Snowmobile FAQS
Click on either the orange "unguided" or orange "guided" snowmobile rental buttons at the top of the snowmobile homepage (https://runamukrides.com/snowmobiles/) Select the appropriate quantity of 1 & 2 person snowmobiles; the start date and time. The system will display all available durations as well as the pre-tax & fee cost for the entire rental.
"Greyed out" durations or dates mean we are sold out for the quantity of snowmobiles you selected. Dates in green indicate availability and prices.
If you wish to proceed, chose a start time, duration and then press the yellow continue button.
After providing some contact information, you will be asked to list the total number of people in your group as well as read and accept our terms and conditions; release of liability agreements. It is imperative you carefully read the agreements before proceeding.
If you check the box indicating you read, agree and accept the agreements, available options such as apparel, delivery service, prepaid fuel, etc., appear. Select any desired options and then the continue button. You will be directed to a secure online payment screen.
After the system processes payment you will receive an email that serves as your receipt and booking confirmation. Read it well and notify us immediately if you need to amend or make changes.
The booking confirmation also contains a link you and your entire rental party may use to complete online agreements. All members of the rental party must individually complete both agreements prior to the rental start date/time or the reservation will be cancelled.
You may also complete the online agreements using this link:
Cancellations 15 or more days of the start of the rental activity start date receive a full refund, less a $75 per reservation Cancellation Fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the rental activity start date receive a fifty percent (50%) refund.
No and no. We do not provide or offer any sort of insurance or damage protection nor does Runamuk cover or insure you or anyone. Check with your insurance agent ahead of time concerning your coverage needs.
Because off-trail riding is unpredictable; it is not regularly clearly marked or patrolled; there's no way to determine a person's snowmobile driving record, an insurance company is unable to determine risk factors for our renters. That's why we unable to offer insurance or damage protection. Discuss insurance needs with an authorized insurance agent.
We will authorize (not charge) a $1500 per snowmobile security deposit against your credit card. As long as you return the machine on time and in the same condition you received it, less ordinary wear and tear, we will void the security deposits within shortly after we conduct our formal return inspection. Ordinary wear and tear is generally small scratches, scrapes, natural wear on consumable items, etc.
If the machine breaks down and we determine the snowmobile was operated in an unabused and careful manner, you will not be charged. Operating the machine with warning lights going off; riding off trail; tipping; prematurely broken drive belts, etc. is abuse and we will charge you as per our agreements.
If you have issues and continued operation is not possible we will attempt to come and retrieve you and the snowmobile ASAP.
Once you leave our facilities we have no way knowing who was operating a machine; how or why it was damaged, etc. That's why we typically only concern ourselves with the condition in which it was returned versus how it was given to you.
You and members of your group as individuals and as a group assume all financial and physical risks associated with using our equipment. We will apply any security deposits your group may have posted to cover the cost to repair our equipment. We will then notify your group of any credit or debit after applying the deposit payments. In the case of credits: we will refund this back onto the credit card(s) used for the security deposits. You must pay any debit (balance due) upon demand.
Read the two rental agreements very, very, carefully (https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/60a55c0904901/web/). You assume all financial and physical risks associated with using our equipment.
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 snowmobile trails. Park your car, hop on your machine and go.
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 (https://runamukrides.com/snowmobiles/ ) it will tell you if we have equipment as well as the general price range.
Yes and yes. Runamuk requires helmet use at all times for both passengers and operators. Your rental rates includes helmets. You may also use your. Note: we do not have electric visor ports on our snowmobiles.
We are located at 13679 W Thannum Fire Lane, Hayward, Wisconsin 54843. We have direct trail access to 3 major trails (#63, 8 & 31). Hop on your machine and go. We have ample parking for cars & trucks.
It's not easy but many people become comfortable and skilled after training and practice. Note we are NOT a school, instructions nor offer any training. You must come fully prepared and skilled.
Prepare for your activity by reviewing all our FAQ's; reviewing WI DNR snowmobile regulations; taking the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource’s (WI DNR) snowmobile safety education course. (For the safety course and regulations visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Snowmobile); review the Ski-Doo operator's for the equipment type you will be renting from us. Visit https://www.ski-doo.com/us/en/owner-zone.html
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.
See FAQ (Do you offer insurance or damage protection)?
