FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are the key risks when snowbiking in Canada, especially in mountain regions like Sicamous, Revelstoke, and the Monashees — where Snowmoto Canada operates:

❄️ 1. Avalanche Risk

• Backcountry snowbiking often takes place in avalanche-prone terrain.

• Conditions can change rapidly due to snowfall, wind, or temperature shifts.

• Riders should carry a transceiver, probe, and shovel, and always check the Avalanche Canada forecast before riding.

• Guided tours (like Snowmoto Canada’s) minimize this risk through local expertise and safety protocols.

🌨️ 2. Weather and Visibility

• Sudden snowstorms, fog, or whiteout conditions can reduce visibility and disorient even experienced riders.

• Extreme cold can also affect both rider endurance and machine performance.

• Always dress in layers and ensure your gear is rated for sub-zero conditions.

🏔️ 3. Terrain Hazards

• Natural obstacles include trees, buried logs, hidden rocks, creek beds, cliffs, and tree wells.

• Unfamiliar riders can easily become stuck or injured if venturing off established routes.

• Following guide instructions and staying within marked areas is crucial.

🏍️ 4. Mechanical Failure or Getting Stuck

• Deep snow, steep terrain, and cold temperatures can push snowbikes to their limits.

• Mechanical issues or a tip-over in deep powder can immobilize a rider quickly.

• Always ride with a group or guide who has recovery gear and mechanical knowledge.

🧭 5. Navigation & Isolation

• Much of Canada’s backcountry has no cell coverage.

• Losing track of direction or running out of fuel can become serious fast.

• Guides carry GPS and emergency beacons to ensure safety.

🩹 6. Fatigue and Physical Strain

• Snowbiking is physically demanding, requiring strength, coordination, and balance.

• Fatigue can lead to poor decisions or slow reactions in technical terrain.

• Regular breaks and hydration are key to staying sharp.

🐻 7. Wildlife Encounters (less common in winter)

• Bears are typically hibernating, but other wildlife like moose or wolves may be present.

• Keeping a safe distance and respecting all wildlife laws is essential.

The requirements to participate in a tour and ride are as follows:

• Some prior motorcycle experience is Recommended (Clutch, Gears and Brakes)

• A reasonable level of riding fitness

• The bikes are mostly 450cc so you will need confidence

• Ability to use the throttle, clutch, gear lever, and brakes on a motorcycle

• Experience consectutive hours in cold weather, the weather can change within minutes

• Able to follow complex directions (Avalanche awareness, starting and stopping procedures, stay with your guide, tips on control)

• You must inform us of any pre-existing medical injuries or conditions prior

Snowmoto Canada Operates in the mountains between Sicamous and Revelstoke, although we currently dont have a office or store front we will advise a meeting place in advance of your ride,

We operate our Tours in and around the Monashee mountains between Sicamous and Revelstoke, you’ll be on Epic Premium Snowmoto Bikes to see some pristine backcountry!

We recommend having some motorcycle experience, either on the road, dirt, or snow. You ideally need to be comfortable using the clutch and gears, as well as the throttle and brake.

Snowmoto Bikes are different than a motorcycle or snowmobile and have handling characteristics unique to themselves. Any rider will find some of their biggest challenges on Icy Snow or deep powder. Turning and starting can be challenging until you get the hang of it.

We can offer 1on1 guiding at an extra cost.

No, we only allow one rider per bike. Snowmoto Bikes are designed for single user operation.

Yes, please get in contact with the crew and we will organise this for you.

TBA

If you have a helmet already, great. If not, we do have some available you can hire on the day for $40.00 CAD.

Helmets must meet current CA Safety standards and be full face Motor Cycle/ Motocross spec

Ski and Snowboard Helmets are NOT allowed.

We recommend at minimum waterproof moto boots, with wool socks. Try to find some waterproof socks if you are going to wear standard moto boots.

We also use Snowbike boots or Snowboard boots

Tip from the team

Two pairs of goggles is standard protocol on a snowy day as you can switch them out for a dry pair. Bring at least two pairs of warm winter gloves to switch between as the day goes on, moto gloves won’t cut it.

In our bags we typically carry an extra layer to put on under our Jacket in case the temps are cold for the tour.

When you book a Snowmoto Tour, we will send you a confirmation email that details what you will need to bring to make your day successful. We have a good range of Rental Gear!

Gear you need to bring includes:

• Helmet, Moto style, no snowboarding/ski helmets.

• Winter Boots (Snowmobile Boots, Snowboard Boots, or Goretex Moto boots with waterproof socks)

• Goggles - 2 pairs (Low Light Lenses, and Sunny lens)

• Gloves - 2 pairs (thinner pair for riding in, thick/warm pair for when you need them most)

• Warm under-layers / wool socks

• Waterproof jacket / Ski jacket

• Waterproof pants / ski pants

• Water Bottle

• Lunch/Snacks

We inspect each clients gear upon arrival. You can rent gloves and goggles and any other gear if we feel what you bring is not adequate.

Our goal is for you to have a enjoyable experience which is why we offer key pieces of gear to make your day warm and amazing.

Minimum 2 people per tour maximum 6 per guide

We understand that accidents happen and sometimes things don't go as planned. Here we outline some of the parts repair costs in case of an accident.

Please note: We do not currently offer insurance options.

Some of the parts you could break if you have an accident:

Brake Lever – $60

Plastics (Fenders, Radiator Shrouds, Sidepanels) $45 -$165

Torn Seat – $350

Ski Spindle – $950

Ski – $1050

Hand guards $175

Radiator – $750 per side

Handlebars – $490

Headlight – $195

Exhaust Header – $850

Track Rails – $490ea

Snowbike track – $1500

Broken front forks – $2500 ea

Shovel or probe $180ea

Beacon $850

Muffler $950

Track bent frame or broken frame/chassis - From $2600

Track Chassis ( carbon fibre) $2600ea

Damage costs and repair labour will be determined on a case by case basis. Repair labour is based on $120 CAD/hour shop rate. We are fair and honest, and expect you to be as well.

