tank" 3 out of the 6 times I've been out, and that was just trying to come out of a ditch every time lol
One of the worst parts of having a 4stroke sled is that when that big monster rolls over, even if it doesn't have you pinned down odds are its over there leaking motor oil all over and setting you up to be stranded.