Vilas and Oneida counties partner to launch new snowmobiling travel site

The tourism entities of Vilas and Oneida counties have collaborated to launch a brand-new website to help promote snowmobiling in the Northwoods.

The site — SnowmobileNorthwoods.com — was funded by a $25,000 joint effort marketing grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, as well as Vilas County Tourism & Publicity and the Oneida County Tourism Council. 

Jeff Anderson, of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, was on hand in Boulder Junction Thursday to present the state grant check to the counties and chambers.

“It’s easy to see how important snowmobiling is to our communities economically, so we’re very grateful for the state’s help in getting this project off the ground,” said Collette Sorgel, Director of Vilas County Tourism & Publicity. “We wanted a one-stop shop that would make planning a snowmobiling getaway to our corner of the Northwoods as easy as possible, but also highlighted our hard-working local clubs, and promoted safety at the same time.”

The website does just that, by offering trail info, maps, club details, up-to-date trail conditions, information on snowmobiling rules and safety, and the opportunity to sign up for weekly snow report e-newsletters that the county leaders hope will excite and entice riders throughout the season.

“We’ll be using both counties’ marketing platforms, like our e-newsletters and social media, as well as paid digital advertising, to encourage people to sign up for the weekly updates,” said Krystal Westfahl, President of the Oneida County Tourism Council. “It’s an all-hands-on-deck push that we hope will keep snowmobiling in the Northwoods at the top of riders’ minds — and the top of their inbox!”

In addition to the website, printed materials and Snowmobile Northwoods swag, including reflective decals and safety checklists, will be available at local chamber and visitor bureau offices, that encourage people to stay on the trails, ride right and stay safe.

To kick off the new website and safety push, Vilas and Oneida counties are sponsoring the “Snowmobile Northwoods Weekend Getaway Sweepstakes” on SnowmobileNorthwoods.com, beginning December 19 through February 7, that includes a chance to win one of two prize packages including snowmobile rentals and money to spend at local shops and restaurants. Entrants will be asked to read and promise to adhere to a snowmobiling safety pledge as a reminder of the importance of sledding safely.

Tourism is Vilas and Oneida counties’ largest industry, supporting a combined 4,234 jobs in 2022, and bringing in over $566 million in visitor spending last year alone between the two powerhouse Northwoods counties.