6 | Snowmobile VERMONT 6 | Snowmobile VERMONT Worlds Largest in Used Snowmobile Parts 802-487-1000 AlsSnowmobile.com ATVparts.com ATVparts.com All Years, Makes & Models, New Parts Tracks, Slides, Clothing, Helmets, Carbides By Mike Mutascio We love playing in the snow and welcome the chilly air of a Vermont winter. Yet we also respect the potential for snowmobile breakdown, unexpected illness or worrisome injury during our ride. Even the simplest of setbacks become magnified during extreme cold. Shelter and warmth are priorities not only for yourself, but in caring for others. I always encourage snowmobilers to keep a small emergency kit that can be used to start a fire, stay dry, and provide some shielding from extreme weather. Zippered cases from unused electronics, medical equipment or cosmetic bags are perfect to secure the necessary ingredients. Start off by splitting a few small pieces of pine kindling. Carefully wrap them in about 14 inches of kitchen foil. Keep the foil intact because you will need it for your fire. Grab a small Ziplock bag and toss in a fire starter, wooden matches and some striking surfaces. TRAIL TIPS - KEEPING WARM DURING THE UNEXPECTED Consider squeezing an emergency blanket into your kit. This is useful to shield against wind, or even wrap an injured victim for warmth. Similarly, include plastic bags that can be used to isolate skin from wet boots or gloves. Now your kit is ready! If you encounter a mishap on the trail and need a fire to keep warm, first gather an ample supply of dry branches. Using contents from your emergency kit, unravel your foil pack and set the fire-starting materials aside. Choose a safe location for your fire and remove as much snow from the ground as you can. Set the foil on the ground and place your fire-starting materials on top. This creates a barrier against melting snow. You can also use the foil to shape a hood that protects the flame from wind or falling snow. Light away, feed the fire and take in the toasty warmth it provides. Challenges are easier to resolve when you are warm! Preparing for trail emergencies should be part of your pre-ride checklist. Fingers crossed, your emergency kit will never be needed. But simple practices will keep you and your snowmobiling friends on the VAST trails for years to come. VAST News Walt’s Sales & Service PURE SAVINGS FOR THE PURE EXPLORER © 2018 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ® , ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. This offer is valid in the U.S.A. only at participating Ski-Doo® dealers on new and unused Ski-Doo snowmobiles (excluding racing models and units sold under the Spring Fever promotion) purchased, delivered and registered between December 1, 2018 to January 4, 2019. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your state and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. See your Ski-Doo dealer for details. † GET UP TO $1,500 ON SELECT 2018 MODELS: Eligible units are select new and unused 2018 Ski-Doo® models. Rebate amount depends on the model purchased. While quantities last. SAVE UP TO ON SELECT 2018 MODELS $1,500REBATE PROMOTION ENDS JANUARY 4, 2019 † PURE SAVINGS FOR THE PURE EXPLORER © 2018 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ® , ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. This offer is valid in the U.S.A. only at participating Ski-Doo® dealers on new and unused Ski-Doo snowmobiles (excluding racing models and units sold under the Spring Fever promotion) purchased, delivered and registered between December 1, 2018 to January 4, 2019. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your state and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. See your Ski-Doo dealer for details. † GET UP TO $1,500 ON SELECT 2018 MODELS: Eligible units are select new and unused 2018 Ski-Doo® models. Rebate amount depends on the model purchased. While quantities last. SAVE UP TO ON SELECT 2018 MODELS $1,500REBATE PROMOTION ENDS JANUARY 4, 2019 † Where Service is Part of our Name (802) 766-5583 1972 US Route 5, Derby, VT waltsvt.com