Nov. 21, 2012

Action Tracks, Winter 2012-’13Page 2

also featuring:

www.worldsnowmobilehq.com

Antique and Vintage Museum has over80 historic sleds on display from the ’50sthrough ’90s. Experience our history.

Derby Hall of Fame showcasing the 49-yearhistory of this race with over 250 photosplus championship sleds from the past.

International Snowmobile Hall of Famehonors 92 pioneers, volunteers, industryand promoters who together have createdand sustain the sport of snowmobiling.

Women on SnowIron Dog BrigadeGroomer of YearKitty Cat Racers

Video TheaterClub of the Year

Snowmobiler’sGift Shop

200' North of Derby Track on Hwy. 45Open Mon.-Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mid-May to Mid-Oct. and Mid-Dec. to Mid-MarchTele: 715-479-2186

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Action Tracks, Winter 2012-’13 Page 3

To EVENTS, Pg. 4

The North Woods is recognized acrossthe Midwest as a winter recreation par-adise, offering snowmobiling, cross-coun-try skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing andmore.

Besides the many outdoor activities,communities and organizations planevents as an added attraction to this win-ter wonderland. The events range fromsled-dog races and snowmobile derbies toice fishing contests and hockey games.Most of the activities include fun for theentire family, plus plenty of food and re-freshments.

The following list of activities was com-piled by the Vilas County Advertising De-partment. There also are several ThreeLakes and Sugar Camp events included inthe list. Those planning to attend theevents should call local chambers of com-merce or information bureaus to confirmdates and times, as dates may changewithout notice.

Some of the events are explained ingreater detail in other parts of ActionTracks.

NOVEMBERNov. 23, Three Lakes — The Three

Lakes Chamber of Commerce will host itsannual Festival of Lights at 5:30 p.m. atthe gazebo at Cy Williams Park. The eventwill feature Christmas carols, the lightingof the town holiday lights and a visit fromSanta and Mrs. Claus. Phone (715) 546-3344.

Nov. 23, Land O’ Lakes — Santa andMrs. Claus will come to downtown Land O’Lakes at 1 p.m. There will be a tree light-ing ceremony, singing of Christmas carols,refreshments and gifts for the children.There will be a Christmas walk from 5 to 8p.m. with shops open, carriage rides and abonfire. Phone (715) 547-3432.

Nov. 24, Eagle River — The Down-town Business Association will have itsannual Christmas Kickoff with a paradeat 1 p.m. down Wall Street. Youths canvisit with Santa at the Depot Museum.Phone (715) 479-7656.

Nov. 24, St. Germain — The annualtown Christmas tree lighting ceremonywill be held at the St. Germain Chamberof Commerce. Santa will join the tree light-ing, which will be followed by treats at theSt. Germain Fire Department.

Nov. 30, Phelps — Santa will visitdowntown Phelps, listen to children’s holi-day wishes and light the town Christmastree at 6:30 p.m. Phone (715) 545-3800.

DECEMBERDec. 1, Eagle River — The North-

woods Children’s Museum will hold itsSanta Saturday event from noon to 1 p.m.Santa will hear Christmas wishes and willgive a treat to each visiting child. Phone(715) 479-4623.

Dec. 9, Manitowish Waters — Christ-mas for the Town will be from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. at the community center, with a visitfrom Santa, free lunch, baked goods, re-freshments and children’s prize drawings.Phone (715) 543-8201.

Dec. 15-16, Phelps — The PhelpsSnowmobile Club will have a snowmobilebenefit breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.at Sunrise Lodge, with proceeds for trailmaintenance and grooming. Phone (877)

669-7077.Dec. 29, Boulder Junction — The

chamber will sponsor its annual WinterCelebration at Boulder Junction WinterPark from 4 to 6:30 p.m. featuring a chilidump, bonfire, music, ice skating, cross-country skiing, fireworks and more. Phone(715) 385-2400.

Dec. 31, Woodruff — There will bechili and fireworks at the Woodruff TownHall from 5 to 7:30 p.m. to kick off the NewYear. Phone (715) 356-5266.

JANUARYJan. 5, St. Germain — St. Germain

Lodge & Resort will host the 13th annualPolar Bear Plunge, with the plunge atnoon. Proceeds benefit Angel On MyShoulder. Call for pledge sheets and regis-tration forms. Phone (715) 542-3433.

Jan. 11-13, Eagle River — The Vin-tage World Snowmobile Championshipwill be held at the AMSOIL Derby Trackwith sleds from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80sfeatured. Racing will take place from 9a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Phone (715) 479-4424.

Jan. 15, St. Germain — The Prime-Timers’ Snowflake Dance with live enter-tainment will be held at the CommunityCenter from 7 to 11 p.m. Food and bever-ages will be served. The public is welcome.Phone (715) 479-6310.

Jan. 17-20, Eagle River — The 50th

annual AMSOIL World ChampionshipSnowmobile Derby will take place at theDerby Track starting at 9 a.m. each day.The event will include Oval and Sno-Crossracing, with championship races Sunday,Jan. 20. Phone (715) 479-4424.

Jan. 18-19, Three Lakes — The Tav-ern League will host a poker run with cashprizes and raffle drawings. There will be asocial gathering at Mai Tiki Bar & GrillSaturday. Phone (715) 546-3344.

Jan. 19, Conover — A snowmobiletrail lunch will be held from 11 a.m. until2 p.m. at Maple View Resort. Proceeds ben-efit the Jim Scott Scholarship Fund. Phone(715) 479-8968.

Jan. 25-27, Eagle River — The 27thannual Women on Snow will be a snowmo-biling weekend for women only. Trail ridesare planned throughout the area, leavingfrom Eagle River Inn. Phone (715) 891-1915.

Jan. 26, Conover — The Sno-BuddiesSnowmobile Club will have a chili cook-offat Log Cabin to support area snowmobiletrails. Phone (715) 479-8968.

Jan. 26, Sugar Camp — The North-ern Vintage Snowmobile Race series willbe held at the Sugar Camp Town Hall,hosted by the Sugar Camp SnowmobileClub. Phone (715) 479-7488.

FEBRUARYFeb. 1-3, St. Germain — A snowmo-

bile radar run will be held on West Bay ofLittle St. Germain Lake, with 660- and1,000-foot tracks. Friday is for practiceruns from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trophy runsare planned Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. Phone 1-(800) 445-5370.

Feb. 2, St. Germain — The Plum LakeEMTs Holes for Life fishing tournamentwill be held at Fibber’s on Big St. GermainLake from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registrationstarts at 7 a.m. Phone (715) 891-0572.

Feb. 2, Phelps — The Phelps SchoolWinter Carnival will feature indoorgames, along with a soup, chili and dessertcontest at the school from 4 to 9 p.m.Phone (715) 545-2724.

Feb. 6-7, St. Germain — A trailgroomer show will be held at Vogel Enter-prises from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdayand from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m Thursday, withdisplays and demonstrations both days.Food will be served by the Bo-Boen Snow-mobile Club. Phone (715) 479-4200.

Feb. 8-9, Minocqua — Cruiserfest willbe held throughout downtown and LakeMinocqua with food, music and a snowmo-bile parade Friday night followed by a bon-fire. Activities continue Saturday. Phone(715) 439-0111.

Feb. 8-10, Eagle River — The eighthannual Labatt Blue/USA Hockey PondHockey Cham pionships will be held on

Winter events set across North Woods

In addition to outdoor recreational activities during the wintermonths, organizations sponsor many community events. The 13th

annual Polar Bear Plunge will be held in St. Germain Jan. 5, rais-ing funds for Angel On My Shoulder. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO


Dollar Lake starting at 9 a.m. each day.There will be 250 teams in 15 divisions on24 rinks on Dollar Lake. Phone 1-(800)359-6315.

Feb. 9, Land O’ Lakes — The WinterFestival flea market and craft show will beheld at the elementary school from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. There also will be a bake sale andfood. Phone (715) 547-3432.

Feb. 9-10, Land O’ Lakes — TheThree Bear Winter Sled Dog Races andWinter Games will be held both days withworld-class competitors. There will be aMushers Ball Saturday night. Phone (715)547-3541.

Feb. 10, Conover — Lions Club Win-ter Frolic, featuring sledding activities forchildren, plus plenty of refreshments andprizes for the adults, will be held from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. at the town park. Phone(715) 479-6673.

Feb. 15-16, Three Lakes — The Tav-ern League will have a poker run withcash prizes and raffle drawings. There willbe a social gathering at Black Forest Pub& Grille. Phone (715) 546-3344.

Feb. 15-16, Eagle River — The sixthannual Pink Ribbon Riders WisconsinSnow Run will be headquartered at theDerby Track, with proceeds benefitingbreast cancer victims. Phone (269) 744-5157.

Feb. 16, St. Germain — The 30th an-nual Ride With The Champs will start atWhitetail Inn at 7:30 a.m. The celebritysnowmobile ride will benefit the Snowmo-bile Hall of Fame and will include a break-fast, lunch and dinner. The SnowmobileHall of Fame induction banquet will be at7 p.m. at Whitetail Inn. Phone (715) 542-4463.

Feb. 16-17, Eagle River — The GreatNorthern Sno-Cross series will have races

at the AMSOIL Derby Track starting at 9a.m. each day. Phone (715) 479-4424.

Feb. 23, Three Lakes — Vintage OvalRaces will be held on Spirit Lake withraces starting between 10 and 11 a.m.Headquarters will be Bonnie’s Lakeside.It’s part of the Northern Vintage Snowmo-bile Race Series. Phone (715) 891-3823.

Feb. 23, Boulder Junction — Thefifth annual Winter Fest will be held atBoulder Lake 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with fish-ing, ice golf and other winter games. Pro-ceeds benefit the Boulder Junction Land-ing Improvement Fund. Phone (715) 385-2400.

Feb. 23, Three Lakes — The LionsClub will sponsor its 60th annual Ice Fish-ing Derby on Maple Lake from 10 a.m. to3:30 p.m. There will be prizes and foodavailable. Phone (715) 546-3344.

MARCHMarch 2-3, Eagle River — Trig’s

Klondike Days will be held at NorthlandPines High School and Rocking W Stablesfrom 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The eventwill feature a dog weight pull, craft show,music and entertainment, historical dis-plays, a trappers’ camp and Rendezvous,lumberjack contests, a Native American

cultural demonstration, a horse pull, dog-sled rides and refreshments. Phone (715)891-2679.

March 9, Three Lakes — A NorthernVintage Snowmobile 30-mile EnduranceRace will be held on Spirit Lake starting at11 a.m. Headquarters will be Bonnie’sLakeside. Proceeds will benefit ThreeLakes Trails. Phone (715) 891-3823.

March 10, Conover — The Lions ClubKids Fisheree will be held on Denton Lakeoff Highway 45 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’sa special ice fishing contest just for chil-dren, featuring prizes and refreshments.Phone (715) 479-6673.

March 16, St. Germain — Black BearLodge will host its fourth annual Ice GolfTournament on Little St. Germain Lakefrom 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to benefit the VilasFood Pantry. Phone 1-(800) 563-4340.

