50 snowmobiling terms defined, including sled, hyfax, boondocking, highmarking and studs, each explained in a single line.
Snowmobile terms come from two directions at once, the machine and the snow, and riders switch between them mid-sentence. Gathered here are the words related to snowmobiling hardware, the words associated with terrain and riding style, and the snowmobile lingo that gets shouted at a trailhead. The snowmobiling glossary at the end lists every term in one line, from bogie wheel to wear bar.
Must-Know Snowmobiling Terms, Phrases and Slang:
- Bogie wheel
- Carving
- Chassis
- Deep powder
- Freeride
- Groomed trail
- Ice scratchers
- Jumper
- Kick-out
- Mogul
- Powder
- Sled
- Sno-park
- Throttle
- Track
- Windshield
- Backcountry
- Boondocking
- Carbide
- Drag race
- Flotation
- Highmarking
- Idler wheel
- Poling
- Rollover
- Skid
- Sleigh
- Snow flap
- Stuck
- Tuck
Snowmobiling Glossary: Every Term A to Z
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| A-arm | The hinged arm connecting each ski to the chassis, part of the front suspension. |
| Avalanche beacon | A transceiver worn in the backcountry that lets a buried rider be located. Carried with a probe and shovel. |
| Backcountry | Snow away from marked and groomed trails. Deeper, quieter and where avalanche knowledge stops being optional. |
| Bogie Wheel | One of the small wheels in the rear suspension that carries and guides the track. |
| Boondocking | Riding off trail through deep snow and trees, picking a line as you go. |
| Carbide | The hard tip on the wear bar under each ski that bites into ice and hard pack so the sled steers. |
| Carving | Laying the sled over into a clean, controlled turn. |
| Chassis | The frame of the sled, built light enough to throw around and strong enough to land. |
| Clutch | The belt-driven drive system. The primary clutch on the engine and the secondary on the jackshaft change ratio automatically as revs rise. |
| Deep Powder | Fresh, uncompacted snow deep enough that the sled floats rather than rolls. |
| Ditch banging | Riding the banks and ditches alongside a road, jumping approaches and culverts. |
| Drag Belt | See drive belt. The rubber belt that transfers power between the two clutches. |
| Drag Race | A straight-line race over a set distance, decided by acceleration and top speed. |
| Drive belt | The rubber belt running between primary and secondary clutch. A wear item, and a spare rides under the hood. |
| Flotation | How well a sled stays on top of deep snow. Wide, long tracks and low weight give more of it. |
| Freeride | Riding natural terrain with no set line: jumps, chutes, sidehills, whatever the mountain offers. |
| Groomed Trail | A trail packed and smoothed by a grooming machine, the easiest and fastest surface to ride. |
| Groomer | The tracked machine, and its operator, that packs and levels the trails overnight. |
| Highmarking | Running as high up a steep slope as the sled will climb before turning back down. A common trigger for avalanches. |
| Hyfax | The replaceable plastic strips on the underside of the slide rails that the track runs on. They need snow to stay cool. |
| Ice Scratchers | Sprung metal fingers dragged behind the skis to throw snow onto the heat exchanger and the hyfax on icy trails. |
| Idler Wheel | A wheel in the rear suspension that supports and guides the track and reduces friction. |
| Kick-out | Swinging the back of the sled out through a corner or in the air, on purpose. |
| Mogul | A bump beaten into the trail by traffic. In a long line they punish suspension and knees alike. |
| Poling | Working the sled through deep snow by weighting and unweighting it and steering with the body rather than the bars. |
| Powder | Light, dry, uncompacted snow. The reason mountain riders get up early. |
| Recoil starter | The pull cord and spring that starts the engine by hand, still fitted alongside electric start on many sleds. |
| Rollover | The sled going over onto its side or its roof, usually in a sidehill or a tight turn. |
| Running boards | The perforated platforms along each side of the tunnel that the rider stands on. The holes let packed snow fall out. |
| Sidehilling | Holding the sled on edge across a slope instead of pointing it up or down. |
| Skag | The steel runner bolted under each ski, tipped with carbide. Also called the wear bar. |
| Ski | One of the two steerable runners at the front of the sled. |
| Skid | The rear suspension assembly, including the slide rails that ride on the track. |
| Skipping | Running the sled across open water at speed. Legal in some places, expensive everywhere it goes wrong. |
| Sled | The everyday word for a snowmobile. Riders say sled far more often than snowmobile. |
| Sleigh | A towed sled or cargo carrier pulled behind a snowmobile for gear or passengers. |
| Sno-park | A designated winter parking and access area serving snowmobile trails and other winter recreation. |