❄️ Cancellation Policy

At Snowmoto , we have limited availability and a short snow season. To keep things fair for all guests and protect our team’s time, we have a strict cancellation policy in place.

🔁 Standard Cancellations

• 14+ days before your booking: 50% refund or one-time reschedule (subject to availability).

• 7–14 days before your booking: No refund. One-time reschedule may be offered at our discretion (CAD $50 rebooking fee applies).

• Less than 7 days before your booking: No refund or reschedule under any circumstances.

• No-shows or same-day cancellations: 100% cancellation fee. No exceptions.

🌨️ Weather Cancellations

If we cancel due to unsafe snow or weather conditions:

• You can reschedule free of charge, or

• Receive a full credit valid for 12 months. (Refunds are not guaranteed for weather-related cancellations.)

⚠️ Booking Changes

• Changes must be made 14+ days before your booking.

• All changes are subject to availability and a CAD $50 admin fee.

• Group bookings of 6+ may have different terms — please contact us.

ℹ️ Notes

• Refunds (if applicable) are processed within 10 business days.

• Refunds or credits are not available for illness, transport issues, personal changes of plans, or other non-weather-related reasons.

If we are riding and part way through the day we have to abort the ride due to bad weather we will give you a credit on a pro rata system:

$100 refund per hour not ridden

Thanks for understanding! Our team is small, and our season is short — this policy helps us deliver the best experience possible to everyone who rides with us.

You’ve seen the machines out there, they look like a cross between a dirtbike, and a snowmobile. Often they will be referred to as a snow bike, timbersled, snowmoto, or snow mx bike. These conversion motorcycles with a track appeal to folks for many reason. A rider may be interested in having a dual purpose summer / winter riding machine, increased handling performance over snowmobiles, or trying something new.

While a snowbike retains some dirtbike handling characteristics there are a few things to be acquainted with before riding these machines. Snow conditions are an important factor that play into how the bike will handle terrain, and affect any learning curve you may experience.

To begin, a snowbike sits a few inches higher than a motorcycle with wheels. What this means, is you typically start with both feet on the pegs as it is further to reach the ground. Compared to a motorcycle where you leave one foot down to balance the bike so you don’t tip over, a snowbike balances itself fairly well when just sitting in place. This allows you to put both feet on the pegs for starting.

The next step is taking off, and this may be the most challenging one until you get some practice. On a wheeled motorcycle, you can leave one foot down and ‘walk’ the bike until you get enough momentum to get your balance. However, this technique doesn’t translate so well to the snow bike, as you may barely be able to reach the snow with your tippy toes. So how do you do take off on a snowbike, and not tip over?

Many times a slow speed start is too slow to reach the balance point and the rider will tip over.

Trust, confidence, and a smooth burst of throttle! You must trust in your throttle control and clutching ability to smoothly and quickly get the machine moving to reach it’s balance point where you feel confident in it’s handling. A new rider will often try to feather the clutch and gain their initial speed slowly as they get a feel for the machine. Many times a slow speed start is too slow to reach the balance point and the rider will tip over. If the machine is moving too slowly, it will be more difficult to balance. The track creates more drag on the system than a typical rear wheel, so using slightly more throttle than you would on a dirtbike will compensate for this difference. The quicker you can get the snowbike moving, the more balance you will have.

OK! you’re off and cruising over the snow, nice work! Now comes time for some handling technique. Similar to taking off, the snow bike handles significantly better with some forward inertia. At a slower speed, steering & balance is more difficult, so using your body weight to lean the bike will help keep your balance. As your speed increases, you can steer with the handlebars more, but you will still lean towards the direction you want to travel. Practice with the hand brake to see how much force is needed to slow the bike. Shift through some gears, and let off the throttle to see how much speed is lost through engine braking, snow conditions, and track drag while free coasting.

Remember to plan your stopping areas where it will be easy to start up again

Now comes time to stop, and you go to jam down the rear brake with your foot, and you frantically step down again because it feels like you missed! Well you didn’t, your brake is on your right handlebar. Snow Bikes, only have one brake, compared to two on motorcycles, so you must train yourself to use the handbrake in all stopping situations. While it may be tempting to follow your guide or riding partner and stop in their tracks, choose to stop beside your riding partners, rather than directly behind them. As you are rolling to a stop, right before you loose all momentum, grab the hand brake firmly to ‘seat’ the track into the snow. Minor steering inputs, keeping your core centered over the machine, and keeping both feet on the pegs will help you maintain your stop and keep you upright.

Stopping: Right before you loose all momentum, grab the hand brake firmly to ‘seat’ the track into the snow.

Once you nail the rolling stop with feet on the pegs, you’re doing pretty good. Practice your snow bike start and stop technique as much as possible. Remember to plan your stopping areas where it will be easy to start up again. Learning this fundamental is very important, and will make your entire day of backcountry riding more enjoyable.

Key riding take aways:

• Start with feet on pegs

• Quick acceleration to find balance point

• Lean and steer in combination to navigate

• Plan your stop where it will be easy to start up again

• Brake is located on right handlebar, NO foot brake!

• Slow to a stop with both feet on foot pegs

• Stop next to riding partners, never directly behind

Learning and practicing these fundamentals will shorten your learning curve, and will enable you to navigate more technical terrain with more ease and less fatigue. We hope these riding tips are helpful and help you have an enjoyable snow bike tour.