Snowmobile Sidehilling 101

[@tylerbusching5274]

Watched this while at the bottom of a ditch, pinched between the tree line and my own lack of experience .... Braaappp!!! Up I went!! Thanks Dan!

[@kevinmcmurry9253]

A video is worth ten thousand words. The best sledding tutorials are those that have a camera at the back and front of the sled that shows the riders position and movements while demonstrating the technique. If this were to happen, you could use your excellent verbal skills with thousands of words to describe the actual footage.... and subsequently have the best videos and largest following. I look forward to your evolution....because you've definitely got the best verbal explanations and skills.

[@vampov]

Great video. After you did the instruction I would have liked to have seen some clips of you sidehilling so I could see what you just talked about in action. I was waiting the whole video to see the application of the skills (that didn't come).

[@ricklowe8607]

I'm really enjoying these tutorials! I have a lot to learn, and now a place to start.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Awesome man! Keep practicing ✊

[@flxsledders9274]

A huge thank you for these tips! The foot position and bent knee against the seat/tank was a huge help to this flatlander! I can't believe how much different and better such a simple thing made me feel while sidehilling.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thats what we like to hear. Thanks for watching.

[@flxsledders9274]

Now, I just have to figure out a way to get out and ride w/ you guys...

[@anthonylacayo723]

Awesome verbal and demonstration instruction. I admit I waiting for ya to show all the instruction action at the end of the video. I’d love to see a video of simply showing how it’s done more along with talking about it. Keep the great work going man! Awesome channel.

[@waynepriest6403]

I like this series on fundamentals ! Even after taking Dan's two day class last year, there was a lot going on and I missed a lot. My overthinking head still needs these videos to break it down, visualize, burn into brain, and then go out try, succeed and make it a habit. come back, watch again and repeat. Learning different stuff each time.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks Wayne, stoked you are enjoying the series.

[@lloydclarke508]

I have struggled with sidehilling and never had it broken down so technically as this. I did the 40 degree foot move and suddenly everything is so easy now. Thanks.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thats what we like to hear. Keep it up

[@shaheensiddiqui8488]

I would love a tutorial on how to do these moves when it’s more hardpack. For example, I was riding in deep snow and hit some wind blown snow and things got very tricky. Also going down, even on slight sidehills on hardpack is hard for me. Great videos - appreciate them a lot. Thanks

[@bobsaget8833]

That's just practice man some times you get sent

[@mikeholbrook1]

I just had my first day ever on a sled yesterday. I watched a bunch of these videos to get ready. It helped me get up to speed faster than the other guys. All this stuff works. Thanks Dan and all the guys at next level.

[@murmuzy]

Just came here to say thank you for making these videos. I snowchecked my first mountain sled (coming from snowbikes) last spring and have been consuming your riding tip videos since. They've given me a huge head start over friends that also got their first deep snow sleds. Thanks and keep em coming! :)

[@801dory4]

Dan excellent sidehilling explanation. Thanks for all your help and looking forward to another ride with you.

[@defmc1]

Thanks Dan. I plan on coming to do a 2 or 3 day clinic with you or your guys next year. I need some direction. Just starting to snowmobile and my friends have been doing it for decades and they just drag me all over the mountains.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

That would be great. Come ride for us for a few days and lets see if we can get you leading your friends next time you go :)

[@tieref7432]

This was a helpful video, I always struggle to traverse a hill like that, especially from the right side of the snowmobile, but this will definitely help me improve!

[@rolf737]

Keep these up! I'm a sled newbie (coming from a snowbike) and your videos have been really helpful. The opposite foot placement has been HUGE for me. I was doing it wrong and feel much more in control now.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thats what we like to hear. Thanks for watching and happy shredding

[@nealhillesheim7793]

Thanks Dan, I'm looking forward to your next video. Please keep them coming.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks Neal, we plan to drop a new video every Monday morning through the season

[@ARSENIC83]

Dan, I see alot of people running 2" blocks on their bars and I do as well but I have noticed that none of the pros really do. I think a solid video on the pros and cons if running the lower bars would be good.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Risers is always a widely debated subject for sure, great idea for a video though. We will get it on the list.