March 22-24, Eagle River — The IceMasters Classic 3-on-3 Hockey Tourna-ment will be held at the Sports Arena withdivisions for mites through bantams, in-cluding a girls division. Games start at 4p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday and Sun-day. Phone (715) 617-9146.

APRILApril 16-17, Eagle River — The Sil-

ver Blades Ice Show will perform at theSports Arena. Youths, advanced and pro-fessional skaters will perform in costumeon the ice. Show times are 2 and 7 p.m.Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Phone (715)4891-5532.

For more information on these or otherevents, contact the following chambers ofcommerce: Eagle River, (715) 479-6400;Three Lakes, (715) 546-3344; BoulderJunction, (715) 385-2400; Conover, (715)479-4928; Lac du Flambeau, (715) 588-3346; Land O’ Lakes, (715) 547-3432; Man-itowish Waters, (715) 543-8488; Phelps,(715) 545-3800; Presque Isle, (715) 686-2910; St. Germain, (715) 477-2205; Sayner-Star Lake, (715) 542-3789; Winchester,(715) 686-2598; and Minocqua-ArborVitae-Woodruff, (715) 356-5266.

EventsFROM PAGE 3

Communities across the North Woods will offer winter events for the entire family, includ-ing the Conover Winter Frolic Feb. 10. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO

Index of AdvertisersBuilders Pg.

CornerStone Custom Builders Inc. ..................... 35

Waldmann Construction ..................................... 28

Chambers of Commerce

Conover Chamber of Commerce ........................ 30

Three Lakes Chamber of Commerce

& Welcome Center ......................................... 20

Cross-Country Skiing/Equipment

Afterglow Lake Resort ........................................ 34

Sylvania Outfitters ............................................... 32

Financial Institution

Peoples State Bank ............................................ 30

Gas/Grocery/Liquor

Wild Eagle Corner Store ..................................... 30

Home Improvement

Kwaterski Bros. Wood Products Inc. ................... 16

Lampert Lumber ................................................. 32

Lodging

Afterglow Lake Resort ........................................ 34

Bent’s Camp Lodge Restaurant* ........................ 20

Best Western Derby Inn ...................................... 17

Chanticleer Inn* .................................................... 2

Dancing Eagles Resort Hotel* ............................ 14

Eagle River Inn & Resort* .................................... 2

Gateway Lodge* ................................................. 16

Gogebic Lodge* .................................................. 30

Lac Vieux Desert Resort & Casino* ................... 14

Rustic Manor Motor Lodge .......................... 32

Thunder Bay Resort ........................................... 16

Miscellaneous

Snowmobile Map ........................................ 18 & 19

World Snowmobile Headquarters ......................... 2

Recreational Facilities

Ski Brule ............................................................. 17

Sylvania Outfitters ............................................... 32

Restaurants/Taverns

Alexander’s Pizza ....................................... 24 & 28

Bucktale Inn ........................................................ 28

Friendship House ................................................ 24

Tribute Brewing Co. Taphouse ............................. 32

Weber’s Wildlife-Bar & Petting Farm ................... 32

White Stag Inn .................................................... 30

Snowmobile Sales, Service, Rentals

Arctic Cat ............................................................ 12

Headwaters Polaris ............................................. 30

Land O’ Lakes Recreation Co. ............................ 16

Paul’s Rent-All/Snowmobile Rental .................... 32

St. Germain Sport Marine ................................... 28

Shoeder’s RV & Marine ...................................... 14

Ski-Doo .............................................................. 22

Sportsman’s Service Center ............................... 14

The Toy Shop ...................................................... 16

Special Events

St. Germain Radar Run ...................................... 20

World Championship Snowmobile Derby ........... 36

Stores

Health Care Pharmacies .................................... 16

Nelson’s Ace Hardware ........................................ 8

WalkAbout Paddle & Apparel ............................. 10*Dining facilities

Pg. Pg. Pg.


To DERBY, Pg. 6

The world’s most prestigious snowmo-bile race — the AMSOIL World Champi-onship Snowmobile Derby — will have agrand 50th anniversary celebration inEagle River Jan. 17-20.

The “Indianapolis 500 of snowmobileracing” draws the best ice oval racersfrom the United States and Canada, andthe 50th anniversary event will have ad-ditional incentives for racers and fans.

“We feel the 50th anniversary of theEagle River World Championship Snow-mobile Derby is truly a historic milestonein the sport of snowmobiling,” said DerbyTrack general manager Todd Achterberg.

It’s the oldest and grandest event insnowmobile racing, dating back to thefirst race on Dollar Lake in 1964. Therace grew in the late 1960s and 1970sunder the direction of the Eagle RiverLions Club, which moved the race to atrack between Highway 45 and PleasureIsland Road. Dozens of snowmobile man-ufacturers helped draw thousands of peo-ple to the event.

The race show and Derby Track wentto new heights under the direction of theDecker racing family, which purchasedthe race and facility in 1986. Today, theshow includes world-class Oval racing,high-flying Sno-Cross battles and thefirst and best under-the-lights show —Friday Night Thunder.

Under the direction of the Decker

family, the track itself took on new a lookwith indoor spectator seating called “hotseats,” corporate suites, motor home

parking with closed-circuit television,lighting for night racing, Jumbotronviewing for the fans and a large heatedExpo Hall.

50th anniversary plansAchterberg said the 50th anniversary

will feature special attractions for fansand racers, including a total payout of$81,600 for the championship race Sun-day afternoon.

“The 2013 Derby will have a largenumber of past World Champions return-ing to meet and greet their fans,” saidAchterberg. “Their actual winning sled ordetailed replicas will be here to be seenboth on display and on the track thatmade them famous.”

All the past Derby Queens have beeninvited and will be appearing with theformer champs to visit with race fans.

“Opportunities to meet past and cur-rent race drivers will be a big part of theweekend with a large heated VIP tentand an expanded Expo Hall loft,” saidAchterberg. “The loft will be the site ofthe Saturday night Top Ten ring presen-tation, open to all fans.”

There also will be visiting celebritiesfrom the auto racing world, includingthree-time Indy 500 champion BobbyUnser and Paul Page, known as the“Voice of Indy.”

Oval racers will compete on more than15 inches of pure ice, a track created frommore than 2 million gallons of waterspread on subzero nights by a 4,000-gal-lon water truck. The ice oval interior,thanks to state-of-the-art snowmaking

equipment, will be transformed into aSno-Cross course filled with jumps,moguls, hairpin turns and one monsterplatform near the start/finish line, for theultimate in big air.

Richest payout For the 50th anniversary Derby,

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches hasput up $50,000 for the winner of the titlerace. The winner will take home another$10,000 from the AMSOIL Derby Trackfor a total of $60,000.

Jimmy John’s also will put up another$10,000 for the “Jimmy John’s FreakyFast Challenge,” which will be split upamong the top four drivers in the cham-pionship race at the mandatory pit stopcaution. The leader at lap 10 will pocket$5,000, with second getting $3,000, whilethird and fourth will each get $1,000.

The big payday at the AMSOIL WorldChampionship will continue to be spreadout across the top 12 finishers when thefinal checkered flag falls and the ice dustsettles. There is an additional $11,600being paid out by the AMSOIL DerbyTrack.

Achterberg said the total payout of$81,600 for the championship race willmake it the richest payout in the historyof modern day snowmobile racing.

Last year, the mid-race champion wasMatt Schulz of Wausau on a Ski-Doo, butin the end, Nick Van Strydonk of Toma-hawk on a Polaris took the checkeredflag. In what may have been the closest

Derby marks 50th anniversarySpecial activities planned for racers, fans

___________BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH

NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR___________

The 50th annual AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derbywill be held in Eagle River Jan. 17-20, bringing professional ice

oval racers from the United States and Canada to the biggest racein snowmobiling. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTOS

The high-flying Sno-Cross racers will compete inside the oval, putting on a spectacularshow for Derby race fans throughout the weekend.


race in Derby history, Van Strydonk out-maneuvered Schulz in the final turn towin his first World Championship.

Schulz finished second and DustinWahl of Green Bush, Minn., placed thirdon a Polaris. Ryan Knisker of Marinettewas fourth and P. J. Wanderscheid, afour-time champion, placed fifth. Bothwere piloting Arctic Cats.

The 2013 AMSOIL Derby promises tobe another battle of the greats, as thefield will include four-time winner Wan-derscheid, two-time champion Moyle andlast-year’s title holder Van Strydonk.

“The Top 10 field is so incredibly com-petitive and even, that it is impossible topredict who might emerge as the newworld champion,” said Achterberg. “Itcould be any of the racers who made it tothe final last year, and we saw severalnew, young faces.”

Vintage starts firstAchterberg said the 2013 event will

actually be a 10-day show that opensJan. 11-13 with the Vintage WorldChampionships, presented by Woody’s.

“Vintage racing is fast closing in on itscontemporary counterparts and match-ing the entry numbers of current Sno-Cross and ice oval competitors,” saidAchterberg. “Vintage entries and fanpopularity have grown so large that vin-tage racing claimed its own three-dayevent the weekend before the Derby.”

He said vintage race fans get to relivea bygone era by watching races that pitsleds from nearly a dozen different man-ufacturers.

“The vintage machines today aremeticulously restored, engines are tunedand reliable,” said Achterberg. “The com-petition is highly reminiscent of the goodold days.”

The Vintage World Championship willopen with a special Friday night showJan. 11, followed by a full day of qualify-ing and class finals Saturday, Jan. 12,and more finals Sunday, Jan. 13, conclud-ing with the title race in the Super Mod440 Class at 3 p.m.

The big showBut the event that put Eagle River

and even Wisconsin on the internationalmap starts Thursday, Jan. 17, with all-day practice sessions for both Oval andSno-Cross racers. Time trials for theOval World Championship class will berun under the lights Thursday night.

After a full day of qualification racingFriday in both Oval and Sno-Cross, fanswill pack the AMSOIL Derby Trackgrounds Friday night for the most pro-gressive and most popular event — theParts Unlimited Friday Night Thundershow.

In what Achterberg calls “indis-putably” the best show in snowmobileracing, the under-the-lights show fea-tures races in Sno-Cross and Oval class-es. Past events have rocked the city withblasting rock ’n’ roll music and an enor-mous fireworks display.

Returning, by popular demand, is theSweet Sixteen event where the top WorldChampionship qualifiers go head-to-

head under the lights to determine whowill sit the pole in Sunday’s champi-onship race.

“We’re going to take the top 16 quali-fiers, run two heat races with eight ma-chines in each, and pull five racers fromeach heat for the final,” said Achterberg.“The winner is automatically qualified inthe Top 10 and will sit the pole position.The winner won’t have to gruel it out inqualifications Saturday afternoon.”

Achterberg said the under-the-lightsshow is “one of the innovative events thathas made the Derby the Indy 500 ofsnowmobile racing.”

For the seventh year, AMSOIL hasemerged as the sponsor of both thefamed Derby Track and the World Cham-pionship itself.

“AMSOIL has long been active in racevenues, from auto to motorcycle races,and this alliance is a potent indicator ofthe importance of snowmobile racing,and the 49-year-old Derby, in the promo-tion marketplace,” he said.

Saturday will bring both class finalsand qualifying in the morning, with theentire afternoon dedicated to qualifyingthe Top 10 finalists for Sunday’s 3 p.m.World Championship event.

