Local snowmobile trails to remain closed

Officials in Vilas and Iron counties have decided to open their snowmobile trails for the season but the trails in Oneida County will remain closed as the Northwoods experiences another relatively mild winter.

In Iron County, trail coordinator Tara Krall said snowmobile trails opened on the morning of Thursday, Jan.16. 

“We’re open,” she told The Lakeland Times. “Conditions aren’t great. They’re early season conditions but it’s what we have.”

Todd Bierman, park and recreation supervisor for Vilas County, issued a press release Thursday announcing the county’s trail system would be open as of 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17. 

“Please remember that the trails are in early season riding conditions,” he said in the press release. “Watch your speed and stay to the right. Clubs have all been out panning and packing a base on the trails.”

Bierman cautioned the current base is not very deep, “is soft and the trail base is icy.” 

“Caution should be used when entering corners, accelerating, and sudden braking,” he said. “The snow in not sticking to the base and you are not going to stop or accelerate as you normally would. There also may be rocks sticking up that are normally beneath several inches of trail base. These conditions may hamper grooming and upkeep of the trails, and the clubs will get trails built back up as soon as they can.”

Because of the current snow situation, Bierman stressed that “it is imperative” that riders stay on the marked trails, routes and lake crossings.

“Most riders do not know where public land and private property lines are and we ask that when out on the trails, assume that all the trails are on private property,” he said. “Off-trail riding is trespassing and could result in closure or loss of trails and fines for those who violate. Please remember that all lakes are unsafe and dangerous until they are marked and then, please stay on the marked portion.”

In Oneida County, it’s a different story. 

Not enough snow

Oneida County snowmobile coordinator Eric Rady told the Times Thursday the county’s trail system won’t be opening anytime soon. 

“We have not been open and we’re still not open,” he said.

Rady said he’s “talked to multiple clubs” in the past few days. 

“No club in Oneida County wants the trails to be open,” he said. “We don’t have the snow is the main thing. Obviously, it’s really disappointing.” 

Brian Jopek may be reached via email at [email protected].