[@klasmvm4966]

doesnt need a video, lower bars are better if youre short because you get alot more feedback from the skies to your hands

[@Revy8]

Thanks Dan! I've gotten so much better this season with a few tips like keeping your foot at 40 degrees.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thats awesome. Keep it up

[@jeremielaflamme3994]

Fantastic! How about a video of what to do when decending a slope at speed? What do you do once you turn out at the top and start rocketing down the slope.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Great idea, we can for sure get into that in future videos.

[@Stewart7516]

@@NextLevelRidingClinics Dan, this would be a great video tutorial.. I typically will try to go wrong foot forward to throw the sled into a power slide sideways when descending steep slopes but its really sketchy when its steep. I ride with a group of guys who have been riding the back country for years so I end up having to just figure it out if I want to hang with them.I would appreciate your input on this so I can learn.. we have lots of steep and deep here in Alaska I'm in my second season now and I feel like I am able to commit to doing maneuvers but many times the maneuvers are well over my skill level. That said I appreciate your style of breaking maneuvers down into bite size pieces..

[@verovex7723]

lean back very far and apply brake, but not enough to skid

[@ColeVosmek]

Add throttle to engage your clutch and then brake the clutch will slow you down as well as the brake

[@AtomicTrent]

Excellent videos, I am teaching my wife these basics.. these videos allow me to illustrate and reinforce, keep it up!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thats awesome, thanks for watching

[@donbrunski3840]

Great video Dam, Thanks for sharing your tips.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks for watching Don

[@fire_for_effect]

Dan I’d love a step by step on either hopovers or elevators (panel slide). These are great vids. Thank you for putting them out there.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Great ideas, thanks Matt. We will get those on the list.

[@akthrottle9078]

Great video bye far the best on on KZbin on how to side hill. You guys should really show a how to decent in a side hill. Would greatly appreciate it. Thumbs up and Ride on !

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thank you, glad it helped.

[@vladovladiswlado]

This is really great content and quality you guys making! I hope this videos find the way to people. Keep it up guys.

[@vegard2374]

Great video! Wondering if u can make a video showing right suspension settings in different snow types/terrain.

[@rpc2112]

I practiced side hilling yesterday and my brain just wouldn’t let me counter steer. What finally clicked for me watching this video, trying to convince my intellectualizing brain why counter steering is not counter productive, was that it brings the point of contact between the inside ski and the snow from near the tip of the ski to the very back of the ski giving me more leverage to lean the sled uphill.

[@mattmallory29]

Well done video Dan! As I am learning: Back Country Snowmobile nirvana begins on one ski!

[@poole0704]

Can't wait to practice this weekend. Love to progress thanks for the vids!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Awesome, let us know how it goes.

[@rob94rob94]

I hope there’s still time in the season for me to practice those tips! Thanks a lot

[@danhugaboon1246]

Want to know about how high should my handle bars be lm 6foot2inches you’re videos are a big help and more lm a 55 old man up to learning more about ridding was a true winter for us in up state New York in the Adirondack park were l live and hope for more years to come thank you again Daniel Hugaboon from long lake NY

[@DJDavisss]

Great video Dan! Keep them coming, love the focus on the throttle side turn!

[@samhodge7212]

Awesome video! Great info and tips!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks Sam

[@1quickdub]

My area doesn’t have a lot of tall peaks, but there is an extensive trail network and plenty of inviting back country and pole lines to play with. What is your choice of cross over sled for a situation like this?

[@danknugz7605]

Hey brother. Deadly informative !! Great content. Keep it up. Do you ever do clinics accross canada? Im in the mini mountains of Batchewana off Lake Superior in Ontario. We get decent powder here in the north. Would you think about doing tour clinics?

