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Wear clothing that will keep you warm and dry. The “wind chill factor” can lower the temperature considerably. For example, suppose the thermometer reads 30° Fahrenheit (-1° Celsius). If you ride at 25 miles per hour (40 km/h), the wind chill temperature drops to 16° Fahrenheit (-9° Celsius).

  • Dress in layers, which offer superior insulation. As the weather warms up, you can shed a layer at a time to stay comfortable. Three layers are recommended.
    • Vapor transmission layer: Worn next to the body, it draws moisture from the skin while retaining warmth. This layer may be made of material such as polypropylene.
    • Insulating layer: Weightier or bulkier than the first layer, it holds warm air around you. Use wool in dry conditions, and synthetics or fleece in wet conditions.
    • Protective outer layer: Available in various weights and materials according to conditions, it protects the inner layers from water and wind.
  • Wear a warm ski mask or other head covering under your helmet.
  • Wear gloves with gauntlets to prevent cold air from blowing up your sleeves.
  • Use a turtleneck shirt or dickey to keep your neck warm.
  • In extremely cold weather, wear two layers of socks—a heavy wool pair over a light pair.
  • Do not wear:
    • A scarf or loose clothing, which can get caught in the moving parts of your snowmobile or in branches and bushes
    • A bubble-type face guard, which may frost up
Wind chill factor chart

Wind chill is given in the body of this table.

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