With winter in full swing, snowmobilers are eagerly anticipating the opening of the snowmobile trails in the southeast. However, Mitch Gobeil, president of the Southeast SnoRiders, advises caution as the trails are still not officially open.
"We're not there yet," Gobeil says, explaining that while their group has been working hard to get the trails ready, they haven't been able to start grooming them yet.
"We've been out with equipment packing the trails, but we've had some mechanical breakdowns. We had another one last week, and it's a waiting game now for repairs."
Regarding trail-prep, Gobeil says, "Usually, by this time of year, we'd have between 10 to 13 inches of snow. When we pack it down, it gives us a good 3-inch base to work with." However, the weather has been a bit uncooperative, with warmer temperatures making it difficult to get into certain swampy areas. The heavy equipment, which can weigh between 11,000 to 14,000 pounds, requires a solid, frozen base to avoid getting stuck.
The situation has been tough on riders who are anxious to hit the trails. Gobeil urges them to be cautious, as "the trails are not officially open, and anyone using them is doing so at their own risk. There could be trees on the trails that haven't been cleared yet, and the swamps are still not frozen."
Gobeil says that while volunteers have been out setting up trail signs, the work of clearing fallen trees and hazards is still ongoing. "We haven't been able to get out and clear everything off. Some trees are buried in snow, and it’s hard to see them."
For those still wanting to ride, Gobeil has one major piece of advice: take it slow.
"Don’t be speeding. If you're out there and you hit a hidden rut or a buried tree, it could end badly."
As for ATV riders using snowmobile trails, he urges them to stay off the trails until they’re officially open.
"When ATVs go down the trails, they leave ruts. If a snowmobile hits those, it could cause a dangerous spill."
While there's no exact timeline for when the trails will officially open, Gobeil says it's largely dependent on repairs and the weather.
"We need cold weather to freeze the swamps and river crossings. Typically, we aim to open the trails in early January."
The Southeast SnoRiders have also been busy working on warming shelters along the trails.
"We’ve spent over $15,000 on renovations. New chimneys, new benches, painting, and aluminum soffits to make sure everything is safe and ready."
Despite the setbacks, Gobeil emphasizes the importance of safety.
"Even after the trails are open, we ask people to stay cautious. Trees can fall, and you never know what’s around the corner."
With plenty of work still to do, Gobeil and the SnoRiders volunteers are hoping for some cold weather to help get the trails in shape for snowmobilers this season. In the meantime, safety remains the top priority.
