Preparing Your Winter Outfitter

With great powder comes great responsibility. Winter is quickly approaching, which means one thing… snow sports! Our team at CBIZ Adventure Sports has high hopes that the winter weather forecast for this season includes a lot of snow. Whether you own a dog sledding business in Minnesota or give guided tours of the beautiful Colorado landscape by snowmobile, here are a few tips to help prepare your outfitter business for its best season yet.

Dog Sledding

When animals are involved, the risk always increases. One of the best ways to prepare your business, your team and yourself for dog sledding season is to start training immediately. It takes a lot of strength and endurance to mush.

Before the season begins, take time to check your equipment thoroughly and make sure your dogs are in prime health. Schedule veterinarian’s appointments and make sure the animals are getting enough rest in between outings.

Don’t forget to map out your trails in advance and have backup trails in mind.

Cross Country Skiing

As you lay your ski tracks for the season, pay attention to high-risk avalanche areas and conduct routine snow stability tests. Take detailed notes with sketches of the trail as you travel it on skis. Once driven through on a snowmobile, the path can look very different.

Check these tracks often before large groups come to enjoy them. If you are renting out skiing equipment, make sure to properly check the gear before a guest heads out to enjoy it. The last thing you want is someone to get stranded out on the terrain.

Snowshoeing

Preparing for snowshoeing may not sound like a lot of work, however, checking your gear, making sure your employees are up-to-date with the latest training and mapping out your routes is essential. Before the season begins, evaluate the conditions of each snowshoe and binding. Don’t forget to supply your team with a shovel, probe and avalanche beacon.

Snowmobile

First thing first, check your snowmobiles for any signs of damage before taking them out for a test ride. Conduct a deep cleaning and pay attention to the gas level, brake fluid and coolant. If there was leftover gas in the snowmobile while it was in storage, drain it all before adding any new fresh gas. Doing so can help the performance of your snowmobiles.

One of the most crucial parts of the snowmobile is to pay careful attention to the skis. Make sure they are in top condition before sending anyone out on your snowmobiles. Also, check the runners to make sure they are straight or aligned. 

When the season begins, stock up on emergency items such as flares and first-aid kits before sending your teams out. Knowing that you have peace of mind because your team is well-equipped for anything is worth extra hours of preparation.

Backcountry Skiing

Without the awesome help of ski patrol in the backcountry, your employees have to be trained and well-equipped for anything. Make sure your guides are up-to-date on their avalanche safety training as well as CPR.

Before heading out with an eager snowboarder or skier, check the weather and the route. Depending on snowfall and weather, you may need to reroute your group or conduct a snow stability test.

Best in Snow - CBIZ Adventure Sports Insurance

As a small business owner, one of your goals is to reduce your risk as much as possible. With winter weather thrown into the mix, it can be hard to forecast what is going to happen next. Our coverages will help guide you through unforeseen losses and slippery slopes. Get the protection you need today and  request a free CBIZ Sattler Adventure Sport Insurance quote. Worry less and adventure more!

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. In an actual claim situation, coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation for Adventure Sports Businesses Should Your Outfitter Business Become an LLC?