Snowmobile FAQS
Prices vary based upon factors such as duration (length of rental), whether you want one or two person snowmobiles, date(s), day of the week, and whether your excursion will be guided or unguided. Besides these factors the rates may change until you actually reserve . For instance Runamuk may offer an off-peak weekday, one person snowmobile daily rental (from 10am to 5pm) for $250; sometimes less . However on a holiday weekend or high demand days, the rates will be higher.
Runamuk also offers options such as delivery, prepaid fuel, snowmobile apparel rental, trip interruption plans, etc. These services could also affect your cost as well as sales tax and fees. The best way to see what your excursion will cost is to visit runamukrides.com, select the quantity and equipment type you want and your duration. This will give you the “base price”.
After you review the base price and continue to the next screen you will be asked to provide your name and contact information then move on to select any optional services. If you wish to proceed you’ll be asked to review our online terms and conditions of use agreement and electronically sign it and pay for your reservation.
You can always email us at info@runamukrides.com or call or text us at 715-222-9911 if you need assistance.
In order to reserve your reservation, you must pay the entire amount up front. Booking online is the best method to which you should reserve
Cancellations prior to 14 calendar days of the start of the rental receive a full refund, less a $75 per reservation Cancellation Fee. Cancellations made 14 days or less, shall receive a fifty percent (50%) refund and forfeit any remaining balance.
We ask guests to wear masks when not wearing a snowmobile helmet or other protective gear while inside our building. We also limit the number of people we; allow inside. You may, therefore, be asked to wait outside until you are called. Lastly, if you feel sick or have been exposed to COVID within the last 14 days, please stay at home. Snowmobiling requires glove and helmet use. Therefore so long as you wear your helmet or mask and gloves while touching machine components the risk will be low. It is impossible to entirely disinfect a snowmobile. Between rentals we will wipe down the handle bars, seats, throttle, brake, switches and fuel cap. The rest of the machine is unable to be disinfected. You may use your own helmets or apparel (gloves, jackets, gloves, etc) or rent these from us. (It will be an option when you go to build your reservation on our website). Helmets you rent from us will be wiped down and sprayed with disinfectant. Apparel will be washed as per manufacturer instructions allowing these to dry and air out for a day. If you are hypersensitive to the smell of disinfectants, you wish to buy or purchase your own gear.
Trailering is not necessary. We sit alongside the junction of 3 major trailers. Park your car, hop on your machine and go.
We are located at 13679 W Thannum Fire Lane, Hayward, Wisconsin 54843. We have direct trail access to 3 major trails. Hop on your machine and go. We have ample parking for cars & trucks.
We sit alongside the junction of 3 major trailers. Park your car, hop on your machine and go.
That depends. Snowmobiling can be fun but also dangerous. Accidents, injuries (including those that result in death) may occur. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major contributing factor in snowmobile incidents. Most people do just fine. Our new Ski-Doo Renegade Adrenalines provide the latest technology. They are powerful, agile, and ride well in our type of terrain and trail system. To learn more about our actual equipment features click here. In the meantime we highly recommend you visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource’s (WI DNR) snowmobile topic discussion at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Snowmobile to learn about snowmobiling in Wisconsin.
First, Runamuk is not a school nor do we provide snowmobile instructions. We will, however, review key snowmobile features with you and try and answer any questions you might have. That being said: you must come fully prepared and skilled to operate a snowmobile before you drive one of our machines.
The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has a great website that will help educate you. Visit http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html. Ski-Doo, the manufacturer of the snowmobiles we provide, also has Ski-Doo School which contains various instructional videos. Visit https://www.ski-doo.com/community/ski-doo-school.html. WI DNR has an excellent online snowmobile education course. We highly recommend all snowmobilers take this online class. Visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/Education/OutdoorSkills/safetyEducation for more information.
Depending on your age you may be required to have a snowmobile operator’s license. You can obtain one after successfully completing the WI DNR online course and online test. You do not need to be a resident of Wisconsin to take the course. Wisconsin has reciprocity with other states although the WI age requirement applies.
