Price County, WI — Snowmobile trails across Price County will officially close for the season beginning Friday, March 6, as warmer temperatures and diminishing snow cover make it difficult to safely maintain trail conditions.
Throughout the winter months, Price County’s extensive snowmobile trail system brings riders from across Wisconsin and the Midwest to experience the Northwoods. The trail network, which stretches hundreds of miles across forests, lakes, and rural communities, is maintained by dedicated volunteers from local snowmobile clubs.
Clubs responsible for maintaining the trail system include the Catawba Driftsplitters, Elk River Pioneers, Eisenstein Bushwackers, Fifield Sno-Drovers, Lugerville Chasers, Northwoods Hi-Riders, Northwoods Riders, Park Falls Sno-Gypsies, Phillips Chaparrals, and Prentice Bushbenders. These organizations work throughout the year clearing trails, installing signage, maintaining bridges, and grooming routes during the winter season.
Snowmobiling plays an important role in the local economy, particularly during the winter months when tourism helps support small businesses throughout the county. Riders frequently stop at local taverns, restaurants, gas stations, lodging properties, and retail businesses along the trail system, bringing valuable economic activity to communities such as Phillips, Park Falls, Fifield, Prentice, and the surrounding areas.
Many area businesses rely on winter recreation to help carry them through the slower months of the year. Snowmobile season often brings visitors who stay overnight, dine locally, and explore the region’s scenic trail routes connecting towns throughout Price County.
Officials remind riders that once trails are closed, snowmobile travel on the trail system is no longer permitted. Many trails cross private land, and closures help protect both the trail surface and the property of landowners who generously allow access each winter.
Trails Continue to Serve the Community Year-Round
While snowmobile season is ending, the trail system itself remains an important part of Price County’s year-round recreation infrastructure.
As snow melts and temperatures rise, many of the same corridors used by snowmobilers become popular for ATV and UTV riding, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and access to fishing areas. The transition into spring marks the beginning of another busy outdoor recreation season across the Northwoods.
With warmer weather approaching, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to get outside and enjoy the changing seasons. Price County offers abundant opportunities to explore lakes, forests, and trails as the region shifts from winter recreation into spring and summer activities.
Community leaders also encourage residents to recognize the volunteers and landowners who make the snowmobile trail system possible each winter. Their work helps maintain one of the region’s most valuable recreational and tourism assets.
As winter winds down, attention now turns to the warmer months ahead and the many outdoor adventures that continue to make Price County a destination for recreation throughout the year.