[@jordancaleb5790]

thanks for your videos there great! Do you think that the left hand throttle is a worthwhile purchase?

[@scottsweeney5005]

Great video I love your sled

[@deanvoelker1757]

Hey Dan, like your video's on side hilling, not all of us have new sleds, the way it is. I have an old 2000 800 RMK Polaris and love to mountain ride for the most part I can go just about everywhere I need to go and some places are questionable. I have a hard time if not impossible it seems to side hill out of trouble. I wished you could get your hands on an older sled and show us some side hill riding. I am very capable and working may ass off keeping up with the newer sleds maybe I am just pushing the limits of the sled itself? I do not want to drop out of a great ride experiance just because I can not ride with the pack, sort of speak. It's nice to here wow, your up here in the woods hill climbing riding in the trees old school, well I am old 63 gray haired rideing with the kids.

[@keredkered22]

where is this filmed? insane looking!

[@deaneckford527]

Great video, keep up the great work!!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks for watching Dean

[@scarpachi01]

Great tips. What silencer is on that sled?

[@SousaMotorsports]

Great video, can you explain and show at what angles you have your throttle and brake lever?

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

There is some brake/throttle setup tips in the 5 Free Tips for you 850 video. Check that out and if you have additional questions please let us know.

[@SousaMotorsports]

Thanks @@NextLevelRidingClinics !

[@nickross8564]

Hi Dan the vids are great keep them coming . I’m really new at the backcountry sledding but so far I can side hill and downhill turn fairly good . I’m having trouble carving the sled I’m trying the counter steer but it’s just not working like I want it to . Any advice on what to work on

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Watch our fundamentals and sidehill videos those help.

[@andylee360]

Dan first of all great video, you talked about burning brake I try to use my brake alot to keep my clutch engaged at what point should you be concerned about your belt?

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

We definetely don't suggest slipping the belt just burning the brake enough to scrub some momentum.

[@sarahsaraceno7187]

I weigh 100lbs and it's pretty hard for me to counter steer effectively. I've found it's easiest in 6-18 inches of snow which I would certainly try sidehilling on. What about hard packed hills, will this method also be what you recommend? Any tips for light weight riders since it's about center of gravity but I feel the heavier you are the more easy it is to ride in control.

[@sacrementdeciboire]

nice tuorial man,,,i'm sharing yours to help my budding learning faster and remember myself some before going on for the season. keep tips n riding :-)

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Thanks. Excellent as always.

[@evan6.7]

If you want to sidehill practice carving it helps you learn how your sled handles on its side and get down the basics thats what helped me

[@jeskelson123]

Great video, thanks for producing. How about down hill to uphill transition demo. I'm trying to teach my Son but am having a heck of a time translating. Thanks again,.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

We have that coming in the next few weeks. Stay tuned, we drop a new video every Monday morning.

[@troyoleson]

Great video and keep them coming!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks for watching

[@aaronerspamer7163]

Man thanks for helping a brother out

[@RealHerrailija]

How do you make the side switch jump when u are sidehilling to the right and you turn left beside the upper hill?

[@francoprezioso1882]

Really great teacher !

[@Totoro4980]

Вот если бы показали как в процессе пользуетесь рычагами управления,куда руль и где ноги стоят это было бы вообще шикарно. Самое правильное обучающее видео с показом на ходу.

[@ВалераАсламов-н3б]

Great video 👍 thanks a lot. What can you say on sidehills technic when rider going along the slope and staying on two running boards? Is it applicable technic or better to avoid it?

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Sidehilling while straddling the machine is for sure a relevant technique but only in situations when the snow is deep enough or the hillslide flat enough that you can do it while fully control. What you need to avoid is sidehilling really fast and out of control.

[@noahmodey4799]

Great videos! How about a video on re-entry’s and hop overs?

