While some people prefer to tuck their off road rigs away for the winter or maybe tear into them to perform maintenance or install some long anticipated modifications, some of us keep the adventure going ... all winter long!
When you live in a state that has subzero temperatures, snowy days, and a long dark winter, making the most of a prime sunny winter day by hitting the trail can lift your mood and let you experience the beauty of a snowy trail, instead of the dirty, salt laden pavement. Before you go wheeling in the winter in Minnesota, there are a few tips to make sure you are safe on the trail and avoid a situation that can turn a fun filled adventure day into a disaster, quickly.
#1 Stay the Trail
As always, we promote the philosophies of Tread Lightly. Stay the trail. This protects vegetation, habitats, etc. that are protected by the snow. Additionally, the snow can hide obstacles like deep ditches, drop offs, logs, boulders, etc.
#2 Double Check the Ice
Ice on trails can be deceiving. Even if you know the trail well, take the time to inspect ice, water crossings, etc. Ice can be thin and hiding deep water hazards, ruts, or boulders that can get you stuck. if ice is thick, or hidden under snow cover, it can be slippery causing you to slide off the trail and get stuck in deep snow in the shoulders or ditches.
#3 Watch for changing snow conditions.
Snow and ice conditions can change dramatically during the day or as you cross from sunny open areas to shaded trails. Be aware of compacted snow, ice, and drifting snow. You can easily slide off the compacted snow of the trail into a deep snow or slush area causing you to get stuck or roll over.
#4 Skinny Pedal or Skill?
When to gas it or when to drive out of it. Driving in deep snow is a mix of physics and finesse. As snow builds up in front of the tires, it compacts and creates a feeling of resistance. Too much gas and you loose control and slide off course. Not enough gas, and you won't overcome the resistance. The magic happens when you find the feeling and sweet spot of enough skinny pedal to overcome resistance, maintain your momentum to overcome the resistance of other vehicle parts dragging in the snow, combined with driving skill to successfully steer through the slipping and sliding that will happen. Whatever you do, remember that stopping in deep snow will likely result in stuck vehicle that will require recovery assistance.
#5 Never Wheel Alone.
Teamwork makes the dreamwork. This is rule number one of off roading in any weather. It is especially important in the winter. When wheeling in snow and you have more than one person, it is important to remember to know, and stay, within the limitations and distances of your recovery gear. (i.e. tow straps, winch lines, etc.) in the event you need assistance. Have a capable vehicle with a skilled driver lead to traverse an uncut trail with others following one at a time to ensure safe crossings of hills, side slopes, or snowy banks.
#6 Be Prepared
In addition to vehicle recovery gear, make sure you have an emergency or winter survival kit, as well as a communication plan in the event you encounter trouble on the trail. Make sure someone knows where you are going, and when to expect you back. An emergency or winter survival kit should at a minimum have blankets, water, non perishable food, a shovel, and appropriate winter apparel. A communication plan could be a device like a cell phone, satellite communicator like a Zoleo or Garmin to reach out for help.
#7 Get Out There!
There are plenty of places to wheel in the winter. Spider Lake, Nemadji State Forest, and the Iron Range OHV State Recreation Area, in addition to numerous forest roads. Always remember to check trail conditions before you ride. We encourage you to join a group, and get outside!