Visit https://widnr.widen.net/s/gmes43nhcy. Note: prior to arriving for your rental, you are expected to have reviewed the current DNR regulations and fully comply with them.
There’s a difference between renting a snowmobile (renter), operating a snowmobile (driving) or riding as a passenger. We refer
to renters, drivers and passengers individually as “Participant” or collectively as “Participants”.
To rent (i.e., pay for) from Runamuk you must be at least 18 years old and have a major credit card.
To operate (i.e., drive) you must be in compliance with WI DNR regulations (i.e., if you need a snowmobile operator’s license we require you to have such a license (see snowmobile age and licensing requirements section); be at least 16 years old and possess valid automobile drivers license; be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is another operator or passenger); be physically, mentally and psychologically able to operate a snowmobile safely.
Passengers are only allowed to ride on a machine that is specifically designed for two people (has a rear seat with handlebars and backrest. They must also be physically capable of sitting in the rear passenger seat with their hands gripped on the passenger handlebars and their feet touching the snowmobile’s passenger footrest. They must also wear sport-appropriate clothing and sport-appropriate DOT/SNELL approved helmets. No more than one passenger per machine is allowed (total of two people - an operator and a passenger). Passengers and operators combined weight, with gear, may not exceed 300 lbs. Minor-aged passengers should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
You should not carry a passenger until you have at least two hours of snowmobile driving experience; carry more than one passenger; carry more than 300 lbs of combined weight, with gear, of the passenger and operator. When operating with a passenger, reduce speed and allow extra space for steering and stopping.
A passenger reduces your ability to control the vehicle. Ride to the ability of your passenger instead of your own ability. Avoid unexpected or aggressive maneuvers that could cause a passenger to fall from the vehicle. A passenger should always be seated in the passenger seat with both feet on the running boards or footrests and both hands on the passenger grab handle at all times. The passenger should never hold on to the operator. Never secure a passenger to the vehicle or to the operator with a belt, rope or similar device.
Make sure the passenger understands the importance of “active riding.” When turning or performing maneuvers, a passenger should shift body weight in the same manner in which the driver shifts body weight. For example, the passenger should lean to the inside of a turn along with the driver.
Passengers should never remove their hands from the handlebars while operating; always keep both feet on the running boards or footrests; always remain seated in the passenger seat and facing forward, with hands grasping the passenger hand holds and both feet firmly placed on the running boards or footrests.
Wisconsin requires any person who is born on or after January 1, 1985 must possess and carry with them a valid Snowmobile Safety Certificate. The Wisconsin safety education program is currently used by the following states. Their snowmobile operator’s license or certificate may have reciprocity with Wisconsin. Be sure and check with WI DNR to verify the validity of your license before renting or riding Runamuk equipment: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Utah and Vermont.
Note: even if you are not required to have a safety certificate to legally operate a snowmobile we highly encourage all operators to obtain a Snowmobile Safety Certificate. Visit https://www.snowmobile-ed.com/wisconsin/ to begin the process. Don’t wait until the day before your rental to start the course and obtain your certificate. You do NOT need to be a Wisconsin resident to take the course.
Note: both WI residents and non-residents should contact the Wisconsin DNR before enrolling in the course to obtain a free WI DNR customer ID number. ID numbers are used for not only operating licenses but also fishing, hunting licenses. The best way to get an ID is to simply call the DNR customer service center at 608-266-2621
No. We do not offer nor are you in any way insured by or through Runamuk Rides LLC. Contact your insurance agent if you wish to obtain insurance. Whether or not you have insurance you are liable for any damages or loss as per our terms and conditions. Do not assume your homeowners or auto insurance policy applies to offroad activities.
We require a $1500 per snowmobile security deposit to be used to partially or totally pay for any damage or coincidental expenses such as fuel. We collect the security deposit on the day of your rental by authorizing the deposit against a major credit card.