Sunday, championship day, means fi-nals in the most competitive classes. Thebiggest races will be a Pro Open Sno-Cross championship at 2:30 p.m. and theOval championship at 3 p.m.

“The title race with Champ 440 sledsis, by all measures, the single-most im-portant snowmobile race of the year,”said Achterberg.

Besides drawing the world’s best Ovalracers for a cash and prize purse that ex-ceeds $150,000, Achterberg said theDerby attracts professional and amateurSno-Cross racers for the high-flying,sharp-cornering thrills of what some call“motocross on sleds.”

Hot seats, admissionThe viewing stand accommodates

VIPs, manufacturers and race fans. It isin addition to the 17 indoor suites thathave been built since 1993.

The ice oval at Eagle River is the firstracetrack ever to be constructed exclu-sively for snowmobile racing. Its design— an egg-shaped oval one-half mile inlength on the outside wall, with bankedcorners — remains the most demandingconfiguration on the racing circuit.

Trackside motor-home parking is oneof the most comfortable ways to watchraces at the track. There are 35 parkingspots positioned between corners threeand four. Electricity and closed-circuittelevision are included.

New construction at the AMSOILDerby grounds in recent years has pro-duced thousands of indoor hot seats forrace fans, an enormous exhibit buildingand a new media center that includes animposing viewing stand on the frontstraightaway.

Achterberg said numerous vendorsand displayers will present their prod-ucts inside the Derby Expo Hall.

Ticket prices are $15 daily for VintageWeekend Jan. 11-13 or $35 for all threedays. Hot seats are priced at $120 forVintage Weekend and that includes gateadmission.

For Derby Weekend, tickets are $15for Thursday, $30 for Friday (day andevening), $25 for Saturday and $30 for

Sunday. A four-day Derby pass costs $65,a savings of $35. After Dec. 25, a week-end pass is $75.

Hot seats are priced at $225 for allfour days (Jan. 17-20) for Derby Weekendor can be obtained separately on a dailybasis. The hot seats include a Supertick-et that is good for all four days.

Achterberg said the Derby is desig-nating Saturday as Family Day, whentwo adults and up to three children can

get in for $65. Tickets can be purchasedat the Derby office.

Admission for children 10 andyounger is free.

Race fans also can get information onadvance ticket sales and motor-homeparking by writing the AMSOIL WorldChampionship Snowmobile Derby officeat P.O. Box 1447, Eagle River, WI 54521,or by calling (715) 479-4424. Tickets alsocan be purchased at derbytrack.com.

DerbyFROM PAGE 5

The 2013 anniversary Derby activities will get under way with the Vintage World Champi-onships, presented by Woody’s, the weekend of Jan. 11-13. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO

The Great Northern Sno-Cross Series(GNSS) will visit the AMSOIL EagleRiver Derby Track in Eagle River fourtimes during the 2013 season.

This year’s GNSS will feature eightrace events, including Derby Weekend inEagle River.

Besides ice oval racing, the AMSOILEagle River Derby Track has offeredhigh-flying sno-cross events since theearly 1980s on a specially constructedtrack inside the oval.

Sno-cross racers will open their sea-son Jan. 17-20 at the AMSOIL EagleRiver Derby Track during the 50th an-niversary of the AMSOIL World Champi-onship Snowmobile Derby, the most fa-mous event in snowmobile racing.

The race series will then move toBrakket Jan. 26 and Plymouth Feb. 2.The series will return to Eagle River fora doubleheader Feb. 9-10. Each day willcount as a full round of racing.

The series will continue in La CrosseFeb. 16 and in Kaukauna Feb. 23.

The GNSS finale will be back in EagleRiver March 2 with the series banquet tofollow.

All event dates are tentative and sub-ject to change, according to Todd Achter-berg, manager at the AMSOIL EagleRiver Derby Track.

Achterberg said sno-cross racing is apopular event with fans, and the profes-sionally-run regional circuit offers up-and-coming racers a venue to hone theirskills and showcase their talents.

He said one of the focal points of theseries is on entry-level racers with class-es structured to attract new participa-tion, along with support for the racers al-ready involved.

For more details about the GreatNorthern Sno-Cross Series, go to gnss-racing.com.

Snomo sno-cross series to racein Eagle River four times in ’13


Local snowmobile clubs and groomingorganizations work hard each year to en-sure that more than 1,000 miles of snow-mobile trails located in Vilas and Oneidacounties are in optimum condition duringthe winter season.

Funded through snowmobile registra-tion and applicable taxes, the WisconsinDepartment of Natural Resources pro-vides funding for maintenance of specifiedsnowmobile trails. Vilas has 479 miles ofstate-funded trails and Oneida has 391,for a total of 870. In addition, clubs havehundreds of miles of unfunded trails, for atotal trail system that exceeds 1,000 mileson state, county and private lands.

Costs to maintain the unfunded trailsare covered through business and individ-ual donations, along with fundraisers theclubs hold throughout the year. Thesesame groups also organize social eventsfor members and host safety courses foryoung riders.

To ensure that snowmobilers have safeand smooth trails to ride, work beginsduring the summer months. Club repre-sentatives secure easements with proper-ty owners for trails that cross privatelands and coordinate with towns for ac-cess to town land.

In fall, volunteer crews work hard toclear brush, remove any trees that havefallen, repair bridges, smooth out roughspots in the trails and install all necessarysigns.

In early December, club representa-tives and county trail officials inspect thetrail systems to ensure clear and safetrails for all riders.

Trails are set to open in mid-December,but are dependent on snow conditions.Trail grooming begins on a regular basiswhen there is enough snow and tempera-tures are subfreezing. Most clubs groomeach night as conditions permit, and espe-cially during busy weekends and holidaybreaks.

Most groups have more than $100,000tied up in trail-grooming equipment andhave additional expenses that includefuel, insurance and equipment mainte-nance.

Most clubs pay their groomer drivers,but some have volunteers who drive thetractors. Clubs are reimbursed by thestate at a rate of $250 per mile for fundedtrails, with the possibility of supplementalfunds based on several variables.

Donations and fundraisers provide forany shortfalls in expenditures clubs mighthave and cover the cost of the unfundedtrail segments. Snowmobile maps havespaces for business ads, and that also gen-erates funding for the clubs.

Vilas and Oneida counties have manysnowmobile clubs that keep the trails inorder. Following is a brief description ofsome of those groups and contact informa-tion.

Sno-Eagles Snowmobile ClubEagle River

The Sno-Eagles Snowmobile Club inEagle River has a membership of 175 andnonmembers are always welcome at clubevents. The club grooms about 100 miles oftrails, including 60 miles of state-fundedtrails, operating three groomers andpulling SnoBoss drags built in St. Ger-main. The club raises funds throughoutthe year to ensure the trails in “the Snow-mobile Capital of the World” remain in topcondition each winter. They also partici-pate in Take Pride and Ride, a fundraisingraffle sponsored by WRJO 94.5-FM radioand other businesses. Each year, the clubselects a Miss Sno-Eagles representativeand this year’s recipient is VictoriaPerkins, who is featured on this year’s trailmap.

For more information, contact clubPresident Ken Storms at (715) 479-5599,trail boss Tom Tomlanovich at 479-1411, orvisit sno-eagles.org.

Three Lakes Trails Inc.Three Lakes

The Three Lakes Trails organization iscomposed of 35 members, active volun-teers who take care of the trails. Usingfour groomers, they maintain close to 190miles of trails, including the Brule Riverarea, giving them one of the largest groom-ing areas in the state. Almost one-half ofthose miles are funded by the state. Thisyear, the club has a major route change onTrail 13 between Three Lakes and EagleRiver, now running through Sugar Campalong Highway 17.

Additional funds for trail maintenancecome from the organization’s social part-

ner, the Northern Lights SnowmobileClub, which holds fundraising activitiesthroughout the year. Other financial sup-port comes from the group’s winter racesand summer vintage grass drags and fromdonations from the Tavern League.

For more information, contact clubPresident Joe Terlizzi at (715) 546-3926.

Northern Lights Snowmobile ClubThree Lakes

Primarily a social organization, theNorthern Lights Snowmobile Club inThree Lakes also raises money for ThreeLakes Trails. The group has 125 membersand many volunteer to help with the falltrail-brushing and winter grooming activi-ties. As part of its activities, the club spon-sors weekly rides Wednesdays during thewinter season and holds several specialevents throughout the year, including anovernight ride in February.

For more information, contact JimNykolayko at (715) 546-8372 or visitnorthernlightsclub.com.

Bo-Boen Snowmobile ClubSt. Germain

With 450 members, the Bo-Boen Snow-mobile Club in St. Germain is one of thelargest snowmobile clubs in the state. Theclub maintains more than 100 miles oftrails, of which 75% are state-funded. Re-cent trail updates include a new bridgeover the Rainbow Flowage, which elimi-nates two crossings over Highway J andconnects the trails with Lake Tomahawk.The club has three groomers and uses Ar-rowhead and SnoBoss drags, manufac-tured in St. Germain.

For more information, contact club

President Al Clemmensen at (847) 490-7418 or visit boboen.com.

Frosty Snowmobile Club Land O’ Lakes

The Frosty Snowmobile Club in LandO’ Lakes has 120 members and, using twogroomers, maintains more than 46 miles oftrails including 36 miles which are state-funded. Their trails connect with hundredsof miles of trails in the Upper Peninsula ofMichigan, allowing riders easy access be-tween Wisconsin and Michigan on theirwinter rides.

The group holds an annual raffle toraise funds, with the drawing held at theend of the season. Throughout the year, theclub holds fundraising meals at localrestaurants, sponsors the Fourth of Julypicnic and hosts a radar run during Presi-dent’s Day weekend.

For more information about trail condi-tions and upcoming events, contact Mikeor Sue Keintz at (715) 547-8307 or visitland olakes-wi.org and click on the clublink.

Phelps Snowmobile ClubPhelps

The Phelps Snowmobile Club has 75members and uses two groomers to main-tain 40 miles of trails, all state funded.Many of the trails are in the scenicChequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.Additional funding is raised for equipmentthrough fundraisers including a fish feedin the fall and a spaghetti feed at the endof the season.

For more information, contact clubPresident Dick Schultz at (715) 545-3910or trail boss Steve Doyen at (715) 891-4601.

Sno-Buddies Snowmobile ClubConover

The Sno-Buddies Snowmobile Club ofConover includes 130 members. Using twogroomers, the club maintains approxi-mately 85 miles of trails, of which 45 arestate funded. This year’s trail system in-cludes a change in the route betweenConover and Eagle River, the result of landacquired by the county. The new trail willprovide snowmobile access from RiverRoad South to Whiskey Trail Road.

The club raises money for equipment,trail signs and grooming expenses throughseveral fundraisers throughout the year,including meals, raffles and a silent auc-tion. In addition, it raises funds for a$1,000 scholarship to benefit a NorthlandPines High School student.

For more information, contact clubPresident Bob Payseur at (715) 479-8968,trail boss James Pusich at (715) 479-5311or visit conoversnobuddies.com.

