What is new for Northwoods Drifter in 2026
The familiar buzz of snowmobile engines echoing through the pines signals more than just winter fun in the Northwoods—it’s the sound of economic vitality returning to our communities. This past weekend, bars and restaurants across Vilas County welcomed a steady stream of riders hitting the freshly groomed trails, marking one of the earliest strong openings in recent memory. For establishments like Slo’s Pub in Arbor Vitae and Weber’s Bar in Sayner, the arrival of snowmobilers represents a critical lifeline after two consecutive winters that left trails bare and cash registers quiet.
The early-season success comes as a relief to business owners who’ve watched anxiously as climate patterns have made winter tourism increasingly unpredictable. With hundreds of miles of trails now open and more snow in the forecast, the Northwoods is positioned for what many hope will be a banner season—though locals have learned not to jinx it by saying so too loudly.
At Slo’s Pub, server Danielle Neureuther describes the holiday week as the establishment’s most critical revenue period of the entire year. “It’s our Black Friday,” she explains, referring to the Christmas-to-New-Year’s stretch when snowmobilers from across the country descend on the region. This year, the trails opened early enough that riders could plan their holiday trips with confidence, filling bar stools and dining tables throughout the weekend.
The international appeal of Northwoods snowmobiling surprises many first-time visitors, but locals like Neureuther have come to expect riders from New Zealand, Australia, and London mingling with folks from Illinois, Minnesota, and across Wisconsin. These travelers aren’t just passing through—they’re spending money on lodging, fuel, rentals, meals, and those essential après-trail beverages that make establishments like Slo’s community gathering spots during the long winter months.
For Weber’s Bar in Sayner, the timing couldn’t be better. New owners Stephanie and Gil Chapman have owned the place for just three weeks, jumping into what Stephanie calls the most fun clientele of the year. “As much as I am not a winter person, as far as customers go, they’re definitely the most fun for sure,” she says. Her years in food service have prepared her for the rush, but there’s something special about the camaraderie that snowmobilers bring—a shared enthusiasm for the outdoors that creates an infectious energy in these classic Northwoods establishments.
Behind every successful ride through the Northwoods forest lies countless hours of volunteer labor. Local snowmobile clubs work tirelessly to groom the 480-plus miles of trails in counties like Vilas and Oconto, creating the pristine conditions that draw riders from around the world. Neureuther emphasizes this often-overlooked contribution: “Without them grooming the trails constantly, everyone that joins the clubs, it’s so important. It’s all the money that we need to make it happen up here.”
These volunteer organizations represent the backbone of winter tourism infrastructure in the region. When early January snowfall arrives, club members are out at dawn preparing trails, checking conditions, and ensuring safe passage for thousands of riders. The Nicolet State Trail and countless connector routes don’t maintain themselves—they rely on membership dues, fundraising efforts, and the dedication of people who understand that snowmobiling isn’t just recreation, it’s economic survival for rural communities.
The clubs faced significant challenges during the previous two winters, when warm temperatures and scarce snowfall meant delayed openings and abbreviated seasons. In some areas like Townsend, trails that opened briefly had to close after just 10 days, leaving volunteers frustrated and local businesses reeling. This year’s early success validates their persistence and preparation, though everyone knows conditions can change quickly in the Northwoods.
The stakes for a successful snowmobile season extend far beyond individual businesses. Winter tourism generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually across the Northwoods, supporting over 6,000 jobs in counties like Oneida and Vilas. In Oneida County specifically, one in seven jobs connects directly to visitor spending, with over 20 percent of sales tax revenue coming from tourists. When snowmobilers stay home, the economic ripple effects touch everyone from gas station attendants to grocery store workers.
Recent poor winters illustrated this vulnerability dramatically. The 2023-2024 season saw business losses of 75-80 percent for some establishments, with regional revenue shortfalls reaching $6.5 million in December and January alone. Fifteen tourism groups eventually sought state and federal assistance, highlighting how dependent rural communities have become on consistent winter conditions. Communities like Arbor Vitae and Sayner, where tourism infrastructure represents the primary economic driver, felt the impact most acutely.
The contrast with this season’s early opening couldn’t be starker. Phone lines at visitor bureaus like Let’s Minocqua have been lighting up with callers checking conditions and making reservations. The optimism is palpable, though tempered by the memory of recent struggles. Wisconsin tourism hit record numbers in 2024 with a $25.8 billion statewide impact, but Northwoods counties like Vilas saw their figures dampened by those consecutive low-snow winters. A strong 2025-2026 season could restore momentum and validate the region’s investments in outdoor recreation infrastructure.
While early openings have sparked enthusiasm, trail conditions across the Northwoods currently range from poor to pristine depending on location. The variability reflects different snowfall patterns, elevation changes, and grooming schedules across the region’s vast network. Riders planning trips should check with their local snowmobile club for real-time updates before heading out, as conditions can shift dramatically with temperature swings or new snowfall.
The heavy, wet snow that arrived in early January created a solid base for trail building, but maintaining that base requires cold temperatures and additional accumulation. Lake-effect snow from cold snaps over Lake Superior can deliver significant powder to northern areas, while southern sections of the trail system may lag behind. Warm spells—like the near-40-degree temperatures that plagued February in previous years—can quickly degrade trail quality, creating bare patches and unsafe conditions.
Volunteers and club leaders stress the importance of staying on marked, groomed trails and respecting closure notices. Riding on insufficient snow damages the trail base, creates erosion issues, and makes future grooming more difficult. The ethic of trail stewardship runs deep in snowmobiling culture, and experienced riders understand that protecting the resource ensures its availability for seasons to come.
As Northwoods businesses settle into what they hope will be a sustained winter season, the mood is cautiously optimistic. The early trail openings and strong holiday weekend provide a foundation for success, but everyone knows that winter weather in the Great Lakes region remains unpredictable. Additional snowfall in the coming weeks could cement this as a banner year, while prolonged warm spells could recreate the disappointments of recent seasons.
What’s certain is that the Northwoods community—from bar owners to trail groomers to tourism professionals—remains committed to making the most of whatever winter delivers. The infrastructure is ready, the welcome mat is out, and classic establishments like Slo’s Pub and Weber’s Bar are serving up the hospitality that keeps snowmobilers coming back year after year. Whether you’re riding in from Madison or Melbourne, the Northwoods is open for business, and the trails are calling. Just don’t forget to join your local snowmobile club—because none of this happens without the volunteers who make it possible.
Written by
Mike has been coming up or living in the Northwoods since his childhood. He is also an avid outdoorsman, writer and supper club aficionado.
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