We do not accept cash, checks or any other form of payment for security deposits. So long as you return the machines on time and in the same condition you received it, less ordinary wear and tear, your security deposit authorization will automatically be removed within 7 business days.
Weekends, holiday weekends and the week between Christmas and New Years are high-demand periods. Oftentimes we are sold out of equipment long-before these actual dates. If you visit our website it will tell you if we have equipment as well as the general price range.
We offer military, veterans, and first responders (police, fire fighters, and EMTs) with a 10% discount. You will need to provide us with valid proof of your standing as a first responder.
You are responsible to pay for any damages as per our terms and conditions. If there’s damage we will provide you with an invoice for the amount of repairs. We will apply any security deposits against the cost of repairs. Please read the “remedies” section of our terms and conditions carefully prior to renting.
Fuel: You will receive our equipment fully fueled and must return it that way. We suggest you purchase our optional snowmobile prepaid fuel option. We do, though sell fuel so you can also refill yourself at our location. Use of 91 octane, ethanol-free fuel is required regardless of where you obtain fuel.
Typically “no”. These are 4 cycle motors like your car. The oil and fuel do not need to be mixed. If for some reason the oil light goes on, pull over, stop the engine and contact us immediately - just like you would for an automobile
Our machines are electric start with EFI. Turn the key and go. There is no need for chokes or primers. Again, just like your car.
to be safe, plan on around 100 miles per tank. You actually consumption will vary
Runamuk requires helmet use at all times for both passengers and operators. You may rent from us or bring your own "sport appropriate" helmet (e.g., no bicycle helmets).
All machines leave on or after 10:00 AM on the first day of your rental. If you selected the daily rental, machines must be returned at 5:00 PM. Our 23 hour and multi day rentals allow pickup any time after 10:00am and return by 9:00 am the morning following your last rental day. We do charge late return fees so we recommend you plan accordingly.
Snowmobile, trail maps, suggested routes and recommended places to stop. Fun. Also included would be the optional services you selected and paid for including guide service, delivery service, prepaid fuel option, and helmet rental. If you'd like to add any options, let us know. 715.222-9911
13679 W Thannum Fire Lane, Hayward, Wisconsin 54843. We have direct trail access to 3 major trails. Hop on your machine and go. We have ample parking for cars & trucks. To find us using Google Maps copy this link into your internet browser: https://g.page/RunamukRides?share
1. Riding Gear. Proper snowmobile clothing should be worn. It should be comfortable and not too tight. Always check the weather forecast before going on a ride. Dress for the coldest weather expected. Thermal underwear next to the skin also provides good insulation.
2. Wear an approved helmet at all times for safety and comfort. They provide both warmth and reduce injury. A stocking type cap, balaclava and face mask should always be carried or worn.
3. Goggles or a face shield that attach to the helmet are indispensable.
4. Hands should be protected by a pair of snowmobile gloves or mitts which have sufficient insulation and allow use of thumbs and fingers for operation of controls.
5. Rubber bottom boots with either a nylon or a leather top, with removable felt liners are best suited for snowmobiling.
6. You should keep yourself as dry as possible when snowmobiling. When you come indoors, take your snowmobile suit and boots off and make certain they dry properly.
7. Do not wear a long scarf or loose apparels that could get caught in moving parts.
8. Carry colored lens goggles.
1. First aid kit
2. Provided tool kit
3. Mobile phone
4. Knife/Utility Tool
5. Flashlight
6. Friction tape
7. Trail map
8. Spare drive belt
9. Snack
Wolves, bobcats, fishers, deer, etc., live in our forests so you might come across them. Usually they hear the machines and run back into the forest. You may, however, see them cross the trail. Bears will typically “hibernate” during winter so bear-encounters during snowmobile season would be very atypical.
