Heading out from Salmon La Sac or the Easton Reload Sno-Park? Here’s what to wear and pack so a cold day on the sled stays a good day. Nothing fancy, just the stuff locals don’t leave the trailhead without.
Looking for where to ride? Start with our snowmobiling trails near Cle Elum.
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What to wear
Dress in layers you can open up on climbs and zip back up on the ride down. Cotton stays wet and cold, so leave it at home.
- Helmet with a heated shield. A fogged-up visor ends a ride fast. A heated (electric) shield or a breath box keeps your view clear when it’s cold. See it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
- Goggles. If your helmet has an open face, dual-pane anti-fog goggles help on gray, flat-light days. Check them on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
- Balaclava. Covers your neck and face under the helmet so wind can’t sneak in. See it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
- Base layer. Merino or synthetic, top and bottom. It pulls sweat off your skin so you don’t chill when you stop. See it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
- Insulated bibs. Bibs keep snow out of your waistband when you’re kneeling, digging, or stuck. Check them on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
- Gloves. Waterproof and insulated, but thin enough to work the throttle and brake. Many riders pack a second pair, because wet gloves are miserable. See them on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
- Boots. Snowmobile boots rated well below zero, with grippy soles for when you have to walk the sled out. Check them on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Avalanche safety gear
If you leave the groomed trail for open slopes or bowls, carry a beacon, probe, and shovel. Make sure everyone in your group has them and knows how to use them. Check the Northwest Avalanche Center forecast (opens in a new tab) before you go, every time.
- Beacon, probe, and shovel. A kit gets you all three at once. See it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gear is only half of it. An avalanche safety course teaches you how to read the snow and how to find a buried friend fast.
Pack on the sled
- Tow strap. Getting a buddy’s sled out of a ditch is a lot easier with one. See it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
- Tool kit and spare belt. A belt can break miles from the truck. Carry a spare that fits your sled (check your owner’s manual for the part number) and a small tool kit. Check it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
- First aid kit. Keep a small waterproof one in your storage bag. See it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
- Hand and toe warmers. Cheap, light, and great when you stop for lunch. See them on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
- Headlamp. Winter days are short. If a ride runs long, you’ll want both hands free. Check it on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
- Water and snacks. Cold air dries you out faster than you think.
Before you leave the house
- Check that trails are open. Conditions change fast. Look at the Forest Service page for Salmon La Sac (opens in a new tab) before you load up.
- Get your Sno-Park permit. Some lots need a Washington Sno-Park permit in winter. Check the Easton Reload Sno-Park page (opens in a new tab) for what that lot needs.
- Tell someone your plan. Where you’re riding and when you’ll be back. Cell service is spotty up the valley.
Common questions
Do I need avalanche gear on groomed trails?
The risk is lower on groomed trails, but it’s not zero, and it goes up fast once you head into open terrain. If there’s any chance you’ll leave the trail, carry a beacon, probe, and shovel, and check the avalanche forecast first.
What’s the one thing people forget?
A spare pair of gloves. The first pair gets wet the first time you dig out a stuck sled.
Where do I park to ride near Cle Elum?
Salmon La Sac and the Easton Reload Sno-Park are the two we list. See our snowmobiling trails page for links to both.
More trails near Cle Elum
Hiking · Biking · Off-roading · ATV & UTV · Snowmobiling · Horseback · Teanaway guide · Salmon La Sac guide