The start of snowmobiling season was one month ago, but most local trails are still closed due to the lack of snowfall.
However, there is just enough snow on some of the snowmobiling trails in Old Forge. The Town of Webb Tourism Director, Mike Farmer, says "We're lucky that we are operating. And as you see, people are out riding."
But in Deerfield, the trails still have yet to open. The President of the Deerfield Snow Trails, Thomas Rogers, says "We lost the snow shortly after the season opened." This was because of the rain and mild temperatures in December. Mr. Rogers says "Our groomers went out and packed down what snow we had, in anticipation of more snow. But we didn't get it."
And even the North Country barely has any snowfall on the ground. Mr. Farmer says "There's very very thin cover. There's a little ice underneath it. We still have a few areas that are wet. We have a few areas that are bare because of the traffic that's been on them."
Some trails are open, but Old Forge needs a lot more snow to open other trails and start grooming. Mr. Farmer says "We need about 6-8 inches of snow in one storm to really get us up and running."
And Deerfield badly needs snow so the trails can finally open. Mr. Rogers says "Because the ground is pretty much frozen, as soon as we get 3-4 inches of snow, people will be out." But not much snowfall is forecasted over the next week.
Come support local tourism in Old Forge and jump on some of the snowmobiling trails that are open right now.