From Dane County Parks Dept:
MADISON, WI – January 23, 2019 - All Dane County Snowmobile Trails will open at noon on Wednesday January 23, 2019. Within Dane County, there are over 500 miles of snowmobile trails including 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.
“With the trails opening, snowmobile enthusiasts are eager to take their first ride of the season,” said Mark Stephens, President of the Dane County Council of Snowmobile Clubs. “This is the first time that we’ve had adequate snow conditions to open the trails. We want to remind riders to use caution as many trails will not have been groomed yet. There will likely be uneven terrain, snow covered icy sections and the potential for open water near marshes and waterways. There are also some trail reroutes around standing crops.”
According to Tom Sankey, Sargent, Dane County Sheriff’s Department, “The majority of snowmobile trails are located on private land and users must stay on the designated marked trails.” Sankey reminds snowmobilers that venturing off the trails is considered trespassing and riders may be issued citations. Sankey warns snowmobilers that there are reports of open water and very thin ice conditions on area lakes and not to venture out unless you know the conditions.
Trail users are asked to please contact Dane County Parks at (608) 224-3730 or the 911 Center if there are any trail safety concerns.
For up to date information and trail conditions including snowmobiling, cross-country ski, mountain biking visit the Dane County Parks Winter Trails webpage.
For Snowmobile Trail Pass information or to learn more about the many other winter recreational opportunities available in Dane County visit the Dane County Parks Winter Recreation Webpage.
For more information, please call the Dane County Parks office Monday – Friday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 608-224-3730 or visit the Dane County Parks Website at www.danecountyparks.com