Winter snow can make some people nervous, but areas where there is plentiful snowfall can also bring opportunities for winter fun. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy cruising around on the slopes in a snowmobile, make sure you know what you are looking for. Below are some tips for buying a snowmobile from life-long snowmobiler and former dealer John Eimerman.

First, you must decide whether you would like to purchase a new or used snowmobile. Once that is decided, you should assess the amount of times you plan to ride. If the answer to this question is often, it may be wise to invest in a higher quality snowmobile, which will require you to spend a little more money than occasional use. If you plan to ride your snowmobile sparingly, you can expect to drop less than $2000 for an older, yet still reliable craft. Buying a snowmobile of lesser speed capability would be the more affordable route to take if budget is a priority.

Next, you should make considerations for snowmobile engine components, notes John Eimerman. For example, a fan-cooled versus a liquid cooled engine. A fan-cooled engine would relieve you of the responsibility of adding coolant, but a fan-cooled engine would not be as conducive to a more powerful snowmobile. Another benefit to a liquid-cooled engine would be its superior performance in warmer conditions, although it would be the heavier alternative. Engine size will also play a part in what type of snowmobile you choose. These range from 350 to 900 CC in size, so you should keep in mind the weight you would like your snowmobile to be. The larger the engine, the heavier the snowmobile will be, but the more powerful as well. A larger and more powerful engine will cost more, but will be a worthy investment for more habitual riders. Amateur riders would best be advised to start small and later upgrade with experience.

Once the necessities are decided upon, special features can be opted into for cosmetic and aesthetic purposes. According to John Eimerman, for traction control, a studded track would allow for quicker stopping and takeoffs and better leverage for uphill rides, though these advantages will be costly and an improper installation can cause problems down the road. Less experienced riders may want to consider purchasing a reverse option to back out of sticky situations. Hand warmers and electric starts are also convenient, but unnecessary features. Make a smart decision when searching for a snowmobile; don’t purchase more than you need in relation to your skill level. You can always upgrade later. Also make sure you are getting your snowmobile, whether new or used, from a reliable source - test it out first. Remember to not to buy the first snowmobile you see even if it fits into your budget.