NEWS RELEASE / PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

DATE: March 28, 2023
From: Todd Bierman, Vilas County Parks and Recreation Supervisor 

RE: Vilas County Snowmobile Trails Scheduled to Close for the Season

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THE VILAS COUNTY SNOWMOBILE TRAIL SYSTEM INCLUDING ALL FUNDED AND CLUB TRAILS WILL CLOSE ON Friday, MARCH 31, 2023 at Midnight.

 

For more information, please contact Todd Bierman, Parks and Recreation Supervisor at 715-479-5160.

 

 

Trail Report - 3/25/23

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The trails in the shaded areas are fair to good.  Watch the road crossings, and trails exposed to sun, they will be bare and gravely.  

 

Please don't take this the wrong way, we appreciate everyone's support,

BUT: if you are the snowmobiler who is expecting a long beautifully manicured trail ride or likes to complain about trails, late March riding is not for you.  You will see icey trails in the morning, soft snow in the afternoon, icey corners, bare spots, some wet areas in swamps, bare road crossings. 

 

If you are the rider who wants to go out, take a short ride in this beautiful weather and understands there will be areas that are not all that good, then please enjoy!!!

Consider any riding this time of year to be a bonus, as trails are normally closed by now.  

There are logging operations on trail 8 in town between Pukall lumber and Hwy 51.

Remember to ride right, obey stop signs and be safe out there.

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Barry Hopkins, President

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Trail Report 3/21/23

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The trails are hanging in there!   Fair to good in the woods, watch the road crossings if we get more sun.  Cool night temperatures and limited sun over the last couple days has helped preserve the trails.  Looks like warmer weather this weekend but it' should still be very rideable.   Enjoy the trails as there is not much traffic out there!

Consider any riding this time of year to be a bonus, as trails are normally closed by now.  

There is logging operations on trail 8 in town between Pukall lumber and Hywy 51

Remember to ride right, obey stop signs and be safe out there.

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Barry Hopkins, President

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Trail Report 3/16/23

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It's been raining today so trails will be soft.  It's supposed to cool off tonight and a chance of snow.   

Consider any riding this time of year to be a bonus, as  trails are normally closed by now.  

There are logging operations on trail 8 in town between Pukall Lumber and Hwy 51, so expect to see logging equipment.  Use caution in that area.

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Remember to ride right, obey stop signs and be safe out there.  

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Barry Hopkins, President

 

Trail Report 3/10/23

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Sno Skeeter trails are fair to good. Road crossings and exposed areas are thin. Shaded areas in the woods are better. It's snowing lightly. Looks like it'll be overcast with a chance of snow through the weekend. We are in late season riding conditions. Beware that the warm weather may cause some swamp areas to open a bit. Cold temps at night and warm during the day will cause icey conditions in the corners. So please use caution. A huge thank you to all the groomer operators for all of their hard work this winter.  

 

🔸𝗢𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗺𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀, 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗺𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀, 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹!

THANK YOU and stay tuned as conditions can change daily this time of year.

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Barry Hopkins, President

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Trail Report - March 7, 2023 

 

5" of snow Sunday night and Monday.   But today the Sun is taking a toll on road crossings and exposed areas. 

It's March riding Folks, don't set high mileage expectations.   Get out and enjoy the weather!  This time of year the sun can pack a punch.   Riding Monday was good, but with the sun today I would say trails are fair.   Still good in the woods, but you'll need to connect the good riding with the thin to bare sections.  

 

We continue to hear of near misses on the trails with "hotdogs" out of control and crossing into the oncoming lane on corners.  That being said: 

 

DONT BE A HOTDOG.   REMEMBER THAT YOU SHARE THE TRAILS WITH OTHERS.  THE FOLLOWING IS WORTH READING AGAIN

 

🔸𝗢𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗺𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀, 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗺𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀, 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹!

Your clubs and groomers need your help in compacting snow and rebuilding/maintaining the base. This is something simple you can do to greatly assist the clubs in the areas you are riding.

Enjoy all of this amazing fresh snow, be safe, and 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁!

#rideright

THANK YOU and stay tuned as conditions can change daily this time of year.

 

Barry Hopkins, President

 

 

 

Trail Report - 2/24/23

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𝗢𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗺𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀, 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗺𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀, 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹!

Your clubs and groomers need your help in compacting snow and rebuilding/maintaining the base. This is something simple you can do to greatly assist the clubs in the areas you are riding.