Leaving Designated Trails. Do not leave the designated trail system. It is illegal, dangerous and against the agreement you signed with Runamuk. You assume full liability while operating our equipment so remember that, although rugged, snowmobiles are not indestructible. Brushing up against branches, trees, or under-the-snow stones, etc. can cause excessive or catastrophic damage you may not notice. Losing control because of excessive speed, operating under the influence, or unforeseen circumstances may create a situation in which tipping, collisions, etc. occurs. Replacing our snowmobiles can cost you in excess of $20,000. Inspect them well and review the commitments you made to us when you signed our agreement. Take photos before and after.
The pre-operation check is very important prior to operating the vehicle. Always check the proper operation of critical controls, safety features and mechanical components before starting. Before Starting the Engine
1. Remove snow and ice from the body including lights, seat, footrests, controls and instruments.
2. Verify that the air silencer pre filter is free of snow.
3. Verify that skis and steering operate freely. Check corresponding action of skis versus handlebar.
4. Check fuel and oil levels and look for leaks. Replenish if necessary and in case of any leaks; you
should seek service from an authorized Ski-Doo dealer, repair shop, or person of your own choosing for
maintenance, repair, or replacement.
5. All storage compartments must be properly latched and they must not contain any heavy or
breakable objects. Hood and side panels must be also properly latched.
6. Activate the throttle control lever several times to check that it operates easily and smoothly. It must
return to its idle position when released.
7. Activate the brake lever and make sure the brake fully applies before the brake control lever touches
the handlebar grip. It must fully return when released.
8. Apply the parking brake and check if it operates properly. Leave the parking brake applied.
9. Inspect drive belt condition and height, refer to DRIVE BELT in MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES.
1. Check headlights high beam and low beam, taillight, stop light and pilot lamps operation. NOTE: You may need to detach the tether cord from your clothes to check lights. In such a case, attach cord as soon as you get back at the controls of the snowmobile.
2. Check the engine cut-off switch (by pulling tether cord cap) and emergency engine stop switch operation.
3. Release parking brake.
4. Refer to VEHICLE WARM UP and follow instructions.
1. Inspect body including seat, footrests, lights, air filter, controls and instruments; check condition and remove any snow or ice.
2. Inspect skis and steering ACTION: Check for free movement and proper operation.
3. Fuel and oil: Check for proper level and no leaks.
4. Coolant Check for proper level and no leaks.
5. Brake fluid: Check for proper level and no leaks.
6. Storage compartment: Check for proper latching and no heavy or breakable objects.
7. Track Check condition and remove snow or ice.
8. Throttle lever: Check for proper operation.
9. Brake lever: Check for proper operation.
10. Parking brake: Check for proper operation.
11. Emergency engine stop switch and engine cut-off switch (tether cord cap) Check for proper action. Tether cord must be attached to the operator clothing eyelet.
12. Lights: Check for proper operation.
13. Ski runners Check for proper operation.
14. Slider shoes Check for proper operation.
15. Drive belt: Check for cracks, fraying or abnormal wear and proper height.
1. (Forward Operation) Your riding position and balance are the two basic principles of making your snowmobile go where you want it to. When turning on the side of a hill, you and your passenger must be ready to shift body weight to help it turn in the desired direction. Operators and passengers must never attempt this maneuvering by placing feet outside of the vehicle.
2. Experience will teach you how much lean to put into turns at different speeds and how much you will have to lean into a slope to maintain proper balance. Generally, the riding position for best balance and control is sitting. However, the posting, kneeling or standing positions are also used under certain conditions.
3. WARNING: Do not attempt any maneuvers if they are beyond your abilities. Sitting feet on the running boards, body midway back on seat is an ideal position when operating the snowmobile over First familiar, smooth terrain. Knees and hips should remain flexible to absorb shocks.
Guided snowmobile excursion FAQs
Tours generally start at 11:00 am but customized tours by prior arrangement. Call us to discuss: 715-222-9911.
Guides are not instructors nor do we offer any training. We will review with you key machine features but all guests are expected to already know how to inspect and operate snowmobiles.