Trail Conditions: Good
Snow Cover: Minimal
Date of Report: February 21, 2025
Area Report:
Last weekend generated a huge amount of snowmobile traffic. This was fantastic for businesses, but was also noticeable on the trails. Without some new WET snow, it just isn’t possible fill ruts and make it last. Even so, trails remain in mostly good condition. Our groomers are reporting that the wider, less traveled trails are excellent! Tighter trails deeper in the woods are getting some snirty areas and are in fair condition. You’ll find areas that are down to the ice base. We simply are not able to get this dry snow to stick. The 6″ of new snow last weekend certainly helped, it just doesn’t last long.
Overall, the riding is still really good. We’re hearing positive comments from nearly everyone we talk to. Get out there and enjoy it!! Just be cautious of icy corners, and stay on your own side of the trail!
The forecast for early next week is not in our favor. Beginning Sunday, it could get above freezing for four days with Monday in the mid 40s. If we can do this with minimal sun, we should be able to get through this without too much trail damage. There is potentially more snow coming on the back end of the warm spell.
If you happen to be using the Groomer Tracker app, it gives the appearance that the Barnstormers have not been grooming much. I can assure you that we are grooming nightly, and a couple of daytime shifts. We currently are working with two new machines that are not yet equipped with GPS, so they don’t register on the GT app.
Remember, there are logging operations on parts of trails 11 & 15 between Escanaba Lake Road and Old White Birch Road. The impact to the trail is minimal, so no reason to avoid. Just remember the loggers have priority over the trails & have the authority to shut them down if you get in their way. Please be respectful of their operations.
Be sure to take advantage of our upcoming fundraising event!
- Brat Fry @ Sayner Pub on Saturday, Feb 22. 10 AM – 3 PM
Snowmobiling Information
The Sayner Barnstormers are proud groomers of the Sayner – Star Lake Wisconsin area snowmobile trails. Our club was founded back on November 26, 1969, with 27 charter members. The Barnstormers trails stretch all the way from Hwy 70, just east of Arbor Vitae, all the way up to Old Hwy B, just west of Land O Lakes. We groom these trails with three tractors each equipped with 9-foot-6-inch grooming drags built by Sno*Boss of Eagle River and Arrowhead Groomers of St. Germain.
Snowmobiling was born here in the 1920s, when Carl Eliason, of Sayner, invented the first snowmobile in 1924 (he called it a snow machine initially). He took his first patent out on November 24, 1927. He has been featured in History Magazine, in the Modern Marvels section. You can still see some of the very first snowmobiles to ever be ridden in Sayner’s History Museum and at Eliason Lumber, both located on Hwy 155 in Sayner.
Our trails cover a variety of terrains including beautiful wooded trails, lake crossings, and some road routes. Over the years signage has improved tremendously, with the most recent addition of intersection numbers, making it easier for snowmobilers to figure out where they are. These intersection numbers were also created to assist snowmobilers and emergency crews to find each other in the unfortunate event of an accident.
Through the combined efforts of the Sayner Barnstormers and our great neighboring clubs, we feel that Vilas County has the best maintained and marked trails in the world. Our trails adjoin St Germain’s BoBoen Club, Arbor Vitae / Minocqua Cross Country Cruiser’s, Eagle River SnoEagle’s, Land O Lakes Frosty Club’s , and Boulder Junction’s trails. Other clubs in the county include the Conover Snow Buddies, Manitowish SnoSkeeters, Presque Isle SnoBunnies, Phelps, and Lac du Flambeau Northern Horseshoe.
See you on the trails and always, Please Ride Safe!!!