OCONTO COUNTY, Wis. (WLUK): The lack of snow in Northeast Wisconsin has left snowmobile trails across Oconto County virtually unused, causing concerns among winter sports enthusiasts and local businesses that rely on the seasonal activity.
Oconto County boasts over 420 miles of snowmobiling trails, but this winter, most remain closed due to insufficient snowfall.
Wayne St. Louis, president of the Lena Snow Drifters Snowmobiling Club, explained the challenge:
“A good six inches of the heavy wet stuff would be ideal,” said St. Louis, whose club maintains around 60 miles of trails through farmland.
Despite their efforts, no trails have opened this season. Last year, the trails were open for just seven days.
“We’ve had maybe one to two weeks for the last five years,” St. Louis added. “When we get to go, we go.”
Farther north in Mountain, WI, Deb Uhlenbrauk, director of Oconto County’s chapter of the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC) and member of the Chute Pond Snowmobile Club, echoed similar concerns.
“We were hopeful for a good season after the early snow in December,” Uhlenbrauk said. “Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn’t cooperate, and we’re still waiting to open the trails.”
There is some hope, as a solid base layer of snow has formed, and the ground and wetlands have frozen—conditions that were absent last year.
Uhlenbrauk, who lives near Anderson Lake, shared how she and her grandkids have been limited to riding on frozen water rather than the scenic trails.
“It’s not the same as riding through the woods, seeing sparkling snow, wildlife, and the beauty of winter,” she said. “That’s something you really miss.”
Economic Struggles for Local Businesses
The snowless winter has not only disappointed snowmobiling enthusiasts but also hurt local businesses that depend on tourism.
“Snowmobiling is one of our main winter attractions,” Uhlenbrauk explained. “Without it, gas stations, restaurants, and recreational businesses all suffer.”
Last winter, in response to poor snowfall, the Chute Pond Club relocated their traditional “hide the penguin” game to local businesses.
The game, which usually takes place along 120 miles of trails, was instead held inside businesses to encourage patronage.
“If this winter continues without snow, we might have to hide our mascot, Sprocket the penguin, inside businesses again,” Uhlenbrauk said.
Trails in Iron County, Wisconsin, are expected to be the first in the state to open, but in Oconto County, the wait for the “white gold” of snow continues.
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