MONROE - Although much of the northern half of Wisconsin has experienced colder temperatures and accumulating snow the past week, the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs wants to remind snowmobilers that most snowmobile trails in Wisconsin are not open yet.
Before a trail can be opened, the ground under the snow needs to be frozen to ensure trails crossing wet areas are safe. In agricultural areas, adequate snow is necessary to protect the ground and crops over which the trail travels. To see which trails are open, go to awsc.org or travelwisconsin.com/snowreport/snowmobile for an up-to-date status.
After trails are opened, be aware as early season riding conditions magnify possible hazards under the snow. Snowmobilers should always ride with caution and never ride on any lakes or rivers without checking with locals to ensure the ice is safe for snowmobiles.
The AWSC consists of over 600 snowmobile clubs from every county in Wisconsin. Community based, snowmobile clubs and their 40,000-plus volunteer members are responsible for developing and maintaining over 24,000 miles of public snowmobile trails. Club members brush, clear, sign and prepare the trails, along with grooming them to ensure they are smooth and safe. Annually, these volunteers work many hours in partnership with dozens of gracious landowners to ensure trail access, as most trails are on private property. Without the support of thousands of Wisconsin landowners, the trail system would not exist. Riding on closed trails or traveling off a marked trail is both dangerous and trespassing.
Wisconsin's snowmobile program is administered by the DNR. This user-funded program provides the funding that reimburses clubs for some of the expenses they incur. Funding comes from snowmobile registration and trail pass fees, along with some gas tax monies snowmobilers generate.
Snowmobiles must have a current registration and a 2018 Wisconsin Trail Pass.
For more information on registration and trail pass requirements, go to www.dnr.wi.gov.
Snowmobiling is fun and it contributes millions of dollars in economic impact to Wisconsin's winter economy. For more information or to join a local club, go to the AWSC website at www.awsc.org.
Before a trail can be opened, the ground under the snow needs to be frozen to ensure trails crossing wet areas are safe. In agricultural areas, adequate snow is necessary to protect the ground and crops over which the trail travels. To see which trails are open, go to awsc.org or travelwisconsin.com/snowreport/snowmobile for an up-to-date status.
After trails are opened, be aware as early season riding conditions magnify possible hazards under the snow. Snowmobilers should always ride with caution and never ride on any lakes or rivers without checking with locals to ensure the ice is safe for snowmobiles.
The AWSC consists of over 600 snowmobile clubs from every county in Wisconsin. Community based, snowmobile clubs and their 40,000-plus volunteer members are responsible for developing and maintaining over 24,000 miles of public snowmobile trails. Club members brush, clear, sign and prepare the trails, along with grooming them to ensure they are smooth and safe. Annually, these volunteers work many hours in partnership with dozens of gracious landowners to ensure trail access, as most trails are on private property. Without the support of thousands of Wisconsin landowners, the trail system would not exist. Riding on closed trails or traveling off a marked trail is both dangerous and trespassing.
Wisconsin's snowmobile program is administered by the DNR. This user-funded program provides the funding that reimburses clubs for some of the expenses they incur. Funding comes from snowmobile registration and trail pass fees, along with some gas tax monies snowmobilers generate.
Snowmobiles must have a current registration and a 2018 Wisconsin Trail Pass.
For more information on registration and trail pass requirements, go to www.dnr.wi.gov.
Snowmobiling is fun and it contributes millions of dollars in economic impact to Wisconsin's winter economy. For more information or to join a local club, go to the AWSC website at www.awsc.org.
