It's so easy that we condensed it down to a few questions that should make you want to run out, get a snowmobile, and look to the sky for snowflakes! Q: Where do I go snowmobiling? A: There are snowmobile-riding areas located throughout the Snowbelt regions of the United States and Canada. Obtaining information on where to snowmobile is simple. State and provincial snowmobile associations have close affiliations with clubs that represent regions of the state or province. Contacting the state/provincial snowmobile associations will then put you in touch with a local club that will be very familiar with the trail system and riding area you wish to visit. The state/provincial natural resource department also has access to trail and riding maps as well as the local visitors and convention bureaus and chambers of commerce in the regions you wish to snowmobile. In addition to extensive trail systems and riding areas, there are trail heads where you can start your journey. Start by towing your snowmobiles to the trail head, park your vehicle, unload your snowmobiles, and begin your ride to enjoy the wonders of the winter on groomed and marked trails. Q: Who can I snowmobile with? A: There are over 3,000 snowmobile clubs in North America, all which welcome new members. The snowmobile clubs are located in the area that you would like to snowmobile and are affiliated with the state or provincial snowmobile association. The local state and provincial snowmobile associations can help you get in touch with the club of your choice and give you information on where to snowmobile. Associations hold functions throughout the year so you can join a club and meet new friends for year-round fun. Q: Do I need a license or permit to ride? A: Every snowmobile state and province requires that your snowmobile be properly licensed or registered. Licensing information is available through your state or provincial snowmobile association and through your local state Natural Resource office or highway department. Licensing requirements for driving a snowmobile vary from state to state or province to province, and that information is available from your state or provincial snowmobile association. More useful information: Fun People to Snowmobile With Driving a snowmobile is quite easy. It is always recommended that first-time riders attend a safety class and carefully watch the Safe Riders! Safety Video, which highlights important segments of snowmobile training. More useful information: Find the information at: www.snowmobile.org/snowmobilesafety.asp.. Q: Do I need to take a safety driving class before I snowmobile? A: Some areas require a safety class. It's best to check locally with your state or provincial snowmobile association. Your state or provincial organizations offer safety-training classes. More useful information: Fun People to Snowmobile With Q: What types of snowmobile are there? Entry-level Snowmobile: Entry-level snowmobiles are also often called trail models. These snowmobiles come equipped with engines ranging from 60-70 horsepower. The vehicles are easy to ride and relatively inexpensive. They can be equipped with electric start and reverse for easy starting and maneuvering. These snowmobiles are very light and easy to handle and serve as an inexpensive way to begin snowmobiling. View entry-level models Performance Snowmobiles: Performance snowmobiles, like performance automobiles, feature slightly higher horsepower engines. The engines generate 85 horsepower and up. These vehicles are slightly heavier than the entry-level vehicles due to engine size differentiation and additional weight related to suspension systems, shock absorbers and more. These vehicles are often equipped with reverse gear and electric start. These vehicles are responsive and performance oriented. View performance models Touring Snowmobiles: Touring snowmobiles feature a seat configuration that is designed for up to two individuals. The seat configuration features a backrest. Touring models usually include side-mounted mirrors, larger windshields, reverse gear and electric start. These vehicles are larger and heavier than either performance or entry-level snowmobiles and are designed for riding longer distances in comfort. The track length of a touring vehicle is greater. The longer track length cushions the ride, adds stability for two people and provides more comfort and weight. View touring models Mountain Snowmobiles: Snowmobiles made specifically for mountain riding are longer and narrower. The vehicle configuration allows for side hilling in mountainous terrain and riding through heavy powder. The vehicles also have specially designed long lug tracks, which allow them to maneuver through heavy, deep powder conditions. These vehicles generally have high horsepower engines, since horsepower is lost at higher elevations. The riding characteristics of a mountain snowmobile generally lend it to better handling abilities in mountain riding than on trail riding. View mountain models Utility Snowmobile: Utility snowmobiles are common when any work or utilitarian needs are realized. The vehicles are longer, slightly wider and heavier than other snowmobiles. They function exceptionally well on trails and heavy snow and come equipped with electric start and reverse. They