Barnstormers Snowmobile ClubSayner

The Barnstormers Snowmobile Club inSayner maintains and grooms 62 miles ofstate-funded trails along with a few miles

Area snowmobile clubs, volunteersvital to North Woods trail system

___________BY CAROLYN RITTER

SPECIAL TO ACTION TRACKS___________

Snowmobile enthusiasts head to Vilas and Oneida counties —with more than 1,000 milesof trails — for some of the best snowmobiling in the Midwest. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO

To CLUBS, Pg. 10


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Klondike Days set March 2-3Mutifaceted winter festival geared to whole family

Klondike Days, billed as one of thestate’s most multifaceted winter events,will return to Eagle River the first week-end in March.

The 2013 event will be held March 2-3 at Northland Pines High School andRocking W Stable on Eagle River’s northside.

The annual event is a two-daypanoply of outdoor and indoor winter ac-tivities, exciting competitions and turn-of-the-century exhibits, according toKlondike Days Executive Director Chris-tine Schilling.

All of the Klondike Days activities willbe headquartered on the grounds ofNorthland Pines High School and RockingW Stable on Pleasure Island Road just offHighway 45 North. Most of the events willlast from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Highlights of the festival will be RiverCountry Red’s Rendezvous and LivingHistory Encampment, the North WoodsChampionship Dog Weight Pull, the one-and two-horse Log Pull Classic, a lum-berjack competition, a chain-saw carvingcontest, the Native American cultural ex-position, a huge winter crafts show and asnowshoe challenge.

Klondike Days typically attracts morethan 8,000 people and is proudly spon-sored by Trig’s stores in Eagle River,Rhine lander, Minocqua, Stevens Pointand Wausau.

Admission to Klondike Days, whichincludes free parking and entrance to allvenues, is $15 for adults, $6 for childrenages 6 to 16 and is free for those youngerthan 6. A family pass is available for $40,which is good for two adults and up to

three children.“That also includes free bus and hayride

shuttles, horse-drawn sleigh rides throughthe woods, dogsled rides on the juniormushers’ oval, a chance to try snowshoesand lots of entertainment,” said Schilling.

A free Bluegrass Festival featuringwell-known artists will be held Saturdaynight at the north food tent at Rocking WStable from 5 to 10 p.m.

The following is a rundown ofKlondike Days activities:

Rendezvous campRiver Country Red’s Rendezvous and

Living History Encampment will amaze,entertain and educate festivalgoers. Nes-tled in the woods on the festival grounds isa re-enactment camp specially constructedto transplant visitors back in time to learnabout the fur trade era and buckskinning.

Native American showsThe Native American cultural exposi-

tion will be held Saturday in the North-land Pines High School auditorium.

Nick Hockings’ Waswagoning DanceTheatre will perform Saturday. The expo-sition will feature traditional dances andstorytelling.

A Native American powwow featuringBlue Winds Dancing is planned for thehigh school auditorium Sunday.

Other activities in the high schoolfield house will include the TeachingDrum exhibit, a mineralogical display,the Klondike Kids coloring contest, atrappers exhibit, the NorthwoodsWildlife Center Raptor Education Groupand gold-panning exhibit.

Winter horse pullThe one-horse and two-horse weight-

pulling competition will be held at Rock-ing W Stable. The Great Northern LogPull Classic is the only winter pull inWisconsin and starts the season for sanc-tioned pulls in the state.

The two-horse pull will be Saturday,followed by the one-horse pull Sunday.The draft horses must pull loads of logs27.5 feet. Some teams have pulled asmuch as 9,000 pounds of logs.

Dog weight pullProfessional and novice dogs will com-

pete in a weight pull both days just be-hind the high school. Dogs must pull asled, with loads of as much as 4,000pounds, a total of 16 feet.

Lumberjack contestsTeams and individual lumberjacks

will go head-to-head in a Hayward-stylelumberjack competition at Rocking WStable. It’s the Midwest’s largest lumber-jack competition and the only competi-tion in the winter. Events will range fromthe standing chop block and ax throwingto Jack-and-Jill sawing and the spring-board chop.

There also will be a cut, split andstack contest Saturday sponsored byHusqvarna chain saws.

Snowshoe challengeThe Klondike Snowshoe Challenge

will take place in the woods behind Rock-ing W Stable and the high school, withthree- and six-mile challenges, a noncom-petitive tromp and children’s races. Thecompetition will take place Sunday withprizes for the top finishers.

Chain-saw carvingThe chain-saw carving competition

will be held on the grounds of the highschool, with as many as 10 carvers com-peting head-to-head both days. Watch assix-foot tall pieces of wood are carvedinto works of art. A team of judges willpresent cash awards sponsored by FirstNational Bank.

Winter crafts showThe high school field house will be the

home of the expanded Klondike KraftShow, with hundreds of crafters and arti-sans displaying their work.

Food will be available in NorthlandPines High School and on the festivalgrounds at Rocking W Stable. Festivalgo-ers are reminded the school building andgrounds are alcohol- and tobacco-free.

For more information about KlondikeDays, contact Schilling at (715) 891-2679or [email protected] or visitklondikedays.org.



The River Country Red’s Rendezvous and Living History Encampment at KlondikeDays will feature re-enactors from the fur trade era. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTOS

The Klondike Days two-horse pull will be moved to Saturday, March 2, as teams will at-tempt to pull more than 9,000 pounds of logs 27.5 feet.


of unfunded trails in the town of PlumLake. With a membership of 125, the clubhas three groomers that run regularly. Theclub is in the process of moving a trail inthe north section of its area near the con-nection to Land O’ Lakes trails to providebetter and safer access for riders.

For more information, contact clubPresident Dennis Horan at (715) 542-2952, Vice President Jim Krieck at 542-3885 or visit barnstormersclub.com.

Sugar Camp Snowmobile ClubSugar Camp

With two groomers, the Sugar CampSnowmobile Club maintains approximate-ly 80 miles of trails each year, 30 of whichare state funded. Costs to maintain andgroom the other 50 miles are coveredthrough the club’s fundraising efforts,which include a meat raffle and an ice fish-ing jamboree.

For more information about the trailsor upcoming events, contact Jack Kalies at(715) 272-1314 or [email protected].

Cross Country Cruisers ClubArbor Vitae-Woodruff-MinocquaThe Cross Country Cruisers Snowmo-

bile Club of Arbor Vitae, Woodruff andMinocqua, with a membership of 280,grooms 100 miles of trail, of which 18 arestate funded and include the BearskinCreek trail area. With four groomers, theclub covers the cost of maintaining the

other 88 miles with the assistance of vol-unteer groomer drivers.

The club plans various fundraisersthroughout the year, the largest of which isCruiserfest held in February on LakeMinocqua. The two-day event includesraces, a swap meet, snowmobile dealer dis-plays and refreshments.

For more information, contact club VicePresident Tom Bird at (715) 439-0222 orvisit snowmobilewi.com.

Minocqua Forest Riders ClubMinocqua

The Minocqua Forest Riders Snowmo-bile Club grooms 157 miles of trails, pri-marily in the northwest section of OneidaCounty, including 57 miles of state-fundedtrails and 100 miles funded by the club.The club has a membership of 180 andholds various fundraisers, including mealsand raffles. In the past, the trail systemhas used land owned by various papercompanies, but some of that land was sold,causing the club to renegotiate access. Achallenge this year for the club has beenidentifying all trail locations on landparcels on a global positioning system, aproject requested by Oneida County.

For more information, contact clubPresident Pat Harkins at (715) 588-1747or visit minocquaforestriders.org.

Sno-Skeeters Snowmobile ClubManitowish Waters

The Sno-Skeeters Snowmobile Clubhas 138 members and grooms 24 miles oftrails, all state funded. During the winterseason, the group holds a weekly rideopen to everyone. The club holdsfundraisers to cover the cost of equip-ment and maintenance, and major

fundraisers are its summer and winterraffles.

For more information, contact clubPresident Barry Hopkins at (715) 543-2455 or visit mw-snoskeeters.com.

Presque-Isle Winchester Sno-Bunnies

Presque Isle and WinchesterThe Presque-Isle Winchester Sno-

Bunnies Snowmobile Club, composed of230 members, uses two groomers to

maintain 42 miles of state-funded trailsand another three miles of a spur trail.The club was able to regain access toresurfaced roads around the rearingponds, and snowmobilers now have ac-cess to a park area in the vicinity with ashelter and heated bathrooms. The clubholds several fundraisers each year in-cluding meals, raffles and duck races.

For more information, contact clubPresident Leo Crawley at (715) 686-2018or visit sno-bunnies.com.

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ClubsFROM PAGE 7

Local snowmobile organizations are the backbone of the sport when it comes to develop-ing and grooming snowmobile trails in the North Woods. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO


North Woods offers hundreds of milesof cross-country ski trails for all levels

The North Woods abounds with hun-dreds of miles of uncrowded, scenicNordic trails tailored for beginner, inter-mediate and advanced skiers.

Most trails in this area are groomedseveral times a week and heavy snowfallmost winters in northern Wisconsin andthe Upper Peninsula of Michigan makeconditions ideal for skiing.

The great majority of trails here areon public land, while others are privatelyowned and operated with nominal dona-tions requested.

Most of the trails are groomed andmarked for all ability levels. Many aregroomed for both traditional and skatingstyles of cross-country skiing. Thosemore adventurous can blaze their owntrails through vast forests of toweringpines, hardwoods and aspen. There arehundreds of miles of old logging roadsawaiting trailbreakers on public lands.

The spectacular scenery offers anadded bonus to photographers, who willfind unlimited opportunities for poten-tially prizewinning shots while skiing.There’s also plenty of wildlife, from deerand coyotes to rabbits and chickadees.

Novices will find expert instructionand rental equipment available at manylocations. County, state and federaltourism officials, along with many pri-vate organizations, have compiled a listof scenic Nordic ski trails in the NorthWoods.

A booklet featuring trails in VilasCounty is available at the courthouse inEagle River. To obtain the booklet, writeto Vilas County Tourism & Publicity, 330Court St., Eagle River, WI 54521, call(715) 479-3649 or 1-(800) 236-3649 orvisit vilas.org.

Nicolet trailsChequamegon-Nicolet National For-

est operates the Anvil Trail eight mileseast of Eagle River off Highway 70. Thereare 12 miles of marked and groomedtrails. The trail has gentle slopes and iswooded. Shelter, toilets and plowed park-ing are available.

Nicolet North Trails, east of EagleRiver off Highway 70 on Forest Road2460, have about 15 miles of marked,groomed and tracked trails. The trailsare double-tracked, with some suitablefor beginners.

The Anvil Trail and the Nicolet NorthTrails are connected by a short two-kilo-meter trail for those wanting a longer tour.A parking fee is required at both trails.

State trailsThe Northern Highland-American Le-

gion State Forest has nine trails in thearea. The Department of Natural Re-sources (DNR) grooms and tracks the Es-canaba, Madeline Lake and Raven trails.Skiers must buy a DNR park entry stick-er in order to park and use the groomedareas. The sticker is used to offset groom-ing costs.

