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 to start February off right. A quick blast of snow up north opened up Oneida, Price, Forest, Vilas and Iron counties trails.

Then a snow storm, a snowmobilers dream set it’s sights on the state. It struck just before the Superbowl, dumping near a foot of snow through central Wisconsin. This piled up enough for a base to be built and open trails in Langlade, Lincoln, Taylor, Chippewa, Rusk, Polk, Burnett, Washburn and Sawyer counties.

There are several partial trail openings in Clark, Bayfield, Marathon and Shawano counties.

The Mountain Bay State Trail has Zones 1 and 3 are 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.

County officials remind snowmobilers the trails are in early-season conditions. With a thin base, there are rough spots in swamps and fields.

Snowmobile clubs around the area are also urging caution. They say there a lot of icy spots 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.

Any added snow on Friday and Saturday will help. Right now Wisconsin is in a Winter Weather Advisory.

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