are often used to tow work sleds or toboggans. View utility models Q: Where do I purchase a snowmobile and how do I know which one is right for me? A: Like any motor vehicle, they can be purchased new or used from a licensed snowmobile dealer. Snowmobile dealers are conveniently located throughout the northern tier (Snowbelt regions) of the United States and in Canada. For a full listing of dealers, you can visit the manufacturers' Web sites. Existing owners of snowmobiles also sell their vehicles and advertise in classified sections of local newspapers. One should follow the same guidelines in buying a used snowmobile as when buying a used car or boat. Have the vehicle inspected by a knowledgeable mechanic. A visual inspection will help determine if the vehicle has been properly cared for. Always ask for service records. When starting to snowmobile for the first time, there are many considerations. If you will be taking a rider with you often, then you might consider a two-person snowmobile so that you can travel comfortably with a rider companion. If you plan to snowmobile on your own, a standard snowmobile with mid-range power should provide the best quality ride. Individuals that ride in the mountainous regions of North America should purchase a sled specifically designed for mountain riding. As a tip, you may want to test ride a friend's snowmobile and find out why they purchased the vehicle that they did. What to look for: snowmobile type (one or 2-riders), engine size and options. Discuss your preferences with the dealer to make sure you get the snowmobile that's right for your needs. More useful information: Snowmobile Manufacturers Q: Where is the best place to look at snowmobiles? A: The best place to begin your search for a snowmobile is to attend one of the many snowmobile shows held in the states and provinces throughout North America. Also, visits to local dealerships are helpful and the snowmobile manufacturers Web sites offer a lot of useful information, and you can even build your own snowmobile based on your preferences. More useful information: Canadian Snowmobile Shows & Event  |  U.S. Snowmobile Shows & Events Q: What type of clothing do I need to have? A: Snowmobile clothing, helmets and accessories should be purchased from reputable snowmobile dealers. The following snow-friendly clothing is recommended: bibs (pants that extend up your chest and back), jackets, gloves, boots and helmets. Snowmobile clothing comes in all shapes and sizes. Snowmobile dealers offer a full line of clothing that is specifically designed and manufactured to keep you warm and withstand winter. Q: How much does it cost to buy a snowmobile and clothing? A: Snowmobile prices start at approximately $2,000 for a used snowmobile to $10,000 for a new snowmobile. Snowmobile clothing costs approximately $100 for a jacket and $80 for bibs (pants that extend up your chest and back), $50 for boots, $20 for gloves, and $100 for a helmet. If you need to trailer your snowmobile, snowmobile trailers start at $500 and go up to $3,000 for an enclosed trailer. Many clubs and associations sponsor swap meets and sales where you can find snowmobiles and clothing at reduced prices and information to help get you started. More useful information: Snowmobile Manufacturers Q: How do I know if there is enough snow to go snowmobiling? A: Snowfall varies from location to location. We recommend you visit the weather link www.intellicast.com to determine what the temperature and snowfall has been or will be in the region you will be visiting. Your local state or provincial snowmobile association has trail condition information that is current and updated on their Web sites. Convention and visitors' bureaus also keep track of riding conditions. More useful information: Fun People to Snowmobile With  | Where to snowmobile  |  www.trailconditions.com Q: How do I maintain a snowmobile? A: Maintenance on snowmobiles is basic and similar to motor vehicle maintenance and operation. A licensed mechanic through a dealership is usually the best way to ensure the vehicle will be ready for use. Always check the oil, belts and moving mechanisms of the snowmobile and refer to the owner's manual that comes with each machine. Q: What are the implications of modifying my snowmobile exhaust system? A: The snowmobile manufacturers certify all new snowmobiles meet two rigid sound testing procedures. The certification procedure is designed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and recognized worldwide. The manufacturers work diligently to ensure snowmobiles are as quiet as possible and pass the strict SAE sound standards. If a snowmobile is modified, there is a good chance the snowmobile will no longer pass the rigid SAE sound test. Many states and provinces prohibit the operation of excessively loud snowmobiles and they require the sound level to be equal to that of the SAE/SSCC sound level. Exhaust systems are tuned to work efficiently with the engine. Many jurisdictions carry considerable fines for violating sound laws that can be caused by snowmobiles with non-original equipment exhaust systems. In some municipalities it is against the law to modify a snowmobile exhaust system with any exhaust system that does not pass the SAE sound certification test procedure.