Ride Safely on Frosty Club Trails
Additional Lake Access Safety Features Implemented
The 11 Vilas County snowmobile clubs are adding additional safety measures at snowmobile trail lake access points in Vilas County.
Flashing beacon lights will be placed on both sides of the trail on the shoreline at lake access points. These lights have a 2 nautical mile visibility range and will flash in a sequence of red/white/green. These beacons, in conjunction with lake markers, will let snowmobilers know where it is safe to cross lakes, where the shorelines are and where the exits are.
Additionally, 55 MPH night speed limit signs will be installed at all lake/trail accesses to remind riders that Wisconsin State law is 55 MPH during hours of darkness. This speed limit was put into effect to protect riders from running beyond the headlights of a snowmobile, creating safer riding conditions at night. Please stay off lakes and water crossings until they are marked and obey the 55 MPH speed limit at night.
Please ride responsibly. Off trail riding is trespassing and could result in closure or loss of trails and fines for those who violate. Snowmobile safety begins with you! Enjoy the trails.
Ride Safely – Know the Leading Causes of Snowmobile Fatalities in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has had 16 snowmobile deaths in the 2022-23 snowmobile season, 6 of which have occurred in Vilas County. The three leading causes of snowmobile fatalities include alcohol use, excessive speed and driver experience. Ride right, right safe and please, slow down!
Click the image below to view a WJFW news story from March 17, 2023 reminding riders to be safe on the trails as the season comes to a close.
Snowmobile Safety Course
Remember, It’s the law! If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1985, and are at least age 12, you must complete a snowmobile safety certification course to operate a snowmobile on Wisconsin public snowmobile trails and areas.
The Frosty Club hosts a ONE-DAY Snowmobile Safety Course annually in the week between Christmas and New Years. The course is held at the Land O’ Lakes Town Hall.
You can search for safety classes and/or enroll a student online through https://gowild.wi.gov/. You will need to log in through the DNR account of the person you interested in enrolling. No DNR number? You can create an account here: https://gowild.wi.gov/customers/profile/new. Once logged into the DNR’s site, click to Manage Safety Education and search for courses in Vilas County. You’ll see the Land O’ Lakes course and will see other offerings throughout the snowmobile season as well.
Check the Events page or on our website for details about this year’s Snowmobile Safety Course. For any questions about the class in Land O’ Lakes, please contact Sarah Outman at sarah.lipa@gmail.com.
Snowmobile Safety for All Riders
We encourage you to view the Vilas County Snowmobile Trail Alliance trail safety video.
Above all, Ride Right, Stay on Marked Trails and Ride Safely.
Stay on the Trails
Take the pledge to stay on the Frosty Club trails to respect the landowners who allow us to enjoy marked trails that cross their private property. Your use of the trails on private land is a privilege, not a right. Stay on marked trails at all times. View the video below and join the many riders who have taken the pledge.
Visit the Snowmobilers Pledge website to “Take the Pledge”.