Ep12 - How To Stop At Will While Traversing A Slope

In this episode of Back To Skool™ Bret teaches how to properly stop while traversing a slope so that you are in the correct and easiest position to get started again.
Back to Skool is a snowmobile-rider education series hosted by professional instructor Bret Rasmussen. Learn how to ride a snowmobile better, from beginners to experts. To find out more about Bret and Ride Rasmussen Style Schools and book a guided instructional clinic, click here:
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Hey folks, I’m your host Bret Rasmussen, and you’re watching Back To Skool! Your guide to riding backcountry terrain, Rasmussen Style!
This is Episode 12, and we’re teaching how to stop at will while traversing a slope. If you’ve ever wondered how to properly stop your snowmobile, on a hillside, this is the episode for you. As a prerequisite you’ll need to be able to confidently ride in position three (wrong foot forward). Additionally, you’ll need to be able to roll the snowmobile up on edge, catch the balance, and maintain the edge while carving.
Alright, it’s time to get skooled! There are many reasons you may need to stop on a slope. You may need to evaluate the terrain and route choices around you. Or, you might need to get up on a slope to help a buddy get unstuck! Whatever the situation may be, you’ll want to stop in a way that allows you to successfully start out again. We’ll teach you the proper technique to make this easy.
Some riders believe that when you’re stopping on the hillside you must trench the sled into the snow. You can do it that way, but that will require additional work to release the sled and get it going again. Not only that, but you will have lost your edge, creating a situation that requires more energy to get back on edge and moving again.
Being able to stop properly, and at will on a slope, is a big confidence builder while riding in the backcountry. Let’s break this process down into four steps.
First: While traversing the slope, and in rider position 3 (wrong foot forward), lean the sled slightly into the slope while maintaining balance. You can do this by placing your foot on the running board, toes facing in at a 45 degree angle, and your bodyweight shifted uphill off the side of the sled.
Second: While in this position, countersteer and crowd forward on the sled, then over-balance the sled up-slope and into the snow. This will start to slow the sled as the uphill ski and running board drag through the snow.
Third: Reach as far forward as you can with your free leg, this will bring your body weight towards the nose of the sled and tip the balance forward. Then, lean the sled aggressively into the slope while releasing the throttle and applying brake.
Fourth: As the sled comes to a stop, post your free leg into the snow and apply pressure downward on the handlebars. This will push the nose of the sled slightly downhill, and will make getting started again easier. This process allows you to come to a stop, resting on the uphill side-panel of the sled.
That’s all there is to it. Now that you understand the four steps we use to stop mid-slope, it’s time to get out and practice. We suggest starting on a moderately steep, low consequence slope, and as you gain confidence work your way into harder terrain. And of course, always be conscious about the avalanche danger and other riders below you.
Thanks for watching, Back To Skool! In episode 13, we’ll be teaching how to get started again after stopping on a hillside! If you find these tutorials helpful, but want the full experience, we’d love to have you join us on the mountain. Get details about our in-person clinics at riderasmussenstyle.com.

[@lorrlee]

Bret is so awesome to watch and having him share all this knowledge is a blessing! I love these videos!

[@RideRasmussenStyle]

More coming... Stay tuned.

[@Snowridermagazine]

Nice!

[@zp9898]

These videos have come in handy for both me correcting bad habits and teaching my 60 year old father on how to transfer from ditch banging to mountain!

[@RideRasmussenStyle]

Thanks for the comment...so it is possible too teach an old dog new tricks!!

[@granolagasoline2725]

As always, best resource on the web for how to ride! Love these videos!

[@darrylb2052]

Lets have one on how to stop on a hill without 4feet of fresh snow . More common problem ..

[@RideRasmussenStyle]

Good idea! I'll get right on that 😉