By NICHOL HOBSON
Utah is home to the greatest snow on earth -- just ask anyone who snowmobiles. People who snowmobile view snowmobiling as a way of life, not just a recreational activity.
'It's a unique sport. It becomes a passion,' said Glen Zumwat, president of the Utah Snowmobile Association. 'Nothing will take you quite so many places in the winter, or in the summer.'
'It's a kick. It's a lot of fun,' said Ron Cloward owner of high country snowmobile tours. 'People do it to get out into the woods in the winter time. It's fun to go exploring and people enjoy the feeling.'
Many people who have not tried snowmobiling have not done so because they think it is too expensive. '(The cost) depends on you are buying (a snowmobile),' Zumwat said. 'It may actually be less (expensive) than skiing. It all depends on your equipment and where you go.'
People should be prepared with the proper clothing when snowmobiling. 'Snowmobiling is out in the elements just like skiing. You do a lot of exercise that will make you hot,' Zumwat said. 'Dress in layers so that you can take things off if you need to, and wear snowmobiling gear, Gear that is waterproof and windproof.'
'Wear warm clothing,' Ron said. 'Ski gear, like snow pants and a coat, gloves, good boots, and eye gear to protect your eyes from the wind and sun.'
People can snowmobile in a number of areas. '(Snowmobiling) on packed roads is as simple as you can get,' said Rick Cloward, a tour guide for High Country Snowmobile Tours. 'Wide open meadows are good for turns and playing around as you get more comfortable with the snowmobile.'
'There are trail heads throughout the state of Utah,' Zumwat said. 'The national forests have travel plans that show what is open to motorized vehicles in the summer and in the winter.'
People who have never been snowmobiling before should not go alone on their first time out. 'Go with someone who is experienced and is very safety conscience,' Zumwat said.
'To get a good feel and experience, we recommend you take about a two hour tour,' Ron said. 'That is about the right amount of time to get the feel of it and see if you like it.'
Snowmobilers should always follow certain safety procedures. 'Never ride alone. Know where you are going to go and stay away from avalanche terrain,' Zumwat said. 'Stay off frozen water. Understand signals that others would use for warning. Dress appropriately and don't follow people to closely.'
'Wear a helmet. Know the terrain, don't ride fast until you are familiar with the area,' Ron said. 'Keep your feet on the running boards for support.'
'People think snowmobiles drive like cars, they drive more like wave runners or other recreational vehicles. You need to lean towards the hills,' said Rick. 'You need to know how to shift your body weight. This helps you steer and move your snowmobile.'
People who snowmobile claim that it is the best winter sport there is and that most anyone can do it.