Waupun -
The storm Thursday brought several inches of snow to the area and for the first time this season created decent conditions for winter activities.
According to TravelWisconsin.com, snowmobile trails are now mostly open for the season and many people flocked to Dodge and Fond du Lac counties for a joyride in the foot of snow that fell in that area this week.
Since the winter storm, snowmobilers have been flocking to places like Waupun where the trails are now open.
"We're dairy farmers. So, we work nine months out of the year and go snowmobiling in the winter time," Brad Flier of Waupun said.
Bryce Day, who has owned a snowmobile for most of his life, says he's taking advantage of the more than 100-miles of trails around the area before the holidays.
"There's some spots on the trails where there's some good dips and everything. But, we could use some more," Bryce Day said.
But what snowmobilers are really thankful for this year is the fact that the snow is finally close to home.
"Last year, I never went at all. You had to go up to Michigan, if you wanted to snowmobile. I don't know, we just like riding locally," Flier said.
Snowmobilers are also coming out again to support local businesses. Dozens have been fueling up at gas stations along the trails.
"We have hot food, have lots of things going on in here, but it's just an added bonus just to have the snow and the snowmobilers," Cindy Lieffring, Exxon Mobil Gas station co-owner said.
Snowmobile operators say there's plenty of snow to go on a joyride. But, they say too early yet to go on lakes and waterways.
"The ice is way to thin for conditions right now. Rivers are not safe, lakes aren't safe," Day said.
For now, snowmobilers plan to enjoy riding on the trails as long as the snow sticks around.
