Snowmobiling brings in a lot of tourism and business to many areas across the state, each winter, and it’s a fun outdoor pastime. It’s a good way to get outside in the wintertime, as long as rules are followed and riders are respectful of property the trails run through.
Conditions have changed rapidly this snowmobiling season, sometimes, by the hour, so that’s why riders should check with local clubs to see if trails are open and for conditions. The clubs are the ones who decide if the trails stay open or if they need to close.
“The trails mainly close, due to warm weather, as it affects the base layer and can have the potential to ruin the ground underneath, such as crops and fields,” said Chippewa County Recreation Deputy Craig Fleischhacker. “They may get closed for other reasons, such as trails blocked by trees and landowners closing their land.”
Unfortunately, many clubs are facing the reality of landowners who refuse to have trails on their land, because of riders veering off the marked trail and cutting up their property.
“If someone operates off the designated trails, that is trespassing and a snowmobile violation, and can be cited for both violations,” said Fleischhacker, adding that the exception is if they are the landowner and/or have permission to leave the trail. “Clubs respect landowners by doing their best with protecting the fields during warm weather.”
All snowmobile violations are found under Wisconsin State Statute, Chapter 350, which also specifies that the speed limit of snowmobiles must be 55 mph during the hours of darkness, and operate under reasonable speeds, based on trail conditions.
With unseasonably hot weather of behind schedule, Fleischhacker said operating snowmobiles on lakes may be potentially risky and should be operated on with discretion.
“Snowmobiles are a growing recreational activity in the state, and can be very enjoyable, when operating safely,” said Fleischhacker.
