Vilas County

[hermie]

It will be interesting to see what happens. I have my doubts on those numbers. It seems like they are getting less and less accurate instead of more with technology. I have ridden in March any year the trails are open in March. I have seen a good amount of sleds out not like January but more than enough to help what ever businesses are open make a little more money. After the last 2 winters I am guessing any business that is open would appreciate a couple more weekends. For me it's a wait and see. I am hoping to ride somewhere next weekend. Love to ride from the house if possible.

 

[whitedust]

Going to get difficult now roaded trails burn thru quickly. A few times I left in morning had to zig zag on roads to get home from trails next day locked in.

 

[pclark]

Going to get difficult now roaded trails burn thru quickly. A few times I left in morning had to zig zag on roads to get home from trails next day locked in.

Yep, the towns now just want to get the roads cleaned and ready for Spring. We have so much of the dreaded sand/salt mixture on the roads its very sloppy up here. When the town finally thinks no more measurable snow then they get the sweeper out and clean them. Then the vehicles at least stay somewhat clean. I sweep my garage everyday to get rid of the sand that comes off them every night. As far as winter, we have a ways to go yet, leaving for Florida on 4/9 for a couple of weeks. I think ice out will be later than average this year which is normally around 4/18.

 

[whitedust]

Yep, the towns now just want to get the roads cleaned and ready for Spring. We have so much of the dreaded sand/salt mixture on the roads its very sloppy up here. When the town finally thinks no more measurable snow then they get the sweeper out and clean them. Then the vehicles at least stay somewhat clean. I sweep my garage everyday to get rid of the sand that comes off them every night. As far as winter, we have a ways to go yet, leaving for Florida on 4/9 for a couple of weeks. I think ice out will be later than average this year which is normally around 4/18.

Same here left for FL as soon as my taxes were filed early April late March stayed as late as mid May and still cold when we got back. It was fun to watch Spring develop as we drove south. Once I was getting on a trolley in St Augustine and a buddy called me said hey Pete we just got 2 feet of snow and we both laughed total waste of a big snow storm.

 

[hermie]

Going to get difficult now roaded trails burn thru quickly. A few times I left in morning had to zig zag on roads to get home from trails next day locked in.

That is the problem in March you need to keep getting snow every 3 days or so to keep roads and south facing trails rideable. In 23 some of the best riding I did was in March. Trails aren't as crowded and the clubs kept trails smooth. We rode on the 31st and it was still good. Nicer temps,daylight until 8ish its a great time of year to ride if conditions allow. I know I am the rarity than the norm I am always hoping to ride until late March for me it's a passion that puts a smile on my face every time I am out on the trails.

 

[pclark]

That is the problem in March you need to keep getting snow every 3 days or so to keep roads and south facing trails rideable. In 23 some of the best riding I did was in March. Trails aren't as crowded and the clubs kept trails smooth. We rode on the 31st and it was still good. Nicer temps,daylight until 8ish its a great time of year to ride if conditions allow. I know I am the rarity than the norm I am always hoping to ride until late March for me it's a passion that puts a smile on my face every time I am out on the trails.

I agree Hermie, That year I rode late into March and yes, the trails were phenominal!

 

[Airman68]

There is such a short window for snowmobiling compared to other sports. It's nice when we can at least get most of it. Not complaining, this year was decent, especially in northern WI. However, it's never enough. I was planning to go next weekend but now it looks like it may warm up again (but who knows). I think this weekend may be the better option if I can find a place to say. Wouldn't mind riding in WI but probably will be the UP somewhere.

 

[pclark]

There is such a short window for snowmobiling compared to other sports. It's nice when we can at least get most of it. Not complaining, this year was decent, especially in northern WI. However, it's never enough. I was planning to go next weekend but now it looks like it may warm up again (but who knows). I think this weekend may be the better option if I can find a place to say. Wouldn't mind riding in WI but probably will be the UP somewhere.

There is snow forecasted for Sunday, like big snow, now 12-15" on the google weather app. But that changes all the time.

 

[Airman68]

There is snow forecasted for Sunday, like big snow, now 12-15" on the google weather app. But that changes all the time.