We offer discounts for active duty, reservists, national guard personnel as well as any veteran of the armed forces. We also provide discounts to first responders (police, fire fighters, and EMTs). You will need to provide us with valid proof of your standing as a first responder. Contact us for more information: info@runamukrides.com or 715-222-9911.
That depends. To be safe, plan on around 100 miles per tank. You actually consumption will vary.
We will tender the snowmobile to you fully fueled. You must return it that way (using 91 octane, ethanol free gasoline). You may select our prepaid fuel option when you check out or fill it up at our pump during our normal business hours (9am-5pm).
See below: "Before you arrive". Assuming you have submitted the online agreements and have contacted your credit card company then arrive approximately 15 minutes before the start of your rental. When you arrive we will process your security deposit; provide you with helmets; review trail map and trail suggestions; take you to your machine and answer any questions.
Before you arrive:
Make sure every member of your group has completed both the Runamuk terms and conditions of service agreement and the waiver of liability agreement. Both agreements are completed and found online. Use the link that was provided in the booking confirmation email you received when you reserved. If you did NOT receive the link or the email or would like a copy resent, call or text us ASAP at 715-222-9911. We may email or call you ahead of time if we do not see that you have completed the agreement. You may also email us at info@runamukrides.com or call/text us at 715-222-9911 for assistance.
You may always visit our website's terms and conditions section (https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/60a55c0904901/web/) to access an online, fillable version you may also submit.
Secondly, make sure you have sufficient credit availability (for the $1500/machine security deposit authorization - see damage and insurance FAQ) and have notified your credit card issuer that you will be visiting the Hayward, WI area. That way you will not have a security or credit limit hold requiring a delay.
Snowmobile, helmet, trail maps, suggested routes and recommended places to stop. Fun.
We offer optional services such as guide service, delivery service, prepaid fuel option, etc. If you'd like to add any options, let us know. 715.222-9911
13679 W Thannum Fire Lane, Hayward, Wisconsin 54843. (8 miles north of Hayward and 8 miles south of Cable off US Hwy 63). 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.
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.
We suggest the following:
1. First aid kit
2. Mobile phone & charger
3. Knife/Utility Tool
4. Flashlight
5. Trail map
6. Snack & drink
7. Snowmobile Operators and Automobile Driver's License
8. Compass or GPS
9. Extra layers of clothes.
10. Backpack if needed to carry extra items (there is minimal storage on the snowmobiles).
11. Anti-fog spray or wipes; chemical hand and foot warmers.
12. Cash and credit cards (not all area businesses accept credit cards).
13. Credit card for processing the security deposits.
14. Face mask for reducing the spread of COVID while indoors; hand sanitizer.
We recommend you wear the following items:
- A snowmobile-purposed balaclava (facemask)
- A long winter coat that hangs to the bottom or your hips and zips up to the underside of your head.
- Warm mittens (not gloves)
- Snow bibs (not snow pants)
- Warm socks and warm winter boots
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.
We recommend you review the Ski-Doo operator's manual for our machines. Go to https://www.ski-doo.com/us/en/owner-zone.html
1. Inspect body including seat, footrests, lights, air filter, controls and instruments; check condition and remove any snow or ice. Notify Runamuk staff of any pre-existing damage. If you believe the machine cannot be operated safely in its current condition, do not accept care, custody or operate the machine.
2. Inspect skis and steering for free movement and proper operation.
3. Fuel, oil, coolant, brake fluid: Check for proper level and evidence of any leakage.
4. Storage compartment: Check for proper latching and no heavy or breakable objects.
5. Track Check condition and remove snow or ice.
6. Throttle lever: Check for proper operation.
7. Brake lever: Check for proper operation.
8. Parking brake: Check for proper operation.
9. 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.
10. Lights & Snowflap: Check for proper operation and condition.
11. Ski runners (wear rods): Check for proper operation and thickness.
12. Slider shoes (hyfax): Check for proper operational thickness.
15. Drive belt: Check for cracks, fraying or abnormal wear and proper tension height.
We recommend you review the Ski-Doo operator's manual for our machines. Go to https://www.ski-doo.com/us/en/owner-zone.html
- (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.
- 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.
- 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.
Visit the Ski-Doo safe operating website at https://www.ski-doo.com/us/en/owner-zone.html
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.