Kids Snow Zone

Safety first - Always!

Snowmobile safety for kids is 90% preparation. 

Helpful tips....

Make sure:

Child is wearing a DOT-approved youth helmet

Helmet is FULLY buckled

They can reach the footrests

No loose clothing

Ride slower than normal

Avoid icy corners and hills

                  Little bodies get cold fast. 

                    Warm kids = happy kids

• DOT approved youth helmet - snug fit
• Balaclava or face mask (no loose scarves)
• Goggles adjusted properly
• Waterproof  jacket & pants (not ski pants as they can be too thin) 
• Mid-layer fleece
• Moisture-wicking base layer
• Waterproof insulated gloves & backup pair
• Wool or synthetic socks (no cotton) and warm insulated winter boots
• Neck warmer - secured safely
• Make sure they can reach foot rests on the sled.
• Passenger handholds are within easy reach
• Review simple riding rules before starting
• Plan short rides with warm-up breaks
• Choose smooth, groomed, low-traffic trails
• Carry snacks, hot drinks, and extra layers
• Pack a small emergency kit (first aid, flashlight, hand warmers) 

Maine: offers courses online & in-person

https://www.maine.gov/ifw/programs-resources/educational-programs/safety-courses/snowmobile-safety.html

Vermont: In-person 

https://vtvast.org/jan-3-2026-snowmobile-safety-course.html

Set clear rules before starting: Kids love structure when starting something new.

Keep it simple and positive: 

• Hold on at all times
• Keep hands & feet inside the sled
• Lean with the driver
• No sudden movements
• Tap drivers shoulder if they get cold or scared.
• Always stay seated when the sled is moving. 

Practice the basics off the trail:

Before you start moving, teach:

How to hold on

How to lean with the sled

How to stay balanced

Start slow & keep it short:

Avoid sudden acceleration or sharp turns.

Smooth riding builds trust & comfort. 

Kids get cold quickly, and the excitement of a new activity can wear off fast. Plan 10-20 minute rides to start, with warm-up breaks built in. The goal for the first day isn't the mileage, it's all about the confidence. 

Short successful rides lead to:

Happier kids

Warmer hands

Fewer worries

Them saying "Can we go again?"

Build in fun stops: The more fun the stops, the more they associate snowmobiling with adventures. The experience should feel like an adventure - not a marathon. 

Kids love destinations such as;

A club warming hut or trail shelter (bring lunch) 

A general store or restaurant that has thier favorite food and/or dessert. 

A cool viewpoint (have them help take photos and maybe build a snowman and take a photo of them next to it)

Be Patient & Positive: Keep your tone upbeat, check in often, and end the ride before they get cold. 

First rides usually come with:

Nervous giggles 

Many questions

Requests to go slow

Excitement followed by sudden tiredness

Wind chill on a sled is no joke.

Kids should wear...

Snowmobile rated helmet (snug fitting) 

Head/face mask (Balaclava)

Goggles (anti-fog if possible)

Snowmobile jacket/pants - ski pants are too thin.

Warm gloves - Always carry a back-up pair

Wool socks or alpaca socks 

Neck warmer (no loose scarves or clothing)

Pro-tip: Heated hand grips or seats help significantly for little ones. 

Choose the right sled setup:

Three safe options:

#1: Child rides on the back of an adult sled: Best for ages 5+(depending on maturity and local laws)

#2: Two-up/Toruing sled: They have a proper passenger seat, high backrests and handholds. Much safer and more comfortable for kids. 

#3: Kid-sized snowmobile (120cc or 200cc)

Best for ages 6-12 w/supervision. Let them practice in a wide, open field on packed snow. 

Coming Soon!

What kids love most!

They remember the small stuff...

Going over gentle rolling dips

Riding "in a tunnel" between trees

Seeing wildlife and wildlife tracks

Give them their own "job"

It keeps them engaged & excited

Trail sign spotter

Deer or track detective

Snowbank height inspector

Feeling like part of the adventure; Make them feel included. A little independence goes a long way. 

"Do you want to help pick the trail?"

"Want to choose where we stop next?"

Lodging

Maine

Abbot Trailside Lodging

17 Priham Ave

Greenville, ME 04441

207-695-3663

https://www.docksideinnandtavern.com/

Greenville Inn at Moosehead Lake

40 Norris Street

Greenville, ME 04441

207-695-2206

https://www.greenvilleinn.com/

Kelly's Landing 

13 Rockwood Road

Greenville Jct, ME 04442

207-695-4438

https://www.kellyslandingatmoosehead.com/

Kineo View Landing 

50 Overlook Drive

Greenville, ME 04441

207-695-4470

https://www.kineoview.com/

Choose Smooth, Easy Trails: Smooth equals confidence buidling. 