I'll be crossing my fingers. I think we'll be staying at Porcupine Lodge in White Pine.

 

[euphoric1]

There is snow forecasted for Sunday, like big snow, now 12-15" on the google weather app. But that changes all the time.

customer was in this morning saying even 6 to 8" here, I haven't heard or seen that, they have a hard enough time predicting day to day, honestly hoping all of it goes north, salt pretty much washed off roads, people in spring mode here and at shop. county alliance granted permission to pull trails. Not to sound anti snow but hope it heads where people still have it and if you can ride it...RIDE IT! pushing 70 here today

 

[mezz]

customer was in this morning saying even 6 to 8" here, I haven't heard or seen that, they have a hard enough time predicting day to day, honestly hoping all of it goes north, salt pretty much washed off roads, people in spring mode here and at shop. county alliance granted permission to pull trails. Not to sound anti snow but hope it heads where people still have it and if you can ride it...RIDE IT! pushing 70 here today

We don't need anymore! You can keep it. There is snow in our forecast again with colder weather Tues through Sun. Even after 4 days of 40 to 50 degrees & an occasional rain, we still have 3' plus on the ground. Please keep it south of us.....

 

[pclark]

Vilas closes Tuesday morning temporarily.

 

[XTEAM]

Will be riding the UP well into April again this year. GFS say anywhere from 30”-40” coming the next 15 days….. perfect! Keep it coming!!!

 

[pclark]

I measured 5" this morning in MW. Trails are closed here in Vilas temporarily. The rest of the week looks interesting, with system snows Friday and then again on Sunday. Some calling for huge storm on Sunday/Monday. Like Mezz said, it's gets old at this time of year if you are here every day but it's still beautiful.

 

[whitedust]

I measured 5" this morning in MW. Trails are closed here in Vilas temporarily. The rest of the week looks interesting, with system snows Friday and then again on Sunday. Some calling for huge storm on Sunday/Monday. Like Mezz said, it's gets old at this time of year if you are here every day but it's still beautiful.

You just saw how fast warm temps and solar angles shut down the trails. Big snow from now thru April just slows down northern Spring. Things that have to be done in above freezing temps are delayed ,the flowers don’t grow and neither does the grass the piers need to be put in but can’t with ice and cold water. There is a time to move on from winter but sometimes still have ice in May.

 

[pclark]

I think we will have a late ice out this year and yes, big storms don't really do anyone any good this time of year, a lot of places close down for mid March through April so hard to find places to eat, etc. We are under a Winter Storm Watch for Thursday night into Friday for 4-8", Sunday looks the a real Mother of a storm but who knows if that happens or not. We still have almost 2ft of snow on the ground, beautiful Sunshine this afternoon, and yes, it melted the driveway down after I blew it out this morning so the power of the sun is being felt.

 

[hermie]

Well for those who are wondering and hopefully a few on here were finding out trails in Vilas were pretty good yesterday. That March sun is taking is taking it's toll. Roads that were ok in the morning were not in the afternoon, typical of March riding. We rode St.Germain,Sayner,Star lake, land o, Boulder and Arbor Vitae trails. All were pretty darn good. A few pictures. Hopefully other JD Snow Central got out. Hopefully one more weekend but we shall see as that March sun can do damage fast this time of year.

 

[pclark]

We are down in Naperville, were going to come home today but made a few calls and looked at radar, mid state around Wausau getting hit hard, but winds and blizzard warnings will keep us here until Monday and we will come home then and begin the cleanup.

 

[wisco-mb]

Vilas trails looked very good Friday afternoon/night from the road view. It was very eerie driving past Sayner pub with all that fresh snow, and not one single snowmobile there. We drove from Mercer over to Eagle River to check out the races. I noticed the softer snow we walked on in the afternoon was already hardening up later. So figured the trails would setup better, being untouched for a night.
My boy and I took the drive up and unloaded in Mercer Friday morning. It was his last day of spring break and surprised him with the trip!
The grade was freshly groomed/rolled. My boy loved the deeper ungroomed trails. More work with the extra 100lbs with the seat and kid though!
We put on about 80 miles and closed the day at the races.