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

For sure, its on the list for a future video

[@tannward3754]

Perfect video Dan, thank you very much! I was finally able to identify exactly why sidehilling on the right gets to be out of control for me. I also have a question about your editing software, I've been working on some edits of my own but I was curious what software you guys use and if you have a music copyright license or how you guys navigate that legal aspect for edits?

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks for watching Tann. We edit all the videos in Adobe Premiere Pro and most of the time we purchase music from either Premiumbeat or Audiojungle. Music can get expensive and being that we are basically doing this for free as a labor of love at the moment we try not to use music unless the edit absolutely needs it.

[@chrissturgeon2313]

Love it Dan please advise safety first and plan your route also to have plan b

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

That is a really good point, its definetely always good to have a plan B and sometimes even a C and a D

[@philliptoone]

I'm going out this weekend and I want to work on this. I assume I should start out on a hill that is not very steep? Sorry in advance if this is a dumb question. I've been snowmobiling since the early 80s and realize now that I still don't know what I am doing.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Not a dumb question at all. Starting out on a sidehill that is more mellow and with less consequences below is best just in case you lose the machine.

[@johnmason528]

i'm liking your videos. However from a coaching prospective i think the side hilling video needs to be more broken down with more video of people side hilling slowly ( or slowed down) and cut out the chat during the demos ( 101 of coaching, don't talk over the visuals as it just doesn't work.) . Basically this side hilling video is what i'd call front loaded; in other words you just deliver a ton of coaching points at the start, which are all good points, but you need to intersperse the coaching tips with visual demo of side hilling ( and just don't put any audio over those clips) . break it up. Hope you dont mind the critic, i think your videos are amongst the best out there, i'm a back country skier new to snowmobiling and so this stuff is great. But as someone who's been a professional ww kayaking / sports coach for years i think you can improve this video.

[@Thenwewentfishin]

I am pretty sure I saw you and a couple guys shaking down a couple of next years Khaos 850's east of Deadmans on Monday. What was your impression?

[@antonandersson9737]

keep going! Realy good tips!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks Anton

[@janlundberg9606]

Awsome video. Helped me a lot

[@Revy8]

great vid.

[@charlespalmerii4299]

Question, I have since long tracks with widths of 15 inch, 16 Inch and 20 inches, all able to side hilling, how does width of track impact Sidehilling ?

[@Deadlyshu]

Great video thanks dan!!!!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks for watching

[@filipvonthelemann4889]

Awesome video! im learning and just went from a yamaha nytro(totlall riding i have done is 1350km and moste of it in the forest preferabol upp hill!) And now i bought an axys rmk 800163" I would like a video with more riding in slowmotion that you coment on what you do :)

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

You are definetely on the right path to becoming a better rider with your new machine. We will experiment with more slow motion in the future. Thats a good idea.

[@PlagueChance]

Widetrack ( commander, expedition) lessons needed!

[@mic1600]

great video! can you do one for the more advanced rider and teach us how to do a hopover like the pro i can't find any good one on youtube thanks!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

For sure, its on the list for a future video

[@snowwild7583]

Wish i saw this at the beginning of the season

[@lovemyskidoo]

Great info!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks for watching

[@EILevine]

Would love a video this in depth on getting unstuck

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Just don't get stuck. JK. That would be a good future video. We will get it on the list.

[@exodus3091]

im kinda of a new rider and i cant really get my side up and if i do i go too far that my running board slides down the hill, should i use more throttle?? i also have trouble with my left side carving because my throttles away from me... what do i do

[@joevollmer4986]

One question do you think that a 5 foot 6 12year old can side hill a ski doo 850 summit

[@EthanAdey]

Yes

[@jhn7650]

What should I buy a Boondocker 2016 or a free ride 2016?

[@MrSuperpoot]

Great Video..

