Vilas and Oneida counties urge caution on snowmobile trails

Vilas and Oneida County tourism entities are asking snowmobile riders to commit to sledding safely this winter.

Their website, SnowmobileNorthwoods.com, funded by a joint effort marketing grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, as well as Vilas County Tourism & Publicity and the Oneida County Tourism Council, includes trail info, maps, club details, and up-to-date trail conditions, but also a page specifically dedicated to rules and safety.

“Every year there are unfortunate accidents that happen on the trails and we urge riders to slow down, ride only on marked trails, and stay sober,” said Collette Sorgel, director of Vilas County tourism and publicity. “SnowmobileNorthwoods.com is a great place for riders to brush up on the rules and riding etiquette so we can all make the Northwoods a safer place to ride.”

On the site, users will find Wisconsin snowmobiling laws and safety tips, a short video from the Vilas County Snowmobile Alliance, and the Ride Right snowmobiling safety pledge, which reminds riders of easy ways they can commit to protecting their safety and the safety of others on the trails. It also includes club trail reports, which are an important tool for riders.

“Checking trail reports before you head out is crucial,” said Jacqui Sharpe, chair of the Oneida County tourism council. “Our hardworking club volunteers are dedicated to ensuring access to the latest trail conditions and closures so riders know what’s safe and where to avoid, all in the name of sledder safety.” 

Riders can also head to local chambers of commerce and visitors bureaus in Oneida and Vilas County to pick up printed materials and Snowmobile Northwoods swag, including reflective decals and safety checklists, encouraging people to stay on the trails, ride right and stay safe.

To learn more about Vilas County, visit www.vilas.org. Visitors also can find Vilas County on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube.

Visitors can find more information about Oneida County at www.oneidacountywi.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.