I mean snowmobiles of course, pretty much universally referred to by the popular brand name, Ski-Doo. These noisy smelly machines have been out of control in Australian alpine areas forever, but recent behavior is beyond acceptable. Guys, there’s a basic etiquette; it goes like this:
- Don’t. Snow sports are supposed to be about healthy outdoor activities, not noisy two-stroke internal combustion engines. But if you really, really must, how about showing some consideration for other alpine users.
- Groomed cross-country ski trails are off limits. There’d be places in the world where if you operated a ski-doo anywhere near a cross-country trail, your machine would be impounded and your permit cancelled for the season. Maybe we need some actual enforcement here. I see dopes churning up groomed trails even where there are clearly marked separate snowmobile routes (Ruined Castle at Falls Creek comes to mind).
- But if there really is no alternative and you must use a groomed trail to get to your job (there would be no other reason, would there?), then always use the side, not the middle — if available, the side without classic ski track grooves (if you don’t know, ASK) … and, if available, always the side a ski-doo has used before, whether right or left.
- And in both NSW and Victoria, the area beyond the resort boundaries is all national park. Ski-doos are only permitted there for official purposes, which do not include your joy ride. That’s even if you happen to be riding a government-owned or hydro-owned machine!
Ok, bitch session over. Hey, isn’t the snow nice. Thin, yes, but extensive, and with a decent surface. After a terrible start this season seems to be going pretty well now. And the resorts are empty … if you ever thought you might try skiing, now’s the time.