[@cheezzees3982]

I have the assault switchback and it has a wider ski stance. Can this still be done with my sled or is there any other techniques to incorporate to make it easier? I struggle like hell to get it on its side on a hill.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Your added width and different steering system is in some ways working against you but its absolutely still possible on your machine. Practicing rolling the sled up on its edge, finding that balance point and learning what how the sled reacts to body inputs. You will get it.

[@Dyneemadrone]

I hope snowmobile manufacturers are paying you lots! The old farts in our mountain town who ride sleds just do it to drink beer on trails.

[@fabianoldren4956]

What about a video where you explain the hop overs?

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Hop Overs in on the list for a future video. Stay tuned

[@joshuataylor8702]

I sometimes struggle with my back end washing out... just better foot position?

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Back end washing out could be because of a number of different problems but the first thing to try would be moving your foot forward on the running board. Experiment with foot position to see the effect it has.

[@matthewfronk1831]

I struggle the same as josh trying to get my foot in the right position to keep the back end from washing out. Changing foot position mid side hill has been a challenge for me.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

It can definetely be a challenge to remember to move foot position especially when there is so much other stuff going on. But with enough practice you will be able to make those body movements without hardly thinking about it. Practicing your body positions on the sled in your garage can help to build that muscle memory so when you do hit the snow you aren't starting from scratch.

[@traviskaski1234]

One thing I found when moving forward on boards to prevent washout is that on the very steep hills I would be competing for space with my high bars. Moving them forward just an inch or so made all the difference in the world and helped me make it through till I got low bars installed

[@jacobcox1755]

I'm new to sledding and have a stock 2000 polaris. With 144 track can I somewhat side hill with this sled

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

absolutely, get out there and start practicing. Learning solid techniques on that sled will really help when you move up to a newer machine in the future.

[@Revy8]

could you do a downhill slope decent video?

[@marklennox1671]

what about late 90's sleds where rider posision is more to the rear?

[@mudbrats]

Excellent tips!,

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks for watching

[@RyanAtGym]

Do you think a 100 lbs person could carve or wheelie a 380 mxz

[@samarmstrong4328]

I can’t seem to get it on its side idk if it’s cuz I’m so light or if it’s just cuz I have a trail sled

[@j.hyland1486]

Both

[@samarmstrong4328]

J. Hyland ok thanks😂

[@surfemndude]

Thanks man!

[@braap907backcountry6]

Really good video

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks for watching

[@calebbottoms4679]

Love it!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks for watching Caleb

[@isakabelsen1893]

Hay you ar stil god snowmonile moutain rider

[@dirtrider88]

I dont get it. after spending most of the video talking about counter steering you show a video of you side hilling with the skis pointed strait AND turning up hill.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

You always need to counter steer to initiate the sidehill but from there he steering position is completely dependent on the balance of the machine and steepness of the hill. It just worked out that where we shot the video the hill wasn't very steep so almost no counter steering was required.

[@atooch213]

Interesting, I guess I am in the minority of people that has a SIGNIFICANTLY easier time side hilling to the right rather than left

[@stevey_z]

Have you seen the kind of people who ride snowmobiles?

[@Goatstuff1913]

Do you know how a cvt transmission works, chopping throttle is absolutely the worst thing you can do, you will destroy your belts FAST

[@GAbel338]

Ditch the sleds, get a Snowbike. Effortless sidehilling

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

I will give you that, snowbikes are pretty tough to beat when it comes to ease of sidehilling.

[@TheMatt365]

So... Words then?

[@donwalworth4651]

K

[@dustinureyes]

I've never heard anyone ever say its harder to sidehill on the right side it hard on the left everyone I know or who have talked to says the same

[@shitboxadventures5002]

I think it's more difficult on the right because of trying to maintain throttle control with the right hand pushing the bar and not the throttle at the same time. I'm much more confident making left turns in tight spots than right.

[@sleezymechanic]

Too technical. Especially when your saying gain moment but reduce speed. No need for any of that.