| Snow Flap | The flap hanging from the back of the tunnel that stops the track from throwing snow and ice behind the sled. |
| Stuck | The sled buried and immobile in deep snow. Getting unstuck is a skill of its own and usually a group effort. |
| Studs | Metal pins fitted through the track for grip on ice and hard pack. |
| Throttle | The thumb lever on the right handlebar that controls engine power. |
| Track | The reinforced rubber loop under the sled that drives it forward. Its length and lug height decide where the sled works best. |
| Trail pass | The permit that pays for trail grooming and maintenance, required on most managed trail systems. |
| Trenching | Digging the track straight down into the snow instead of moving forward, usually from too much throttle in deep snow. |
| Tuck | Leaning forward and low over the machine to cut wind resistance at speed. |
| Tunnel | The aluminum structure over the track that carries the seat, the running boards and the snow flap. |
| Two-stroke | The engine type still common in mountain sleds, lighter and more powerful for its weight than a four-stroke. |
| Wear bar | The steel runner under the ski that takes the wear and holds the carbide. The same part as the skag. |
| Whiteout | Blowing or falling snow thick enough that the ground and the sky look the same. A reason to stop. |
| Windshield | The screen at the front of the sled that keeps wind, snow and ice off the rider. |
#1 Bogie Wheel
A small wheel attached to the snowmobile’s suspension that supports the track as it rotates. Bogie wheels help reduce friction and wear on the track, ensuring a smoother ride over snow.
#2 Carving
Refers to the action of making sharp and precise turns while riding a snowmobile. Carving allows riders to navigate tight trails and maintain control at high speeds, especially in deep snow conditions.
#3 Chassis
The main frame of a snowmobile, which includes the sled’s body and structure. The chassis is designed to be lightweight yet durable to withstand the rigors of snowmobiling across various terrains.
#4 Deep Powder
A term for freshly fallen, deep snow that hasn’t been compacted or disturbed. Riding in deep powder is a sought-after experience for snowmobilers, as it offers a floating sensation and challenging conditions.
#5 Freeride
A style of snowmobiling that involves navigating natural terrain without a set path or course. Freeriding emphasizes creativity and skill as riders jump, carve, and explore open areas with deep snow and varied features.
#6 Groomed Trail
A snowmobile path that has been packed and smoothed out by a grooming machine. Groomed trails provide a consistent and easy-to-ride surface, making them ideal for leisurely rides and accessibility.
#7 Ice Scratchers
Metal devices attached to the rear of a snowmobile’s suspension that drag on the ice, kicking up snow to cool the engine and lubricate the sliders. Ice scratchers are especially useful in hard-packed or icy conditions to prevent overheating.
#9 Kick-out
In snowmobiling, a kick-out refers to the maneuver where a rider swings the rear end of the sled outwards in a corner or during a trick. It requires skill and balance to perform without losing control.
#10 Mogul
Moguls are small mounds or bumps on a snowmobile trail formed by repeated traffic and snow compression. Navigating moguls can be challenging and requires riders to absorb the bumps using their knees and suspension.
#11 Powder
Powder is freshly fallen, light, and fluffy snow that hasn’t been compacted. Snowmobilers often seek out powder for its softness and the unique riding experience it offers, making turns feel effortless and smooth.
#12 Sled
A slang term for a snowmobile, “sled” is used colloquially among riders to refer to their machines. It reflects the recreational and sporty nature of snowmobiling, referencing the simplicity of steering and sliding on snow.
#13 Sno-park
A sno-park is a designated winter recreation area that provides access to snowmobile trails, cross-country ski paths, and snowshoeing terrain. These parks are often equipped with amenities like parking and restrooms for convenience.
#14 Throttle
The throttle controls the engine’s power on a snowmobile, typically engaged by a lever or thumb control on the handlebars. Managing the throttle is crucial for maintaining desired speeds and navigating terrain efficiently.
#15 Track
The continuous loop of reinforced rubber on the underside of a snowmobile that makes contact with the snow. It provides the necessary traction and propulsion to move the snowmobile forward across snowy and icy terrains.
#16 Windshield
A protective barrier mounted on the front of a snowmobile to shield the rider from wind, snow, and debris. The windshield enhances comfort and safety by reducing rider fatigue and exposure to the elements during high-speed travel.
#17 Backcountry
Refers to remote, often untouched snowy areas outside of maintained trails and parks. Snowmobiling in the backcountry can offer fresh powder and solitude but requires advanced skills and knowledge of avalanche safety.
