General Questions Q: Is prior experience required for snowmobiling?
A: At Northwood’s Outfitters Snowmobiling, our first priority is your safety. Before you leave on a guided trip or on your personal rental we go through an extensive introduction and orientation. We will instruct you in safe operation and use of your sled, trail etiquette, maps and directions. You will be allowed time to get comfortable with your snow machine before you start. If you want the best experience we encourage you to hire a guide for the day.
Q: Which are the best days to rent?
If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend coming Monday through Thursday. Saturdays, holidays and school vacation week are by far the busiest days. Fridays and Sundays are the next two busiest days, with Monday through Thursday being the lesser busy days.
Q. Can we rent snow apparel from you?
We offer a wide array of snow apparel for rent including: jacket and bib sets or full suits, boots and gloves. These items are available individually for $10 per item or the complete set for $30.
Q. Do you sell clothing?
A. Northwood’s Outfitters is a full service outfitter. In addition to offering top quality rentals and tours, we carry a full line of top quality gear from well know brands in the industry. Some of our lines include The North Face, Columbia, Sorel, Salomon, Under Armour, Smartwool, Arctiva and Coldwave Snowmobile Gear.
Q. Do you offer any discounts?
A. Discounts and other promotions are offered through e-mail to previous customers. You can also checkout our facebook page where we post exclusive discounts from time to time here.
Q. Do you provide lodging?
A. We work closely with all of the best lodging establishments in the area. Moosehead Lake offers a variety of lodging like B&B’s, independent motels and private home rentals are all available. Visit our lodging page for more information.
Q. Are there other things to do in addition to snowmobiling?
A. The Moosehead Lake Region is a mecca of winter fun. We offer many guided tours and rentals like Ice Fishing, Snowshoeing, cross country and downhill skiing. We also have many events during the winter including Dog Sledding Race, Winter festival, group and club rides, Give us a call we would be happy to help you plan your next Maine Vacation!
Guided Tours
Q. Are we required to join a guided tour?
A. You are not required to hire a guide but when it comes fun, knowledgeable, and know their way around you wont regret it! Our guides are eager to show you all of their favorite spots discovered after years of exploring our vast backcountry forest. If you are not familiar with our extensive trail system or you have never been snowmobiling you would greatly benefit from hiring a guide for the day. All of our guides are certified in CPR, Wilderness First Aid and have instructed scores of happy riders before you.
Q. Do we tip the guide?
A. The most important thing for guests to remember is that guiding is a service business, and all guides throughout the world rely on their tips as part of their earnings. That said, they must earn your tip. There have been many published guidelines on the amount to tip, e.g. 10-20% of the trip cost or more. If you are coming with a group, it is always a good idea to talk with others about how much they plan to tip, so as to avoid embarrassment. If you are staying at one of the recommended lodging choices before or after your trip, tips there are separate. If you feel as though your guide deserves a tip you will want to give that to them directly in cash.
Q: What equipment is provided, and what should we bring with us on our tour?
A. When you arrive we will have your sleds fueled up and ready to go. We will provide you with a reliable snowmobile and snowmobile helmets for all riders. You will need to dress for playing in the snow all day. We suggest a good pair of wool or polypropylene style long underwear (top, bottom–and women will appreciate a good sports bra); a good pair of ski socks (polypropylene or wool, no cotton); comfortable middle layers over long underwear suits such as sweaters, sweatshirts, and sweatpants; polar fleece; waterproof and windproof outer layers (snow pants and jacket); gloves and sunscreen. Bring your cellphone with a full charge, but be sure to store in airplane mode and keep it warm to preserve battery life. We also rent complete warm outerwear.
Requirements
Q. What is the minimum age to ride (passenger) or drive a snowmobile?
A: The minimum age to participate in our snowmobile tours/rentals is 8 years old. For safety purposes, it is required that a passenger be able to hold on to the snowmobile’s passenger seat handlebars. To drive your own snowmobile we require that you be 18 years of age with a driver's license. Drivers 16 or older (with a driver's license or learner's permit) can drive with a parent or guardian on the trip. A parent must sign a liability form.
Reservations
Q: Do your tours and rentals require reservations?
A: We highly recommend them! Our snowmobile tours and rentals are the most popular in the area and as a result, we have an extremely high guest demand for them. Please call in advance for reservations. Even if you’re for a same day tour, our friendly reservations staff can accommodate your needs.
Q. What if I have to cancel?
A. Your 50% deposit is non-refundable if you cancel your reservation less than 30 days before your trip. We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance to cover your expenses and non-refundable deposits in the case that you have to cancel, or an unforeseen event such as your flights gets canceled, etc. Travel Guard seems to be a common supplier of travel insurance.
Q. What if there is no snow?
A. In the event that local snowmobile trails are closed by the state or county due to lack of snow or poor conditions, or if we feel conditions are inadequate to allow our sleds on the trails, we will try to reschedule your reservations and offer you a certificate available for one year of your original reservation date. Or a refund. If YOU choose to cancel your reservation due to what YOU believe are poor conditions, you will forfeit your total monies. There are no refunds for early returns.
Q. Do you require a deposit?
A: A 50% non-refundable deposit it required to make a reservation. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted. The balance is due within 30 days of your reservation start date. The balance due will also be charged for any no show/cancellation.
Q. Do you offer insurance?
A mandatory $20 Damage waiver is now required in addition to your security deposit of $1500 per machine. If you were to have a mishap with your machine, you are responsible up to $1500. We will cover the balance of the physical damage only to your machine. Some exceptions to this would be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, breaking state law, any off trail riding including lake riding in which case you would be responsible for 100% of all damage and recovery expenses.
What about damage and insurance?
Damages are NO Fun. And we hate damages as much as you do. You end up paying for the damages, which are often avoidable. We end up with loss-of-value on our machine, down-time in which the machine cannot be rented and the additional work of getting parts ordered, shipped and installing them. It really is a no-win situation. Like you, we do not like damages, so please try to avoid them by riding within your limits and capabilities, not taking unnecessary chances.
We do not like to dispute damages with our guests. Like a car, cosmetic damages, parts and labor times can add up quickly. Some damages like front end and tunnel damages cannot be fully assessed, until the machine is taken apart by a dealer or our mechanics. Our procedures are very clear about when you are responsible and for what damages. If you have any questions prior to taking a snowmobile out, please ask.
A mandatory $20 Damage waiver is now required in addition to your security deposit of $1500 per machine. If you were to have a mishap with your machine, you are responsible up to $1500. We will cover the balance of the physical damage only to your machine. Some exceptions to this would be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, breaking state law, any off-trail riding including lake riding in which case you would be responsible for %100 of all damage and recovery expenses.
You are fully responsible for damages all other property damages.
Damage waiver collision fee:
- We require a mandatory damage waiver fee of $20 per sled per day.
- All rentals require an $1500 security deposit.
- Renters are required to pay for all Collision damage. remove
- You are responsible for the first $1500 in repairs to your rental
- Damage waiver only covers your rental machine. Does not cover damage to others.
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