Stop frequently, get off your machine and actively gather stability information. It is vital that you get off your machine. "Feel" the layers in the snowpack. Do you feel heavy snow on top of light snow? Is there a crust? Is the snowpack shallow or deep? This can give you an idea of what the upper layers are comprised of. Listen for "whoomping" sounds and watch for cracks shooting from your sled's skis. These signs indicate a weak layer in the snowpack that is collapsing or failing. You should look for and test this layer.

Snowmobile Sled Cuts It is a good idea to ease onto the slope you want to highmark. Start by making a small cut on the side of the slope with an easy escape route, and gradually work your way further out. Do this in addition to your other stability tests.