#18 Boondocking
The practice of snowmobiling in deep, ungroomed snow, often in backcountry areas. It’s about weaving through trees and natural terrains, requiring high levels of maneuverability and expertise.
#19 Carbide
Carbides are tough metal spikes attached to the underside of the snowmobile’s skis. They help in steering by biting into ice and hard-packed snow, providing better control and handling.
#20 Drag Race
A competitive event where two or more snowmobilers race on a straight, flat track to see who is the fastest. This type of racing tests acceleration and top speed of the sleds.
#21 Flotation
Refers to the snowmobile’s ability to stay on top of deep snow without sinking. Wider tracks and lightweight designs contribute to better flotation, allowing riders to navigate powdery terrains more easily.
#22 Highmarking
A game or challenge where riders aim to ride their snowmobile as high up on a steep, snowy slope as possible before having to turn around. It’s a test of skill and power but also brings significant avalanche risk.
#23 Idler Wheel
In snowmobiling, an idler wheel supports and guides the track, helping to distribute weight and reduce friction. This ensures smoother movement and extends the lifespan of the track under diverse snow conditions.
#24 Poling
In snowmobiling, poling is a technique used by riders to navigate through deep snow by shifting their weight and using their legs as leverage. It requires skill and balance, allowing for more precise control of the snowmobile.
#25 Rollover
A rollover occurs when a snowmobile tips over onto its side or completely over, which can happen during sharp turns or on uneven terrain. It’s a situation riders try to avoid as it can lead to accidents and injuries.
#26 Skid
The skid, or slide rail, is part of the snowmobile’s suspension system that makes contact with the snow. It helps to distribute the weight of the snowmobile evenly and provides a smooth ride over varying snow conditions.
#27 Sleigh
In snowmobiling, a sleigh refers to a towable carrier that can transport cargo or passengers over snow. It is attached to the back of a snowmobile, providing additional utility for carrying supplies during longer rides or expeditions.
#28 Snow Flap
A snow flap is a protective flap of material hanging off the rear of a snowmobile’s tunnel. It acts as a guard against flying snow and ice, helping to keep it away from the rider and other components of the snowmobile.
#29 Stuck
“Stuck” in snowmobiling refers to when a snowmobile becomes immobilized due to deep snow, ice, or obstacles. This situation requires careful maneuvering or external assistance to free the vehicle without damage.
#30 Tuck
A riding position used in snowmobiling to minimize air resistance; the rider leans forward, close to the machine. This posture is used to achieve higher speeds and improve aerodynamics, particularly useful during racing or on long stretches.
FAQ
What is a snowmobile usually called in English?
A sled. Riders use it far more often than snowmobile, as in loading the sled or riding sleds all weekend. Snow machine is common in Alaska and parts of northern Canada.
What do you call the metal runners on the bottom of a snowmobile’s skis?
Wear bars, also called skags. They are steel runners bolted under each ski and tipped with carbide so the sled can steer on ice and hard-packed snow.
What do you call the sliders underneath a snowmobile track?
Hyfax. They are replaceable plastic strips fitted to the underside of the slide rails in the rear suspension, and the track runs directly on them. They rely on snow for cooling.
What are snowmobilers called?
Sledders, or snowmobilers. Riders of the sport also describe themselves by where they ride: trail riders, mountain riders and backcountry riders each mean something different.
What does it mean to skip on a snowmobile?
Water skipping. The rider crosses open water at speed, the track and the hull keeping the sled on the surface. It sinks machines regularly and is banned on many waters.
They split into the machine (track, skid, hyfax, clutch, chassis, tunnel, wear bar), the snow (powder, groomed trail, mogul, backcountry, whiteout) and the riding (carving, boondocking, sidehilling, highmarking, stuck). The snowmobiling glossary above has all of them.
What are some Snowmobiling terms for beginners?
“Bogie wheel,” “carving,” and “groomed trail” are some Snowmobiling terms beginners should start with. These terms help describe parts of the snowmobile, riding techniques, and trail conditions.
What are some funny Snowmobiling terms?
“Kick-out” and “snow flap” are some funny Snowmobiling terms. They add a light-hearted element to the sport, with terms reminiscent of playful actions and unique equipment aspects.
What is a famous Snowmobiling phrase?
“Braaap!” is a famous Snowmobiling phrase, often used to mimic the sound of a snowmobile’s engine, expressing the excitement and enthusiasm for the ride and the sport itself.
