How to Ride a Dirt Bike in the Snow Safely

Yes, it’s called a dirt bike and not a snow bike, but you can learn how to ride a dirt bike in the snow. It all comes down to the right techniques, good gear, and a lot of planning. Once you learn how to ride a dirt bike safely in the snow, you can extend your riding time to practically all year long. The reward is worth the effort.

Conditions for Riding a Dirt Bike in the Snow

The weather and snow conditions will largely determine whether or not you can take your dirt bike out. If snow is fluffy, for example, riders will have a harder time with traction. Generally, you want to look for dense snow, ideally with a thick crust on top. The thick crust allows dirt bikes to stay up on top of the snow, with any ground-level hazards below. Dense snow that goes over a foot or so is going to be challenging, while less than eight to nine inches is perfect.

One key safety consideration is the cold, not just for your bike but for you as the rider. Hypothermia and frostbite are very real dangers, which means you need to be aware of your cold tolerance and stick to a time limit. Dress warmly and avoid any bare skin being exposed to cold temperatures.

While you are out riding, keep an eye on the weather. There are many forecasting apps out there, and some that are made specifically for dirt bikers. If you see a storm rolling in or your forecast alerts you to a sudden weather event, get back to safety.

Gear for Riding a Dirt Bike in the Snow

There are a few crucial pieces of gear for dirt biking in the snow, both for you and your bike.

For the bike, install a carburetor protector that keeps snow and ice build-up far away from fragile inner workings. The last thing you want is a frozen carburetor. To DIY it, plastic covers attached via zip ties are a favorite of many riders.

Tires are critical to how much you enjoy a snowy ride. Dirt bike snow tires add crucial traction to your bike so you can avoid unwanted slips and slides. They ensure that you can start and stop with minimal spinning, and they keep the snow out of the treads.

Some people choose to DIY studded tires with a few bags of ice screws. Others will warm their tires up on asphalt roads by swaying side to side before a snowy ride. For comfort’s sake, grip heaters keep your fingers nimble instead of frozen so you can operate the throttle, clutch, and brakes. Handguards can also help by blocking wind from hitting your knuckles. The goal is to promote good grip even when things are chilly.

Cold weather wear, including gloves, a face mask, thermal layers, warm socks, and ventilated goggles, ensure comfort too. Dress in layers so that you can remove and stash the outer gear if you get too warm while riding.

Your regular riding boots can be suitable for winter dirt biking, so long as you have good socks and a backup pair of socks stashed. To make your boots that much better, treat them with a water repellent. Cold, wet feet are the easiest way to ruin a day of riding.

Some dedicated winter riders choose to invest in electrically heated winter jackets. If this is the route you choose, make sure you have a 12-volt outlet to plug into.

Where and How to Ride Your Dirt Bike in the Snow

Riding a trail is often fun for winter riders, as there is softer snow than a plowed out area. This offers stability and turning power to the rider and the bike, with all the usual fun of quick turns and obstacles. There is even more freedom than would usually be found on a trail as the snow allows for jumps, climbs, and cross-country adventures.

Another option is open terrain, which is a playground for experienced riders and those wanting to test the limits of their bikes and their skills. Much like a skier carves up the snow, a dirt biker can cut tracks in the deep snow of open terrain. There are also jumps to be found, adding an extra element of fun.

As you ride, watch the airbox and check it periodically for snow buildup. The bike may inadvertently suck snow into the box, which then plugs the filter, especially common in two strokes. Similarly, when you put your bike away for the day, make sure the radiator is free of snow, or it will freeze and cause problems.