Avoid:

Deep Powder 

Bumpy Corners

Heavily trafficked ITS sections

Night rides

Look for:

Club trails 

Fields and short woods loops

Groomed paths near towns or warming huts

Start With Family-Focused Events

• Kids join when parents feel welcome.
• Family ride days with short, scenic loops
• Hot chocolate & bonfire rides 
• Cookouts, pancake breakfasts, or chili days
• Designate kid riding times or beginner trails

Create a Youth Membership or Junior Club

• Make kids feel like they belong.
• Discount or free youth memberships
• Club decals, patches, or stickers just for kids

Offer Hands-On Learning (Not Just Riding)

• Kids love being involved behind the scenes.
• Trail maintenance days (age-appropriate tasks)

Teach how to:

• Read trail signs
• Use hand signals
• Basic sled care (checking oil, belts, track)
• Make it fun—turn it into a scavenger hunt or challenge
• Youth voting input (non-official) to give them a voice

Safety Classes Made Fun:

• Safety builds confidence—for kids and parents.
• Snowmobile safety courses with:
• Games
• Quizzes
• Prizes or certificates 
• Invite local wardens or instructors to talk with kids

Youth Ride Leaders & Mentors:

• Pair kids with experienced riders.
• “Adopt-a-Rider” mentor system
• Teens ride with trusted adults
• Older youth help younger kids gear up and learn
• This builds leadership and long-term involvement.

Here are some landowner appreciation ideas that are kid-friendly and work well for snowmobiling clubs or youth programs. These help children understand why landowners matter and let them take part in saying thank you in a meaningful way ❄️

Simple & Meaningful Activities for Kids

Thank-You Card Station

Kids make handwritten or decorated cards to give to landowners who allow trail access.

Coloring Pages with a Message

Create snowmobile-themed coloring sheets that say “Thank you for letting us ride!”

Poster or Banner Project

Make a large sign like “Thank You Landowners!” and display it at a club event or trailhead.

Short Thank-You Videos

Record kids saying one sentence each thanking landowners—great for social media or club websites.

Trail Clean-Up Day

Organize a kid-friendly clean-up where children help pick up litter (with supervision).

“Respect the Land” Lesson

Teach kids simple rules: stay on marked trails, slow down near homes, close gates, and be polite.

Small Gifts Kids Can Help With

Homemade cookies or treats (with a note)

Hot cocoa packets or coffee sleeves with thank-you tags

Club stickers or magnets

Seasonal items like hand warmers with a card attached

Kid-Friendly Thank-You Message Examples

“Thank you for sharing your land so we can ride safely!”

“We promise to respect your land and say thank you!”

“Because of you, we get to enjoy winter adventures!”

Turn It Into a Learning Moment

Explain to kids that:

Trails exist because landowners allow them

Respect = access

Saying thank you helps keep trails open for future riders

Snowmobiling the Right Way: Caring for Wildlife & Nature 🐾❄️ Kids Version:

1. Respect Wildlife (They Live Here)

Explain it like this:

Winter is hard for animals. Snowmobiles are visitors in their home.

Kid rules

Slow down if you see animals

Never chase wildlife (even “just for fun”)

Watch quietly and keep moving

Stay back—animals need energy to survive winter

Why it matters (kid version):

When animals get scared, they use up energy they can’t replace.

2. Stay on the Trail (Trails Protect Nature)

Kid rules

Ride only on marked trails

Don’t cut corners or make new paths

Follow trail signs and arrows

Why it matters:

Trails are planned to avoid animal homes, food areas, and sensitive land.

3. Ride Smart Near Woods & Wetlands

Kid rules

Slow down in wooded areas

Be extra careful near wetlands, rivers, and ponds

Never ride where you’re not sure it’s allowed

Why it matters:

Some areas are animal nurseries—even in winter.

4. Leave No Trace (Snow or No Snow)

Kid rules

Don’t leave trash—even apple cores

Pick up litter if you see it

Respect fences, gates, and signs

Fun line kids remember:

“Take memories, not messes.”

5. Quiet Is Kind

Kid rules

No revving engines near homes or woods

Ride smoothly and calmly

Be respectful when stopping

Why it matters:

Less noise = less stress for animals and people.

6. Be a Trail Guardian 🛡️

Give kids a role—they love this.

Trail Guardian jobs

Watch for wildlife

Report trail problems

Remind friends to slow down

Help protect nature for the next riders

Short pledge kids can say together

I promise to ride with respect,

Protect wildlife and nature,

Stay on the trail,

And take care of winter for everyone.

Fun ways to teach it

Wildlife spotting game (who can name animals without stopping)

Trail sign scavenger hunt

Before & after talk: “What would happen if everyone ignored the rules?”

Sticker or badge: “Wildlife-Friendly Rider”

One-sentence takeaway for kids

Good riders don’t just ride fast—they ride smart and kind.