Your Online Trail and Travel Guide for Snowmobiling the U.S. & Canada

Trail Report – : Hayward / Sawyer County, Wisconsin – January 26, 2023

Reporter:haywardlakes
Trail Conditions: Good
Snow Cover: 12-16 inches
Date of Report: January 26, 2023
Area Report:

The last week and a half have been a challenge for grooming operations. The holiday weekend was extremely busy with riders, and we experienced warm weather followed by rain.  Between the number of riders and the warm weather, trails were rough, and we lost about 5 days of grooming to the warmth and rain.  The deep, soft snow is difficult for the grooming machines to go through, so they need to move faster to keep up their momentum.  The large amount of soft snow sticks in the drag, leading to breaking of cross beams and other parts malfunctions.  In addition to those challenges, the lack of freezing temperatures and frost in the ground under the snow makes the trails not able to freeze and set up once groomed. All this combined was a recipe for rough riding conditions.   

Our grooming crews have been working double time with many extra hours this week to get the trails in shape for the weekend.  Reports today are that the trails are beautiful! 

While you are riding this or any weekend, groomers are out, so know the trails are being worked on and please watch for them and ride safely and with respect.

This weekend will finally bring cold temperatures to the area. The cold will not only help with trails setting up, but they will also help the lakes.  Lakes are staked (except for Lake Hayward – note you can get in and around Hayward without lake riding) but they are rough and off the staked trail you will find a lot of slush. We recommend you stay on the staked trail unless you need to get to lodging or establishments.

Ride safe and enjoy!