The Raven Trail, with four loops rang-ing from one and one-half to five miles, islocated off Highway 47 East on Woodruff

Road. It has both novice and experttrails. The Madeline Trail, with loopsranging from three to five and one-halfmiles, is located south of Woodruff offHighway J on Rudolph Road. It’s excel-lent for all classes of skiers. The Escana-ba Trail, with four loops ranging fromtwo to eight and one-half miles, is locat-ed seven miles south of Boulder Junctionon Highway M, then east on Nebish Roadthree and one-half miles to the trailhead.Several steep hills are for experiencedskiers only.

Other state trails have plowed park-ing and are marked for hiking and ski-ing, but are not groomed for cross-coun-try skiing. There is no fee at those sites.

County trailsThe Vilas County Forest has one

marked trail in central Vilas County,though there are many miles of loggingroads on county forestland open for bush-whack skiing.

The Langley Lake trail, located sevenmiles west of Conover on Highway K, hasfive and three-tenths miles of groomedtrail as conditions warrant. It has a gen-tle, rolling terrain and plowed parking isoffered at the site.

Other county trail systems with un-groomed trails include Decker Lake westof Conover on Highway K, Heart Lakenorthwest of Conover on Highway S, MudMinnow Lake west of Eagle River onHighway G, Muskrat Creek east ofConover on Highway K, Pioneer Creek

east of Conover on Highway K, SnipeLake/Ewald Lake west of Eagle River offHighway 70, Torch Lake north of EagleRiver off Highway 45 and White SquawLake off Highway S northwest of Conover.

A map of the county trails, includingthe groomed Langley Lake trail, is avail-able at the Vilas County Forestry De-partment, just north of Eagle River onHighway 45.

Local trailsThe Land O’ Lakes Cross Country Ski

Trail is groomed and maintained by theLand O’ Lakes Fish and Game Club incooperation with the national Forest Ser-vice. The trail connects with ungroomedSylvania Wilderness Area trails. TheLand O’ Lakes trail is seven and one-halfmiles long. It’s located on East DuckLake Road off of Highway B.

The Three Eagle Trail offers cross-country skiing from the parking lot onSundstein Road south of Eagle River to agate along Highway 45 just south ofClearwater Lake, where there is a secondparking area. The trail length is aboutfive miles.

The Nordmarka Cross-Country SkiClub grooms the six kilometers of Nord-marka trails at the Eagle River GolfCourse on McKinley Boulevard in thecity of Eagle River. Maps are available atthe trailhead, where there is a trail box.

Afterglow Lake Resort near Phelpsgrooms about 18 kilometers of cross-country ski trails and the adjacent

Phelps Ski Trail in cooperation with theU.S. Department of Agriculture ForestService on the resort property and na-tional forestland. The system is locatedon Sugar Maple Road off County High-way E.

Razorback Ridges, west of Sayner onHighway N, offers about 12 miles ofscenic trails for beginner to expert skiers.There are loops for both traditional andskating skiers. It’s maintained by theSayner/Star Lake Lions Club.

Boulder Junction Winter Park fea-tures nine miles of cross-country skitrails and snowshoe trails. There also isan ice skating rink and warming house.The trails are located just one-quartermile west of downtown Boulder Junctionon Old Highway K.

Michigan trailsWhen northern Wisconsin has a lack

of snow, people may want to try theUpper Peninsula of Michigan for aunique cross-country ski experience.Many of the trails are located within onehour of the Eagle River area.

Sylvania Outfitters Cross-CountrySki Center offers 24 miles of groomedtrails on three different loops in the Ot-tawa National Forest. Some are groomedfor skating, while others are groomed fortraditional skiing. The trails connectwith the 32 kilometers of ungroomed skitrails in the Sylvania Wilderness Area.For more information, call Sylvania Out-fitters at (906) 358-4766.

There are hundreds of miles of groomed cross-country ski trails inVilas and Oneida counties, offering outdoor winter recreational op-

portunities for the entire family. These ski enthusiasts tried out thetrails at Afterglow Lake Resort near Phelps. —Contributed Photo



Hockey back to its rootsNational pond hockey tourney to attract record 346 teams

After staging highly successful tour-naments the past seven years, USAHockey will return to Eagle River to hostits eighth annual Labatt Blue/USAHockey Pond Hockey National Champi-onships.

The four-on-four pond hockey event isset for Feb. 8-10, 2013, on Dollar Lakejust east of Eagle River.

“We look forward to seeing familiarfaces and many new teams for the experi-ence of a lifetime,” said Ashley Bevan, se-nior director of adult hockey for USAHockey. “This year’s event is shaping up tobe yet another tremendous success. Ourcontinued growth is a sign both of the suc-cess of this event and the hard work of ourstaff, sponsors and local volunteers.”

Last year, a record 284 teams compet-ed in the three-day event on 24 rinks onthe lake’s ice, bringing about 2,000 play-ers to Eagle River.

The event was named the recipient ofSportsTravel magazine’s 2009 Sport-sTravel Award for the best amateur sin-gle-sport event. And in 2011, NBC aireda segment about the tournament on thetelecast of “Hockey Day in America.” Therecognition has resulted in record num-bers for the tournament.

A record 346 teams from 27 states andCanada have signed up for the 2013 event.

“We look forward to celebrating thethrill of hockey in its purest form in thefrozen tundra of northern Wisconsin,”said Bevan. “This event is about theteams, the experience and the cama-raderie while enjoying hockey the way itused to be played.”

The event, which will be staged out-doors on Dollar Lake, will feature teamsof adults 21 years or older divided into 18

no-check divisions for men and women,including a 60-and-older division. Thetournament will be structured using around-robin format and each team willbe guaranteed three games.

“We keep coming back because it’s anawesome event,” said Bevan. “The adulthockey players are telling us — USAHockey — that they want to be back inEagle River. They’ve enjoyed this commu-nity and pond hockey is a great event.”

Bevan said the event is coordinated

with the help of the Eagle River Recre-ation Association (ERRA) and the EagleRiver Area Fire Department.

“With the volunteerism here in EagleRiver, it’s been great for us,” he said.

Pat Weber, fire chief and ERRA volun-teer, said the number of rinks will be ex-panded from 24 to 28 rinks for the 2013event to accommodate all the teams.

“We try to keep most of the snow offthe lake leading up to the tournament sowe can build more ice for the 75- by 150-

foot rinks,” he said. The ERRA gets involved by supplying

referees and scorekeepers for all the games.“With 28 rinks going, we need referees

and scorekeepers at all rinks duringshifts throughout the weekend,” saidWeber. “In the past, the ERRA has re-ceived a nice donation in return.”

Jake Alward, owner of ChanticleerInn, host resort for the event, said it’s ex-citing to have USA Hockey, a national or-ganization, coming back to Eagle Riverfor the eighth annual event.

“The number of participants has in-creased each year, with 40 teams compet-ing in the inaugural event in 2006, 80teams participating in 2007, 142 teamsin 2008, 196 teams in 2009, 224 teams in2010, 250 teams in 2011 and 284 teamslast year,” said Alward. “The playerscome from states across the country, so itputs Eagle River on the map.”

The Labatt Blue/USA Hockey PondHockey National Championships will in-clude a reception and raffle Saturdayevening at the AMSOIL Eagle RiverDerby Track expo hall.

Every participant will receive com-memorative welcome gifts and divisionwinners will receive prizes at the end ofthe tournament.

Games will feature a two-minutewarm-up period and two 15-minutehalves. USA Hockey playing rules will befollowed. Rule modifications, a registra-tion form and a tournament schedule canbe found online at usahockey. com /adult.

For more information or to register,contact USA Hockey, Attn.: Adult HockeyDepartment, 1775 Bob Johnson Drive,Colorado Springs, CO 80906, or visit usa-hockey.com/adult.

Information also is available at theEagle River Area Chamber of Commerce& Visitors Center, located at 201 N. Rail-road St. in Eagle River.



A record 346 teams will compete in the eighth annual Labatt Blue/USA Hockey PondHockey National Championships on Dollar Lake Feb. 8-10. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO

Best Western Derby Inn caters to sleddersPeople tied to snowmobiling, whether

as a trail rider, fan of the sport or racer,find that the Best Western Derby Inn inEagle River offers a unique stay for thosevisiting the North Woods.

Eagle River is a premier destinationgetaway in the heart of the world’slargest chain of freshwater lakes, 28 inall. The area is a haven for boating, ski-ing, biking and golfing in the summerand snowmobil ing in the winter.

A feature that makes this Best West-ern unique is the trademark of EagleRiver, which holds the title of Snowmo-bile Capital of the World®.

The Eagle River area features a well-developed snowmobile trail system. Evenmore significant is that snowmobile racingwas practically invented here, developinginto the AMSOIL World ChampionshipSnowmobile Derby. The race exists today

as the oldest continuous snowmobile racein the world. This January will mark the50th running of this most famous andprestigious competition in the sport.

The 17-year-old Best Western hotelborrowed on this fame by being namedThe Derby Inn. A close tie-in and respectfor the nearby AMSOIL Derby Track fillsthe lobby and lounge area of the DerbyInn. From the two historic race snowmo-biles on the inside ledge over the mainentrance to a large display of snowmobileracing memorabilia in the lounge, this fa-cility is almost a museum of WorldChampionship history.

Among the displays is a complete collec-tion of Derby program books, photos, tro-phies, awards and other rare items. Mostoutstanding is a mosaic rendition in thepool of a snowmobile race sled that wonthe 1987 championship. It is an attraction

that many visitors long remember, accord-ing to Derby Inn Manager Mary Hayden.

The hotel is the headquarters hotel forthe many Derby Track events. Because ofthis designation, the hotel has had manynoted guests. Most recent was race carcelebrity Dick Trickle and four-time Indywinner Bobby Unser.

The Derby Inn also has become thepreferred lodging for many of the execu-tives within the snowmobile industry,who use it summer and winter.

A virtual museum of World Champi-onship snowmobile racing, the Derby Innunderwent a major renovation of the prop-erty in May 2007. Part of the redecoratingplan was to designate a room to each of thepast snowmobile world champions.

Each room displays a picture of achampionship driver and specifies thebrand of snowmobile he raced and the

name of his hometown. Some luckyguests may stay in a room that has beenvisited by the actual World Champi-onship driver, evidenced by a dated sig-nature on his picture.

While walking the halls of the DerbyInn, visitors can view spectacular histor-ical photos of the famed Derby Track.

The Best Western Derby Inn has astrong attraction for recreational snow-mobilers, many of whom choose this astheir preferred vacation hotel. The trailthat leads to hundreds of miles of snow-mobile trails is just outside the door.There also is plenty of parking for vehi-cles with snowmobile trailers.

Derby Inn managers say visitors arealways impressed with the upscale luxuryof the facility. It is rated one of the best ofthe Best Western hotels in the Midwest,with high quality-assurance scores.


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Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-6; Sat. 8-42230 N. Stevens St., Rhinelander, Wis. ~ Across from Menards

www.shoedersmarine.com • [email protected] • [email protected]

(715) 365-7722 • 1-(888) 311-1534One of the Biggest Rental Fleets in the North Woods!

Standard & Performance Rentals!Standard & Performance Rentals!We make fun stuff fun to buy

Want to have fun this winter?

DISCLAIMER: ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION, AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND PLEASE RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT, OBEYTHE LAW, AND READ YOUR OWNER’S MANUAL. Arctic Cat recommends that all ATV riders take a training course. ATVs are recommended for riders 16years of age or older.

