'I've still got hope': Local snowmobile riders, businesses crossing fingers for more snow
WEST BEND, Wis. (CBS 58) -- At Fuel Powersports in West Bend, business has been busy for one of the largest snowmobile dealers in the state of Wisconsin.
"It's honestly been really good," said Fuel Powersports General Manager Evan White. "A lot of the snowmobile customers are very loyal to the industry and very loyal to the hobby as well."
Despite the loyalty and sense of enthusiasm for the sport, this snowmobile season has been missing something rather important; snow.
Wednesday, the Wisconsin DNR warned riders to be cautious out on the trails, especially those going over frozen bodies of water, as the state continues to experience above average temperatures.
Ahead of International Snowmobile Safety Week, Jan. 14-22, we want to remind snowmobilers to be extra careful when driving on ice. Remember: No ice is ever completely safe.
— Wisconsin DNR (@WDNR) January 11, 2023
Find more info on snowmobile safety: https://t.co/ddZMy6uybA pic.twitter.com/pfg5nBRfsD
The warning is for riders in the northern part of the state, where hundreds of miles of trails have been able to open. In southeastern Wisconsin, they remain quiet.
"It definitely does have an impact. All the people snowmobiling want those trails to open; all the clubs want those to open," said Lt. Jake Holsclaw with the DNR. "What we typically see is movement toward more of the central part of the state, the northern part of the state."
Randy Gindt is a member former vice president of the Kohlsville Kruisers Snowmobile Club in Washington County. The club is responsible for maintaining roughly 25 to 30 miles of trails.
"We had that snow back in December and everybody was all geared up to have a good year of snowmobiling down here," Gindt said. "Here we are in January and it's 50-something degrees outside when it should be 20 degrees."
While some are probably appreciating the mild temperatures being experienced this January, local clubs and riders are eager to hit the trails and want to see the thermometer drop and snow start to fall.
"I've still got hope," Gindt said. "We've got a month-and-a-half, almost two months yet."
Gindt says all this part of the state needs is a cold week with one or two snowfalls. Not only would it make the riders and local clubs happy, but it would benefit the local economy.
"Most gas stations and motels and restaurants in the area make a lot of money off snowmobiling when they're [trails] open," Gindt said, adding it helps the clubs find sponsorship. "If there's snow and we're out on the trails and people are spending money at local businesses, it's easier to go ask them for a donation or a sponsorship every year because, 'Hey yeah, the trails were open, that's a really good year for us.' It's not just snowmobilers but it's the businesses, motels, gas stations, restaurants, everybody makes out on it."
Each year, more than 200,000 registered snowmobiles hit the over 25,000 miles of trails in Wisconsin, according to the DNR. Gindt says he's hopeful the southeastern part of the state can get in on some of the fun.
"A true snowmobiler, no matter where you are, you're going to find the snow and snowmobile," Gindt said. "Hopefully, it's in our area here so our businesses can make money."