What is new for Northwoods Drifter in 2026
The roar of high-performance snowmobiles echoed across Little St. Germain Lake this past weekend as the annual St. Germain Radar Run shattered its own fundraising record. Over 130 mph sleds tearing across the ice? That’s just another February day up north when the community comes together for one of the Northwoods’ most unique winter traditions.
This year’s event raised an impressive $110,000 for breast cancer research through Pink Ribbon Riders, marking the highest total in the run’s 20-year history. With 34 brave participants in the bikini run — another record — and thousands of spectators bundled up lakeside, the 2025 gathering proved that when Northwoods folks rally for a cause, they don’t mess around.
Picture this: a perfectly groomed 660-foot snow track stretching across the frozen west bay, snowmobiles lined up like racehorses at the gate. When the flag drops, these machines launch forward with a thunder that carries across the entire lake.
Sleds regularly topped 130 miles per hour on the radar gun. The 1,000-foot shaved ice track gave racers even more room to push their machines to the limit, while a 2,000-foot shutdown zone ensured safety for everyone involved.
“We did break a record today,” said Peg Hughes, a longtime rider and Pink Ribbon volunteer. “We raised over $110,000 and we also broke another record by having 34 bikini girls here today.”
The event featured more than just speed demons. Families gathered for kids’ races on child-sized sleds, food vendors from local St. Germain restaurants served up hot meals, and heated tents provided warm gathering spots between runs.
The bikini run might sound like pure spectacle, but it’s the heart of this fundraiser. Participants brave the cold in minimal gear, racing snowmobiles down the ice while thousands cheer them on — and every dollar raised goes directly to breast cancer research.
Kaitlyn Shepherd and Ashley Schlies made the trek from Milwaukee specifically to participate. “It was so cool and so much fun,” Schlies said. “We raised a lot of money and it felt amazing to do.”
“It’s really awesome to see all the girls come together — big, small, tall, any shape or size rooting for the same cause. We did it for someone that we love and dear, Gina Torres.” — Ashley Schlies, participant
That personal connection runs through the entire event. Nearly everyone in attendance knows someone affected by breast cancer, making this more than just entertainment — it’s a community coming together to fight back.
The Radar Run started in 2004 thanks to Mark Hiller, a local resort owner who saw potential in bringing high-speed snowmobile racing to Little St. Germain Lake. What began as a modest gathering has grown into one of the premier winter events in the Midwest.
After Hiller’s passing in 2019, the event was renamed Hiller’s St. Germain Radar Run in his honor. His vision of combining adrenaline-pumping racing with meaningful fundraising continues to shape the event today.
The collaboration between local organizations makes it all possible:
This year’s event also supported these local first responders, ensuring the funds raised strengthen the entire community’s safety net.
In a region where winter defines so much of daily life, snowmobiling isn’t just recreation — it’s part of the cultural fabric. Wisconsin maintains over 20,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, and events like the Radar Run keep that infrastructure thriving.
Local businesses see a significant boost when thousands of visitors descend on St. Germain. Resorts like Hiller’s Pine Haven and Sunrise Pines fill up weeks in advance. Restaurants, gas stations, and gear shops all benefit from the influx.
But the real impact goes deeper than economics. Pink Ribbon Riders doesn’t just send checks to research institutions — they provide $500 gift cards directly to Wisconsin breast cancer patients, offering immediate help with medical bills, gas money for treatments, or groceries during tough times.
“Such a great cause, because it really is something that takes a lot of people’s lives,” Schlies noted. “Being here is a really true honor.”
With a new fundraising record set, organizers are already planning for 2026. The goal? Break $110,000 and bring even more awareness to breast cancer research and support.
The warmth of community spirit matters more than air temperature — recent runs have drawn huge crowds even in unseasonably mild weather. When you’re surrounded by neighbors and friends racing for something bigger than themselves, ya know, a little extra sunshine doesn’t hurt.
Mark your calendars for next February if you want to experience this unique Northwoods tradition firsthand. Whether you’re a snowmobile enthusiast, a supporter of breast cancer research, or just someone who appreciates seeing a community come together, the St. Germain Radar Run delivers on all fronts.
The frozen lake will be waiting, the sleds will be tuned, and the Northwoods community will once again prove that when it comes to supporting each other, we’re breaking records in more ways than one.
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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