Select Snowmobile Trails May Open This Week with Snow in the Forecast

December 29, 2020
Land & Water Resources

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Darren Marsh, Parks Director (608) 224-3730
Mark Stephens, President, Dane County Council of Snowmobile Clubs (608) 455-1358
Eric Stacey, Sergeant, Dane County Sheriff’s Office - Marine and Trail Enforcement Bureau (608) 576-6669

 

Select Snowmobile Trails May Open This Week with Snow in the Forecast
As of now trails are CLOSED. Be the first to know if they open using these helpful resources:

MADISON, WI – December 29, 2020– With snow predicted for this week, the Dane County Council of Snowmobile Clubs is keeping a close eye on the weather. The Clubs monitors trail conditions and decide when conditions are safe to open Dane County Snowmobile Trails for the season. In addition to snow depth, the group also monitors the trails for standing water, unfrozen ground and other conditions that would prevent the trails from opening.

“When trails open, snowmobile enthusiasts are eager to take their first ride of the season,” said Mark Stephens, President of the Dane County Council of Snowmobile Clubs. “It is important to wait until there are adequate snow conditions to open the trails. If some trails do open this week, we want to remind riders to use caution as there will likely be uneven terrain, snow cover icy sections and the potential for open water in the marshes and waterways.  Snowmobilers also need to plan accordingly since some businesses and service trails may be closed due to the Pandemic.” 

Within Dane County, there are over 500 miles of snowmobile trails including the Badger, Glacial Drumlin and the Military Ridge State Trails. For trails to be open, there must be at least 6 inches of snow and steady below freezing temperatures.

A State Snowmobile Trail Pass is required to ride on the snowmobile trail system. According to Sergeant Eric Stacey, from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office – Marine and Trail Enforcement Bureau, “The majority of snowmobile trails are located on private land. Riders must stay on designated trails.” Sgt Stacey reminds snowmobilers to review all snowmobile regulations before venturing out on the trails.

To receive up-to-date information on trail openings and closing, visit the Dane County Council of Snowmobile Clubs or call the Snowmobile Trails Hotline at (608) 242-4576 or visit the Council’s website.  For up-to-date information on Dane County Parks trail closures and conditions, visit the Dane County Parks Closures & Trail Conditions webpage.

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