Enjoy all of this amazing fresh snow, be safe, and 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁!

#rideright

 

Even with the fresh snow, it is fluffy and not compacted yet.   Corners will still be icey.

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Barry Hopkins, President

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Trail Report - 2/20/23

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The trails are icy and hard packed, road crossings are snirty and or bare.   However, there is snow predicted today through Thursday.  It is snowing very lightly today at 1pm.   4-5" would improve our trails immensely.   Stay tuned for updates.  

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Thank You to everyone who helped make our Winterfest Rendezvous  such an awesome event.  

 
Make plans to stop by the Rustic Roadhaus this Thursday!  They are doing a spaghetti feed 4-7 pm and proceeds benefit the Manitowish Waters Sno-Skeeters Snowmobile Club for trail maintenance.

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Barry Hopkins, President

 

Trail Report - 2/16/23

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NEWS RELEASE/ PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

DATE: February 15, 2023

From: Todd Bierman, Vilas County Parks and Recreation Supervisor

RE: Vilas County Snowmobile Trails Conditions

The Vilas County Snowmobile Trail conditions have rapidly deteriorated to poor Conditions and we recommend they not be used.

For more information, please contact Todd Bierman, Parks and Recreation Supervisor at 715-479-5160.

Due to unseasonable weather conditions, the Vilas County Snowmobile Trail System has deteriorated to poor and dangerous conditions. All grooming operations have been halted due to lack of snow to work with. The current trails are very icy and grooming blades can't cut the trail base to smooth it out. There is no lose snow on the trail base for cooling or lubricating the slides. The Vilas County Snowmobile Alliance is asking that you please refrain from using the snowmobile trails until more snow is received. Once the clubs have some workable snow, grooming will start back up. We are asking this for your safety, your snowmobile well-being and to protect our landowner's property. Please, if you are planning on visiting Vilas County, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy this time of year. Please contact the Vilas County Tourism Department for more information at (715) 479-3649 or email them at: vilasad@Vilascountywi.gov.

We don't like to ask this but feel the need to be completed honest with you so that you have the most enjoyable time here in Vilas County. Please be safe and if you haven't already, join a snowmobile club.

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Todd Bierman

 

Trail Report 2/15/23

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The MW Sno Skeeters trails are in poor/ fair condition.   Trails in the woods are still fair to good.  But exposed sections and road crossings are taking a hit.  Looks like we will have cooler weather starting tonight  We, along with all the other clubs across the Northwood are doing the best that we can.  

 

That being said, stop by our Groomer Barn Saturday for our Winterfest celebration.  This is one of our biggest fundraisers!  With higher fuel prices this winter, we could sure use your help.  We have a ton of great raffles and have activities for the kids and adults alike!

 

A BIG THANK YOU to those of you who have donated raffle items for our  Winterfest Rendezvous (Saturday February 18) 

 

Remember to use your hand signals, ride right, stay on the marked trails, obey traffic signs and yield to the groomer (get your group as far to 1 side of the trail as possible) watch for icey corners and deer on the trails.

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Barry Hopkins, President

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Trail Report - 2/13/23

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The MW Sno Skeeters trails are in fair  condition.   Trails in the woods are still good but exposed sections and road crossings are taking a hit. We have a warmup going on for a couple days, so I will update as things change.  The sun is packing a punch this time of year.   There is a chance of snow Thursday and Friday.   Check conditions ahead of any long trips you may have planned.  

 

A BIG THANK YOU to those of you who have donated raffle items for our  Winterfest Rendezvous (Saturday February 18) 

If you havent yet, there's still time to donate and items can be dropped off at the Pea Patch.  

 

Remember to use your hand signals, ride right, stay on the marked trails, obey traffic signs and yield to the groomer (get your group as far to 1 side of the trail as possible) watch for icy corners and deer on the trails.

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Barry Hopkins, President

 

 

 

Trail Report - 2/9/23

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The MW Sno Skeeters trails are in good  condition.   We did have a warmup and sun the last 2 days, But Groomer operator Kurt Potter just got done grooming our system and said this of the trails:   "Very good.  A little brown at crossings"

 

A BIG THANKYOU to those of you who have donated raffle items for our  Winterfest Rendezvous (Saturday February 18) 

If you havent yet, there's still time to donate and items can be dropped off at the Pea Patch.  

