What should you avoid doing while making sharp turns on trails to maintain control?

When making sharp turns on trails, braking hard mid-turn can significantly disrupt the balance and control of the snowmobile. Applying the brakes suddenly while leaned into a turn can lead to a loss of traction on the snow, which increases the risk of skidding or tipping over. Instead, it is safer to manage your speed before entering the turn and to maintain a steady throttle throughout the maneuver.

In contrast, leveraging your weight forward, using counter-steering techniques, and shifting weight to the outside ski are actions that typically help improve control and stability during sharp turns. Leveraging your weight forward helps to keep the front of the snowmobile planted and aids in steering. Counter-steering allows for better handling and turning response by encouraging the desired lean into the turn. Shifting weight to the outside ski assists with counteracting the centrifugal force during the turn, allowing the snowmobile to maintain grip on the snow.