Better Late Than Never: Wisconsin Snowmobile Trails Open Up North

WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – After trail area businesses took a hard hit last year, the sounds of snowmobiles can be heard throughout the Northwoods again.

What seemed like forever, waiting for trails to open up north, after last winter dealt us a snow drought. The entire 2024 season, snowmobile trails never opened. Locals were let down, tourist canceled trips and businesses lost a lot of money. Hopes were higher for this winter.

Lake effect started the season off strong, we just couldn’t get the snow to stick. With warm ups mixed in the forecast and a mid winter thaw that shattered records, sleds stayed in storage. We even started this month with the entire region struggling with nearly a 2 foot deficit of snow. Wisconsin was slipping into a moderate drought.

Lake effect was slowly on the build up for areas along Lake Superior. But it wasn’t enough for a base that could be groomed. Leaving rocks and mud to damage sleds. Then finally, snow started to fly last week. It opened up Oneida, Price, Forest and Vilas counties trails.

Lincoln and Langlade followed and are also open.

Both Bayfield and Marathon counties have partially opened trails. In Marathon county only the Mountain Bay State Trail has Zones 1 and 3 ridable. This goes from the Kelly Club in Schofield east into Shawano county. All other zones and trails remain closed. Off-trail riding is trespassing and could result in trail closures or citations.

Meanwhile, Taylor county snowmobile trails open today. All trails east of Highway 73 and north of Highway 64. With the rest planned open on Friday.

County officials remind snowmobilers the trails are in early-season conditions, with possible rough spots in swamps and fields.

Snowmobile clubs around the area are also urging caution. They say there a lot of rough spots expected in high traffic areas. So be sure to reduce your speed. That’ll help keep the snow from wearing and keeps you safer. Speed is the leading factor in sled crashes, especially around turns.

Meanwhile, Barron County officials say most of the area’s snowmobile trails still can’t be opened yet. Sighting poor trails conditions due to strong winds blowing snow off of the trails.

Any added snow on Friday will help. However, that snow storm is favoring the higher snow totals striking the southern parts of the state.