TRAVEL GUIDE

Wisconsin Travel and Snowmobiling in Wisconsin

Is your Wisconsin car rental trip have you visiting during the winter? If so, then don't pass up the opportunity to snowmobile down some of the best trails in the country! Wisconsin offers over 500 miles of trails and countless miles of forest roads providing a beautiful backdrop to your snowmobiling experience. No matter what area your Wisconsin car rental travels take you, you will be able to locate a fantastic snow covered track. Most snowmobile enthusiasts flock to the Hayward area of Sawyer County and the Cable area of Southern Bayfield County which has rolling hills, hardwood forests, tall pine stands and pristine lakes. The stunning natural beauty is reason enough to visit the region in your Wisconsin car rental! Other great snowmobiling counties you can check out in Wisconsin include:

Snowmobiling in Wisconsin

Before heading out in your Wisconsin car rental to find a trail and firing up your snowmobile, there are a few things to keep in mind before hitting the trails. First, Wisconsin law requires those who use Wisconsin snowmobile trails to display either Wisconsin registration or a snowmobile trail pass. Trail passes are needed by all non-residents using snowmobile trails and can be purchased online or over the counter at any DNR authorized License Agent. There is an $18.00 fee. A snowmobile trail pass is also required to operate a snowmobile not currently registered in Wisconsin on a snowmobile trail. Purchase your trail pass when you book your Wisconsin car rental.

Another thing to keep in mind before snowmobiling in Wisconsin is the age of riders. As of January 1, 2001, any person who is born on or after January 1, 1985 and who has reached the age of 12, must have completed and received a snowmobile safety certificate in order to operate a snowmobile. The certificate must be carried while operating the snowmobile, and displayed to a law enforcement officer upon demand. Also, anyone under the age of 12 year may not operate a snowmobile unless they are on a snowmobile with an adult over 18 years of age.

Snowmobile Safety Tips

Once you are on the trails excitement and speed can make you forget about the dangers that come along with this fun recreational activity. You don't want to ruin the rest of your Wisconsin car rental vacation, so here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

Slow down - Speed is a contributing factor in nearly all fatal snowmobiling accidents. Just as with driving your Wisconsin car rental, drivers should proceed at a pace that will allow ample reaction time for any situation. Drive at moderate speeds, and drive defensively, especially after sunset.

Carry a first-aid kit ' Some items you might want to have with you include a flashlight, knife, compass, map, and waterproof matches.

Avoid traveling across bodies of water - when uncertain of ice thickness or water currents. Rapidly changing weather and moving water in streams and lake inlets also affect the thickness and strength of ice on lakes and ponds. Snow cover can act as a blanket and prevents thick strong ice from forming.

Dress appropriately. Always wear a helmet with goggles or a face shield to prevent injuries from twigs and flying debris. Wear layers of water-repellent clothing and make sure you have no loose ends that might catch in the machine or tangle in equipment.

Stay on marked trails or, where allowed, on the right shoulder of the road. Be alert for fences, tree stumps and stretched wire that may be concealed by snow.

Never travel alone. Most snowmobile accidents can result in personal injury and the most dangerous situations occur when a person is injured and alone. If you are going to be snowmobiling alone, tell someone your destination, planned route, and when you will return.