SALES SERVICE RENTALS


View woodlands, ice-covered lakeson scenic Sylvania Outfitters’ trails

About 40 years ago, cross-country ski-ing came to the North Woods as the newand exciting sport.

Ski trails winding through the scenicforests were soon developed in responseto people’s excitement and desire for newplaces to ski.

Among the visionaries was the ownerof Sylvania Outfitters in Watersmeet,Mich. Bob Zelinski caught the excitementof skiing himself and was impressed withfacilities he saw that had already sprungup across the North Woods.

Zelinski decided to have his outfitterbusiness also become a ski center in thewinter, offering cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, equipment rental and a children’strade-up program to keep them growing inthe sport. With his business bordering theOttawa National Forest, it was a naturalfor skiing to start right from his door.

In 1974, he started developing skitrails that followed old logging roads,skid trails and railroad grades from thelogging era. By the second year, he andthe Pineaire Motel near Land O’ Lakeshad developed a long ski trail that con-nected loops at each of their businesses.

While this connection is no longer main-tained, the loop at the southern end is partof the trails currently maintained by theLand O’ Lakes Fish and Game Club.

At the northern end of the system areSylvania Outfitters’ more than 20 milesof Tidd Tech-groomed ski trails offeringnumerous loops and even a connection tothe Sylvania Wilderness Area wherethere are an additional 32 kilometers ofungroomed ski trails.

Zelinski said Sylvania Outfitters haskept its tradition of having ski trails andnot a ski race course. The trails are mostlyfor classical-style skiing, with the excep-

tion of the first three loops which can beused for skate-style skiing and skijoring.

Upkeep of the trails is still done most-ly by hand in the off season. Grub hoes,rakes and mowers are the tools used. Thishas kept trails in the near natural state,following the undulations of the land.

This area of the Ottawa National For-est had been largely untouched by log-ging for nearly 50 years. From the mo-ment skiers put on their skis, the mean-dering trails take them through a forestwith a huge tree canopy.

The trails offer a variety of rollinghills, hardwood ridges and vistas. Skierswill glide through areas of pine, whitebirch, oak, poplar and hemlock trees.

Old-growth pines are found throughout,especially around Ice and Rickles lakes.

The Tidd Tech equipment grooms ex-cellent trails for skiing, yet keeps thetrails feeling close to the forest. One-waysections are single-tracked and two-waysections are double tracked, with the ex-ception of Raven Loop and the trails toRickles Lake, which are groomed withone track but are two-way.

The design of the trails is a series ofloops with the hilly sections one-way forthe safety of skiers of all abilities. All inter-sections are well marked for location andtrails are marked for degree of difficulty.

The first three loops will meet theneeds of both classical and skating skiers,

as well as snowshoers and skijoring en-thusiasts. Camp Loop is great for begin-ners and small children. Two of the loopswere created for those wanting to practiceskijoring with their dogs. They appropri-ately are named Dog Leg and Woof.

All other trails are tracked for classi-cal-style skiing only. Ice Lake loop (oneand six-tenths miles) is partly gentle andpartly very hilly. The gentle section offersa nice connection with Valley Trails,which is another scenic, gentle trail lead-ing to the outer loops.

Deer Trail loop is narrow and full ofhills and turns. Combine this with HillLoop for double the skiing fun on close,winding and hilly trails. The fresh, deepsnow provides smooth, slower skiing andmore control. Deer Trail has many hem-lock trees, while Hill Loop is known forits beautiful white birches.

Hemlock Loop is the tightest loop ofall. Skiers literally will brush shoulderswith the pines. Pilot Loop is described byZelinski as magical, with huge hemlocksand picturesque views. It also offers chal-lenging downhills.

Raven Loop, at six and six-tenthsmiles, is the longest loop, travelingthrough varied terrain. This trail is two-way, single-tracked and offers longer up-hill climbs and downhill runs. It’s a greattrail for stretching out and putting insome distance. The connecting trail thattakes skiers to Sylvania Wilderness Areais about halfway around Raven Loop.

Sylvania Outfitters has all skiers willneed for a day of skiing. They rent andsell cross-country ski and snowshoeingequipment.

Sylvania Outfitters is located 30 min-utes north of Eagle River on Highway 45and two miles west of Watersmeet onHighway 2. The center is open seven daysa week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For moreinformation, call (906) 358-4766 or visitsylvaniaoutfitters.com.

___________BY CHRIS TEWS


The Sylvania Outfitters cross-country ski trail system offers a variety of terrain, takingskiers through hardwood ridges and hemlock forests. —Photo By Chris Tews

Winter Frolic, fisherees featured in ConoverThere are plenty of winter activities

planned in Conover, including the WinterFrolic, Kids Fisheree and snowmobileclub events.

The Lions Club will host its annualWinter Frolic Sunday, Feb. 10, featuringtoboggan races, children’s games, prizesand a cookout. The action will take placeat Conover Town Park, one block east ofHighway 45 on Highway K with activi-ties planned from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Toboggan and sled races, along withdownhill snowboarding, will be held forchildren throughout the afternoon withprizes for winners in every class.

Everyone is welcome to take theirsleds, tubes and saucers, but there willbe some toboggans available at the sitefor those who don’t have one.

To make things easier for the chil-dren, they will be towed to the top of thehill by the Conover Sno-Buddies Snow-mobile Club’s trail groomer.

There will be free food and refresh-ments for all children, plus a cookout,complete with beer, brats and hot dogsavailable for adults for a small cost at theindoor shelter.

Proceeds from the Winter Frolic willgo to the many local and internationalcauses with which the Lions Club is in-volved.

Another event planned in Conoverthis winter will be the Conover Fire De-partment and Emergency Medical Ser-vices’ fourth annual Ice Fishing Classicon Pioneer Lake Saturday, Feb. 2.

In addition, the Lions Club Kids Fish-

eree will be held on Denton Lake Sunday,March 10. This is a special ice fishingcontest just for children. Denton Lake islocated off Highway 45, north of Conover.The Kids Fisheree activities will takeplace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Conover Sno-Buddies Snowmo-bile Club has numerous benefits plannedeach winter as fundraisers for trailgrooming. Contact the Conover Chamberof Commerce for those event dates.

Conover features miles of scenic snow-mobile trails and entertaining pit stops,ski trails in the Vilas County Forest, andplenty of lakes for ice fishing for walleye,northern pike and panfish.

For more information on Conover win-ter events, call 1-(866) 394-4386 or (715)479-4928.

Conover will host several ice fishing eventsthis winter. —NEWS-REIVEW PHOTO


Kwaterski Bros.Wood Products, Inc.

. . . the place known for Quality

Hand scrapedwood flooring isone of the manydifferent surfacetextures we manu-facture, within a va-riety of species ofwood.

Your home is a re-flection of who youare. Allow us tocreate a floor foryour domain that isas unique as you.

Check out ourshowroom!

We Specialize in . . . Flooring, T&G Wall & Ceiling Planking, Siding,Custom Mantels, Distinctive Mouldings and Decking.

435 Hwy. 45 South, Eagle River, WI 54521 715-479-5559kwaterskibros.com

• Computerized Prescription Service • Personal Consultation• Full Selection of Health and Beauty Aids• Cards, Cosmetics and a Whole Lot More

Health Care Pharmacies Inc.“Caring for you,

your family and ourcommunities since 1929” NATIONAL NETWORK

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WALL STREETHEALTH CARE

PHARMACY123 E. Wall St.

Eagle River715-479-4282

LAND O’ LAKESHEALTH CARE

PHARMACYHwy. B

Land O’ Lakes715-547-3788

ST. GERMAINHEALTH CARE

PHARMACY252 Hwy. 70 East

St. Germain715-479-7608

Whateverdirection

winter funtakes you…

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®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates

906-544-2040 1702 Hwy. 45 North

www.lolrec.com

Monday Saturday 8:30am. 5pm.

-Check out our webcam for the latest trail conditions!

-Rental delivery available!

Thunder BayResort

(715) [email protected] • www.thunder-bay-resort.com

2198 South Shore Rd. • Phelps, WI 54554

Modern homes with full kitchens, microwaves,coffee makers, TV, fireplaces and whirlpool tubs.Direct access to hundreds of miles of groomedsnowmobile trails as well as access to cross-country ski trails. Also lake access for icefishing on 4,200-acre Lac Vieux Desert.

SnowmobileRentals

Available

Thunder BayResort

Located on beautiful Lac Vieux DesertRESORT & BAR OPEN ALL YEAR LONG

5045 State Hwy. 70 West, Eagle River, Wis.TheToyShopOnline.com & [email protected]

RENTALS, SALES and SERVICERENTALS, SALES and SERVICE

CLIP & SAVE – 10% OFF ROOM & RESTAURANT

SNOWMOBILERS’ CHOICE DESTINATION❄ ❄

Historic Log LodgeSuites & Studios, all with Cable TV, KitchenettesContinental Breakfast • Free Wireless Internet

• Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna• Restaurant and Lounge Inside Lodge• On Snowmobile Trail

www.gateway-lodge.com

Corner of Hwys. 45 & BLand O’ Lakes, Wis.

715-547-3321

❄ ❄❆ ❆ Historic

Gateway LodgeRestaurant & Lounge

FeaturingHomemade Soups

and Nightly SpecialsCozy Lounge

Massive FireplaceCALL FOR WINTER HOURS

715-547-3321On Snowmobile Trail #6


Evening Dining:Nov. 22 Thanksgiving Dinner: $12.95 Adult, $9.95 Jr., $5.95 Kids

Dec. 31 New Year’s Dinner: $14.95 Adult, $11.95 Jr., $8.95 Kids

Thurs. & Sat. Homestead BBQ: $12 Adult, $8 Jr., $5 KidsHoliday BBQ, Sleigh Ride & Tubing: Dec. 26, 27, 29, 31, Jan. 3, 5

Every Night - Hillside Dining: Brule Lodge, 5-8

Kids Ski free!*ages 9 & under

1-800-DO-BRULE • www.skibrule.com397 Brule Mountain Rd., Iron River, MI 49935

2012/13 Ski Brule EventsNov. 9 Target OpeningNov. 22 Thanksgiving DinnerDec. 7-9 CMSC Trip & RaceDec. 24 Tree DecoratingDec. 31 New Year’s CelebrationJan. 7-13 Salute To TroopsJan. 14-20 Fireman’s SaluteJan. 28-Feb. 3 Teacher AppreciationFeb. 2-3 Super Bowl BashFeb. 4-10 Scrubs WeekFeb. 18-24 Law Enforcement SaluteMarch 2-3 Anniversary WeekendMarch 15-17 CMSC Winter CarnivalMarch 23-24 Brule BashMarch 30-31 Easter WeekendMarch 31 Easter BrunchApril 1-7 Friends & Neighbors WeekApril 13-14 Life’s A Mountain

Homestead BBQ &SleighRide

NewYear’s

Eve

HomesteadTubing

Located OnSnowmobile Trail

Best WesternDERBY INN

• 100% Nonsmoking• Pillowtop Mattresses• Indoor Pool, Whirlpool & Sauna• Deluxe Continental Breakfast• Business Center - High Speed Internet Access• Luxury Jacuzzi Suites• Guest Laundry & Game Room• Snowmobile & Boat Trailer Parking• Right on the Snowmobile Trail

Your Headquarters Motelfor all Derby Track Events

Best Western Derby Inn1800 Highway 45 North • Eagle River, WI 54521

(715) 479-1600 • Fax: (715) 479-1143Website: www.DerbyInn.com

Email: [email protected]

Toll Free Reservations:

1-888-499-0403

NewlyRenovated

RATING

Winner of the“Best of the BestAward for BestWestern”

Page 18

Snowmobile

Trails

Please stayon markedtrails at all

times!WARNING!