 

Our next club fundraiser is Breakfast  at The Pea Patch.   This Sunday February 12th. 8 am- Noon

 

Remember to use your hand signals, ride right, stay on the marked trails, obey traffic signs and yield to the groomer (get your group as far to 1 side of the trail as possible) watch for icey corners and deer on the trails 

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Barry Hopkins, President

 

Trail Report - 2/8/23

 

The MW Sno Skeeters trails are in good  condition.   

 

A BIG THANK YOU to those of you who have donated raffle items for our  Winterfest Rendezvous (Saturday February 18) 

If you haven't  yet, there's still time to donate and items can be dropped off at the Pea Patch.  

 

Our next club fundraiser is Breakfast  at The Pea Patch.   This Sunday February 12th. 8 am- Noon

 

Remember to use your hand signals, ride right, stay on the marked trails, obey traffic signs and yield to the groomer (get your group as far to 1 side of the trail as possible)

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Barry Hopkins, President

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Trail Report - 2/3/23

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The MW Sno Skeeters trails are in good/ very good condition.   It's very cold out today so dress accordingly.  Warmer for the weekend.  It will be another busy weekend, so please ride carefully.   Corners may be icey.

 

A BIG THANK YOU to those of you who have donated raffle items for our  Winterfest Rendezvous (Saturday February 18) 

If you havent yet, there's still time to donate and items can be dropped off at the Pea Patch.  

 

Our next fundraiser is Sunday February 12th at The Pea Patch. 8 am- Noon

 

If you are looking for "Sno Skeeter" clothing, visit Dietz's Service:   they have a great assortment!  You can now use your credit card for clothing and stickers at Dietz.

 

Remember to use your hand signals, ride right, stay on the marked trails, obey traffic signs and yield to the groomer (get your group as far to 1 side of the trail as possible)

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Barry Hopkins, President

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Trail Report 1/26/23

 

The MW Sno Skeeters trails are in good/ very good condition.   Some new snow this week and a fair amount of mid week riders taking advantage of the good trails!

 

A BIG THANK YOU to those of you who have donated raffle items for our 

Winterfest Rendezvous (Saturday February 18) 

If you havent yet, there's still time to donate and items can be dropped off at the Pea Patch.  

 

Our next fundraiser is Sunday, February 12th at The Pea Patch. 8 am- noon. 

 

If you are looking for "Sno Skeeter" clothing, visit Dietz's Service:   they have a great assortment of clothing and hats. 

 

Remember to use your hand signals, ride right, stay on the marked trails, obey traffic signs and yield to the groomer (get your group as far to 1 side of the trail as possible)

 

Barry Hopkins, President 

 

Trail Report 1/20/2023

 

The MW Sno Skeeters trails are in good condition.  

We got about 7" of snow since last night.   That on top of a solid base will help the trails.   However, Fresh snow doesn't take long to get tracked up.   The groomer will be out tonight.   Your best bet is always to get out early to get your riding in.  We expect another busy weekend, so be safe out there!

 

Remember to use your hand signals, ride right, stay on the marked trails, obey traffic signs and yield to the groomer (get your group as far to 1 side of the trail as possible)

 

A BIG THANKYOU to those of you who have donated raffle items for our Winterfest Rendezvous (Saturday February 18) 

If you havent yet, there's still time to do so and items can be dropped off at the Pea Patch 

 

Our next fundraiser is Sunday February 12th at The Pea Patch. 8 am- noon

 

If you are looking for "Sno Skeeter" clothing, visit Dietz's Service:   they have a great assortment!

 

For more club info Visit us at www.snoskeeters.org 

 

 

rail Report Jan 17, 2023

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The MW Sno Skeeters trails are in fair condition.   Riders who braved the rain yesterday actually said the trails were good.  We did groom last night.  Today it is snowing  lightly and the temperatures are cooling down.   Be careful in the corners, they will be icey. 

 

Remember to use your hand signals, ride right, stay on the marked trails and obey traffic signs. Also: know where you are on the trails.

 

We are looking for raffle items for our Winterfest Rendezvous (Saturday February 18) items can be dropped off at the Pea Patch 

 

Our next fundraiser is Sunday February 12th at The Pea Patch. 8 am- noon

 

Visit us at www.snoskeeters.org

 

Barry Hopkins, President

 

 

Trail Report Jan 12, 2023

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The MW Sno Skeeters trails are in good condition.  Maybe an inch of new snow and it's still snowing lightly. This will be a busy weekend so be careful on the trails. 
 