Do notcross

water untiltrails are

marked asopen!

Indicates Cross-Country Ski Trails

Indicates State Corridor Trails

IndicatesState-Funded & Club Trails

WINCHESTER

PRESQUE ISLE

LAC DU FLAMBEAU

SAYNER

STAR LAKE

CONOVER

PHELPS

HAZELHURST LAKE TOMAHAWK

ST. GERMAIN

SUGAR CAMP THREE LAKES

CLEARWATER LAKE

EAGLE RIVERARBOR VITAE

MANITOWISH WATERS

LAND O’ LAKES

BOULDER JUNCTION

WOODRUFF

MINOCQUA


1

1

2

13

2

2

6 45

3

2

1073

LAND O’ LAKES

PRESQUE ISLE

MARENISCO

WATERSMEETMICHIGAN

Page 18

Snowmobile

Trails

Please stayon markedtrails at all

times!WARNING!

Do notcross

water untiltrails are

marked asopen!

Indicates Cross-Country Ski Trails

Indicates State Corridor Trails

IndicatesState-Funded & Club Trails

WINCHESTER

PRESQUE ISLE

LAC DU FLAMBEAU

SAYNER

STAR LAKE

CONOVER

PHELPS

HAZELHURST LAKE TOMAHAWK

ST. GERMAIN

SUGAR CAMP THREE LAKES

CLEARWATER LAKE

EAGLE RIVERARBOR VITAE

MANITOWISH WATERS

LAND O’ LAKES

BOULDER JUNCTION

WOODRUFF

MINOCQUA


1

1

2

13

2

2

6 45

3

2

1073

LAND O’ LAKES

PRESQUE ISLE

MARENISCO

WATERSMEETMICHIGAN


Home of the Fastest Shaved Ice Track in Wisconsin ! !

February 1-3, 2013

Held on the West Bay of Little St. Germain Lake

Twilight Bar 660’ on Groomed Snow Thunderbird Pass 1000’ on Shaved Ice

Entrance Fees: 660’ on Snow $5 each or 5 runs for $20 1000’ on Shaved Ice $25 fee includes 3 runs & extra runs are $5 each

Prizes: All classes are sponsored for trophies and prizes.

Saturday Special Events Bo-Boen Club Food • Parson’s Chevrolet Vendor Row • All Day

Camp’s SuperValu Grocery Cart Races • 1 PM

Knocker’s Pizza Co. Benefit Bikini Run • 2 PM Cash, Trophies & Prizes for the top 4 point totals

plus Angry Dave’s Top Speed Trophy

Proceeds from the Bikini Run races will be donated to: Pink Ribbon Riders, St. Germain Fire Department

& Plum Lake Ambulance

Weber’s Wildlife World Record Speed Show • 3 PM

Trophy Presentation & Prizes will be at Knocker’s Pizza Co. • 5:30 PM

Top speed wins the Sno-King Traveling Trophy on display at the Snowmobile Hall of Fame.

Sunday Drag Racing Sponsored by the St. Germain Drag Racers

Food by the Bo-Boens • 3 Lane Drag Racing • Cash Payouts

FRIDAY Fun Run & Practice 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

SATURDAY Fun Runs & Trophy Runs

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

SUNDAY 3 Lane Drag Racing

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

For more information: email [email protected] or visit www.radarracers.com

On the Famous Cisco Chain of LakesLODGE RESTAURANT

6882 Helen Creek Rd., 10 miles west of Land O’ Lakes on Cty. B (715) 547-3487 Closed Tuesdays

The Lodge Restaurant at Bent’s Camp –featuring a full menu with everythingfrom burgers and pizza to great steaks

and walleye prepared seven different ways!Now serving breakfast Sat. & Sun. 8-11 a.m.Full bar with the best jukebox around!

EVENTS

Benefit Radar RunSATURDAY, FEB. 16, 2013 . . .

you won’t want to miss ourBikini Run and

outside snow bar!

Pigskin Poker RunFRIDAY, FEB. 1 & SATURDAY, FEB. 2

NEWBLOODY MARY BAR

Weekends Onlystarting at 8 a.m.

715-547-3487www.bents-camp.com


There’s nothing like fresh, deep, pow-dery snow to make it a perfect day to beon snowshoes.

Snowshoeing has had a surge in popu-larity because it is so easy to do. Justtighten the snowshoe bindings aroundyour winter boots and go. If you canwalk, you can snowshoe. It’s that simple.

To make it even easier, try using skipoles to help with balance. And the bestpart about snowshoeing is you can gojust about anywhere and experience soli-tude and serenity.

While there are a lot of great trails inthe area, it’s more fun and adventurousto blaze a trail and get into places likewetlands that are inaccessible the rest ofthe year. But, if you do decide to go offtrail, be prepared with a good map andcompass (or global positioning systemunit), and know how to use them.

Also, carry some basic survival kititems like a Swiss army knife, matches,high-energy food, some water and aflashlight or headlamp. Take a cell phoneif you have one, but be aware that it maynot always get reception, especially in re-mote areas. Also, tell someone where youare going and what time to expect youback.

Selecting “shoes”Most of the snowshoes on the market

today are high-tech snowshoes as com-pared to the traditional wooden-framedmodels. There are pros and cons of each.

High-tech snowshoes havelightweight aluminum frames and a soliddeck of neoprenelike material. The deckholds more weight inch per inch, so thesesnowshoes are smaller, lighter and moremaneuverable. However, a solid deck ismore slippery than a woven one, so high-tech snowshoes also have crampons onthe bottoms for safety.

A disadvantage of the metal framesand crampons is that they make a littletinny sound with each step, and somefling snow up onto the backs of your legs.

If you plan to break your own trail indeep snow, you may want to considergoing with a traditional style of snow-shoe. There are many styles to choosefrom. Ojibwa snowshoes are pointed atboth the tips and tails. Bear paws haverounded tips and tails. The most commonis the Green Mountain bear paw, which iswhat most high-tech snowshoes are mod-eled after.

Many traditional snowshoes haverounded tips and pointed tails. Therounded tips give better flotation in deepsnow and pointed tails help the snow-shoes track in a straight line, which iseasier on your knees.

Bindings hold the snowshoes to yourboots and these come in different styles.Most are one size fits all. Look for bind-ings that are easy on, easy off and holdthe snowshoe securely to your foot.

A good way to test the effectiveness ofa binding is to pick up your foot with thesnowshoe on and rotate your foot fromside to side. If the snowshoe moves withyour foot as if they are one, that is the

sign of a good binding.If you would like to try before you buy,

snowshoe rentals are available at severalarea outdoor stores.

Dress in layersAs with other active winter sports, it’s

best to dress in several thin layers thatcan be adjusted quickly. It is easy to workup a sweat while snowshoeing, evenwhen it is very cold, and wet skin is cold

skin.Ideally, the first layer of clothing

should be a wicking type of fabric, likepolypropylene or silk, which takes mois-ture away from the skin and moves it tothe outer layers of clothing. Try to avoidwearing cotton, especially next to yourskin, since it holds moisture.

Over the wicking layer wear severalinsulating layers, like fleece or wool. Theouter layer should be light, breathable

and wind- and water-resistant, like nylonwind pants and a lightweight jacket.

Mittens are warmer than gloves, butdon’t allow the dexterity needed to getyour snowshoes on in cold conditions.Polypropylene glove liners under mittensallow you to adjust the bindings withoutcompletely exposing your hands.

For your feet, polypropylene sock lin-ers under wool socks work well. Water-proof hiking boots or pack boots workgreat, but make sure there is some airspace around your toes for insulation andcirculation.

Places to snowshoeThere are three cross-country ski trail

systems in this area that have other trailsegments specifically designated forsnowshoeing.

Afterglow Lake Resort in Phelps haseight miles of well-marked snowshoetrails among its 11 miles of cross-countryski trails. Afterglow’s trails are open tothe public for a fee. They also rent snow-shoes to be used on site.

There are three miles of markedsnowshoe trails adjacent to the ThreeEagle Trail starting at the SundsteinRoad trailhead near Eagle River. TheThree Eagle Trail has a five-mile stretchof groomed cross-country ski trail, wellsuited for beginning skiers. Donationsare accepted.

There is a one-mile snowshoe trailwithin the Razorback Ridges ski trailsnear Sayner, with donations accepted tokeep up on trail maintenance.

In addition, there are thousands ofacres of public lands to venture out onand blaze your own trail. There also aremany marked hiking trails to help snow-shoe enthusiasts find their way.

In the Northern Highland-AmericanLegion State Forest, trails include Falli-son Lake, Star Lake, North Trout Lake,Powell Marsh, Lumberjack and ShannonLake.

In the Chequamegon-Nicolet NationalForest, hiking trails suitable for snow-shoeing include Franklin Lake, SamCampbell, Giant Pine, Luna-White Deer,Scott Lake and Blackjack SpringsWilderness Whispering Lake Trail.

The Vilas County Forest also has trailsystems with map boards, including SkiHill, White Squaw Lake, Pioneer Creek,Snipe Lake, Ewald Lake, Heart Lake,Torch Lake, Muskrat Creek, Mud Min-now Lake and Decker Lake.

Snowshoes generally are not allowedon groomed ski trails, but some ski trailsystems also have snowshoe trails.

If a snowshoe trail crosses a ski trail,remember that skiers have the right ofway, since they can’t stop as quickly.Snowshoers also should avoid steppingon any ski tracks.

There are roughly a million acres ofpublic lands within 30 miles of EagleRiver and plenty of trails to choose from.Get out and enjoy winter!

Sandy Lotto is the owner/instructor ofLotto’s Log Cabin Outdoor School at 2831E. Hunter Lake Road in Eagle River. Formore information, call (715) 479-8773 orgo to lottoslogcabin.com.

Try exploring the North Woods on ‘shoes’___________

BY SANDY LOTTO


There are numerous area trails which offer opportunities for snowshoeing, an activitywhich has enjoyed a recent upswing in popularity. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO


With seven Rotax® engines available — from the 163 hp* E-TEC® 800R to the 29 mpg ACE™ 600 —there’s an MX Z® with just the power, technology and price you desire.

No wonder more MX Z sleds have been sold in the last 10 years than any other model.

Ron Hallstrom Sports & Marine, Inc.Woodruff, Wis., (715) 356-5551

Track SideEagle River, Wis., (715) 479-2200

Stop by to learn more about the MX Zand to experience our excellent customer service.

NOTHING RIDESLIKE A SKI-DOO.