Remember to use your hand signals, ride right, stay on the marked trails and obey traffic signs. Also: know where you are on the trails. The brown "trail marker" signs are at road crossings and

intersections. 

 

We are looking for raffle items for our Winterfest Rendezvous (Saturday February 18) items can be dropped off at the Pea Patch 

 

Our next fundraiser is Sunday January 15 at Ye Olde Shillelagh. 8 am- Noon.

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Barry Hopkins, President

 

 

Trail Report  Jan 05, 2023

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The MW Sno Skeeter trails are still in early season to fair  conditions.   If you are out this weekend, expect high volume traffic.  Our Groomer has been out last night and again today.  

 

We are looking for raffle items for our Winterfest Rendezvous Saturday February 18th!

Any items you can donate,  you can drop off at the Pea Patch.  

Thank You in advance for your generosity!

Remember to ride right, use your hand signals, obey traffic signs and stay on marked trails

 

Barry Hopkins, President

 

Trail Report  Jan. 4, 2023

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The MW Sno Skeeters trails are in fair to good condition.  We had extremely heavy traffic over the holidays but trails are holding up good.  Corners may be getting icey.   Trail boss Mike and "Cutter Bob" groomed the Mercer section of trail 8 up to Lazy Ace. 

That section is much improved from our previous report. 

 

Remember to use your hand signals, ride right,  stay on the marked trails and obey traffic signs.  Also: know where you are on the trails.  These brown "trail marker" signs are at road crossings and intersections.  They can help EMS  find your location.  It's good to be prepared.  

 

We are looking for raffle items for our Winterfest Rendezvous (Saturday February 18)   items can be dropped off at the Pea Patch 

 

Our next fundraiser is Sunday January 15 at Ye Olde Shillelagh.  Breakfast 8 am-noon

 

Trail Report - Dec. 31, 2022

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The MW Sno Skeeter trails are still in early season to fair  conditions.   If you are out this weekend, expect a high volume of traffic.  Ride defensively as corners may be icey.   

 

We are hearing there's a wet area that's opened up a bit on trail 8 just south of Lazy Ace.   This may be happening in other areas where trails cross swamps.   Be careful when getting through or around these areas.  

 

We are looking for raffle items for our Winterfest Rendezvous on

Saturday, February 18th!

Any items you can donate,  you can drop them off at the Pea Patch.  

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Remember to ride right, use your hand signals, obey traffic signs, and stay on marked trails

 

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT SNOWMOBILING ON ALL CLUB TRAILS IS A "PRIVILAGE"  NOT "YOUR RIGHT"

 

A huge thank you to our landowners who graciously allow easements so that we can enjoy our sport

 

Also a huge thank you to all of the volunteers and groomer operators across the Northwoods!

Barry Hopkins, President

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Trail Report - 12/30/22

 

The MW Sno Skeeter trails are still in early season to fair  conditions.   If you are out this weekend, expect high volume traffic.  Our Groomer has been out last night and again today.  

 

We are looking for raffle items for our Winterfest Rendezvous Saturday February 18th!

Any items you can donate, you can drop off at the Pea Patch.  

Thank You in advance for your generosity!

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Remember to ride right, use your hand signals, obey traffic signs and stay on marked trails

 

Barry Hopkins, President

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Trail Report - 12/29/22

UPDATE:  OUR GROOMER WILL BE RETURNING TONIGHT AFTER REPAIRS.  

 

With the warm weather,  we will groom after all of you go "nighty night."  This with cooler temps will help our trails set up by the time you "wakey wakey." So whilst you count your sheep, our groomer operator will be out working on the trails.    

 

For those of you who understood our dilemma: Thank You!   Santa will remember you next year.

 

For those of you who threw "hissy fits" and whined about a couple bumps:  you get Coal in your stocking next year.  😆 

 

Again a huge Thank You to our neighbors: Mercer, Presque Isle and Boulder Junction for helping us out!

 

Barry Hopkins, President

 

The Manitowish Waters Sno-Skeeters Snowmobile Club trails are still in early season conditions.  We have an extremely busy week, with many riders out there. So ride safe.    

 

MW Lakes are not safe, very slushy and icy.  Stay off all lakes unless Marked.

 

OUR TRAIL #6 IS VERY BUMPY, a work around is marked to get you to Winchester/PI.     

 

Barry Hopkins, President