© 2012 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. All rights reserved. ®, ™ Trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products or its affiliates. Products are distributed in the United States (US) by BRP U.S. Inc. *Offers valid in the U.S. at participating Ski-Doo® deal-ers on new and unused 2012 and 2013 Ski-Doo snowmobiles (excluding racing units and spring-only units) purchased, delivered and registered between now and November 30, 2012. †NO Down Payment, NO Interest and NO Payments for 6 months. On a pur-chase made between now and November 30, 2012, your down payment is $0; no interest charged and no payments for 6 months. Thereafter, 60 consecutive monthly payments. Annual percentage rate is 13.95%. [Annual percentage rate subject to increase afterpromotional period.] The above financing program is offered by Sheffield Financial, a Division of BB&T Financial, FSB. Minimum Amount Financed $1,500; Maximum Amount Financed $40,000. Subject to credit approval. Not all consumers will qualify for financ-ing offer. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. Other financing offers available. Financing promotions void where prohibited. BRP is not responsible for any errors, changes or actions related to financing provided by SheffieldFinancial. ^Up to $2,000 rebate on 2012 models (amount depends on the model purchased). Promotions are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. See your participating Ski-Doo dealer for all details. Offer may not be assigned, traded, soldor combined with any other offer unless expressly stated herein. Offer void where restricted or otherwise prohibited by law. BRP reserves the right, at any time, to discontinue or change specifications, prices, designs, features, models or equipment without incur-ring any obligation.Always consult your snowmobile dealer when selecting a snowmobile for your particular needs and carefully read and pay special attention to your Operator’s Guide, Safety Video, Safety Handbook and to the safety labelling on your snowmo-bile. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always wear appropriate clothing, including a helmet. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive.

2013 M

X Z

®


Ski Brule receives Favorite Resort award

Family-focused Ski Brule, known forgiving skiers and snowboarders thelongest season in the Midwest, won theprestigious Visitors’ Choice Favorite Re-sort award for the fifth straight year in2012.

Entering its 56th season, the expertsat Ski Brule say they’ve committedthemselves to the promise of being “thefirst to open and the last to close,” andthey take every opportunity to ensure aseason that averages well over fivemonths.

Because the sounds of snow makingfill the air as soon as the temperaturedrops, the ski resort usually opens in thefirst half of November and closes in mid-April. In fact, right now, they’re open forskiing and snowboarding.

Jessica Hammer, marketing director,said Ski Brule is geared to the family andoffers top-rated children’s programs andfamily/group discounts.

“It was the skiers and snowboardersin the Midwest who voted Ski Brule theirfavorite resort,” said Hammer.

More than 60,000 people have learnedto ski and snowboard absolutely free atSki Brule with its Family Learn Pro-gram, which includes a free lift ticket,lesson and rental to first-time skiers orsnowboarders ages 10 and older.

Advance reservations (minimum 24

hours) are required and may be made bycalling 1-(800) DO-BRULE. For this sea-son, the program will begin Jan. 11, 2013.

The Kids Center at Ski Brule providesa positive learning experience with em-phasis on fun indoors and out. Ski Bruleis dedicated to making a child’s first ex-perience on snow a fun event.

“Fun is the key to getting children in-terested and keeping them involved. Pro-grams are three hours of fun inside andout, complete with activities and hotchocolate. Minimum age for SKIwee is 4years,” said Hammer.

She said parents will feel the securitythat comes from knowing that their chil-dren are being cared for in the best pro-grams available.

“For generations, parents have trustedtheir children’s snow-sports future to theprofessionals at Ski Brule. Their childrenare now doing the same,” said Hammer.

Ski Brule offers a $43 Wednesday spe-cial, except from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6, thatincludes lift, lesson and downhill skirental, and reservations are not needed.Beginner lessons are at 10:45 a.m. andadvanced lessons start at 1:15 p.m.

Challenges for allFor snowboarders, the Rapids and

Snowshoe runs in the terrain park havebeen redesigned featuring a hitching post,rainbow box, cannon box, angled boxesand more. The Rapids and Bambi Play-ground are open for the night session.

Hammer said Ski Brule’s dedicationto snow continues with knowledgeableand proficient slope maintenance staff.

Skiers and snowboarders will findchallenges for all skill levels. Timber Doo-dle’s bumps, berms and turns provide aplayful ride for everyone young at heart.Homestead Trail is a special treat with agentle pitch and Homestead Lodge.

“The mid-mountain Homestead Lodgefeatures an all-you-care-to-eat barbecueon Thursday and Saturday evenings andduring the holidays,” said Hammer.

For those who are confident in theirability, Double Doodle’s roller-coasterride of serious steep and banked switch-backs is a thrill. In all there are morethan a dozen runs and 11 lifts.

Hammer said group trips and youthprograms involving 20 or more peoplecan take advantage of big discounts thatinclude lift tickets, lodging, meals, bever-

ages, lessons and activities.As an example, the Sunday to Friday

(excluding holidays) group plan offerssavings of more than 50% for adults andjuniors. She said packages are availablestarting at $21 a ticket or $31 for a tick-et/ski rental combo.

“Ski Brule is a perfect location forgroup outings with breakfast, lunch andfacilities for worship service and meet-ings. Weekend lodging packages areavailable. Reservations are required,with a minimum of 20 people,” she said.

Other activitiesHomestead Tubing is traditional tub-

ing (no tow) and is available from 5 to 8p.m. Thursday and Saturday nights. Anunlimited tubing pass is $4 and free toguests of Brule Village Thursday nightswith a nightly activity pass.

White Water snow tubing is offeredMondays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Fridaysthrough Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. Thecost is $5 for five runs.

For the silent sports enthusiast, SkiBrule’s 33 kilometers of scenic snowshoeand cross-country trails are a must. Thetrail system winds through the woodedand rolling terrain of the Brule RiverValley. The cost is $5 for snowshoeing

and $10 to cross-county ski. A daily liftticket also is valid on the trails.

Ski Brule provides the finest Nordicskiing surface, including flat groomed forski skating and tracked for individualNordic skiing. Beginner, intermediateand advanced skiers can find a comfort-able route or a new challenge on one ofSki Brule’s many trails.

With its increasing popularity, snow-shoeing offers an easy and enjoyable ex-perience in the winter North Woodsbeauty. A snowshoe trek may be a casualwalk through the woods or a physicallydemanding adventure.

Trail maps for both Nordic skiers andsnowshoers are available on Ski Brule’swebsite.

The more than 300 miles of snowmobiletrails located in that area of the UpperPeninsula of Michigan are known for qual-ity grooming and endless trail systems,with direct trail access from Ski Brule.

The Bear’s Den Pro Shop has every-thing guests need to make their day onthe slopes great. It is open daily from 8a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

For more information on all the SkiBrule activities, call 1-(800) DO-BRULEor visit skibrule.com.



Ski Brule, billed as the first to open and the last to close, offers more than a dozen runsand 11 lifts. It’s located just 45 minutes from Eagle River. —Contributed Photo

Ski Brule offers a redesigned terrain park forsnowboarders. —Contributed Photo

Eagle River is winter recreation paradiseWith a variety of recreational activi-

ties and community events for the entirefamily, Eagle River can give visitors awhole new perspective on how much funwinter can be.

Eagle River has made the most of thesnow and winter beauty by diligentlymapping out and grooming trails forsnowmobilers and cross-country skiers.

The local members of snowmobileclubs and cross-country ski organizationsvolunteer many hours of time and energyto manicure and maintain trail systemsfor winter guests.

Eagle River is noted for the world’slargest chain of inland freshwater lakesand for being the home of the AMSOILWorld Championship Snowmobile Derby.

The resort area is packed with pitstops along the wooded trail system andin the city.

For cross-country skiers, the Nord-marka Ski Club maintains machine-groomed trails at Eagle River MunicipalGolf Course for both skating and tradi-tional skiing through the woods, wheredeer often are seen.

Just south of Eagle River on Sund-stein Road is the Three Eagle Trail, offer-ing cross-country skiing and snowshoe-ing.

For more information on the EagleRiver area, call the Eagle River AreaChamber of Commerce and Visitors Cen-ter at (715) 479-6400 or visit the cham-ber website at eagleriver.org.


101 W. Wall St., Eagle River, Wis. • 715-479-1070

BREAKFAST SERVED ANY TIMEAT

Friendship HouseFamily Restaurant

• Senior Menu • Kids’ Menu• Daily SpecialsOPEN DAILY 6 A.M. TO 9 P.M.

ServingBreakfast, Lunch,

Dinner

#1Recently, the Small Business Institute/Small Business

Administra tion/UW System conducted anonymous indepen dentsurveys of pizza customers of the 11 major pizza res taurants in theEagle River area. The survey considered quality of food, cleanli-ness, service and atmosphere. Alexander’s Family Pizza wasrated #1!

“Out of 11 restaurants mentioned — Alexander’s was rankednumber 1,” an independent was second, and a national chain wasthird, “both far behind in customer choice.”

Alexander’s was found to “offer a quality product at a reason-able price. According to the survey, quality has proven to be of moreimportance to the customer. Alexander’s has excellent pizza. It usesthe highest quality ingredients.”

Alexander’s Family Pizza wishes to thank all the many peo-ple who participated in the surveys. We truly appreciate the factthat our long-term goal of wanting to be known for quality pizza hasbeen realized.

ALEXANDER’S FAMILY PIZZADowntown Eagle River 715-479-7363

(211 Railroad St., between stoplights)

Minocqua 715-356-2628QUALITY PIZZA — NOT JUST FOR KIDS

NO SOY NO BGH

For a traditional pizzeria, try Alexander’s

About 38 years ago, two brotherscame to the North Woods for summerjobs. They came from a strong Italiancommunity in Chicago where pizza wasthe staple at home and at college.

Since there were no pizzerias in thearea, the brothers realized a great oppor-tunity existed and opened their own pizze-ria in Eagle River — Alexander’s Pizza.

Sources say the locals at the time lookeddown at them jaundice-eyed and calledthem brash boys from “Chitown.” But nowthe pizzeria has become a landmark.

Today, customers come from all over thecountry to try what many say — and a sur-vey showed — is the best pizza in the area.

For snowmobilers, it is conveniently lo-cated right next to the north-south trailthat runs through the heart of the city.After riding the trail, visiting a cross-coun-try trail or screaming at a hockey game,Alexander’s can satisfy your appetite.

Even though the business openedmany years ago, one thing remains thesame — the traditional method of mak-ing pizza at Alexander’s.

The pizza is made the way GrandmaDel Cristo said, “Use the best to makethe best.”

The ingredients used are only thebest, which is stressed by the owners.The cheese used is 100% full cream moz-zarella, which is straight from the most

award-winning dairy in Wisconsin, alongwith nine-month-aged Romano.

The owners say the soul of a pizza isthe crust, which is made with high-glutenflour. Adding flavor to the pizza is thethick, rich sauce that is made with toma-

to puree from pear tomatoes, the meatiestof tomatoes. The meat is also high qualityat 90% lean meat, with no soy fillers.

For the more adventurous pizza con-noisseurs, Alexander’s offers broccoli,shrimp, albacore and pineapple to create

original gourmet pizzas. Diners can also try an oven-roasted

cheese bread appetizer — one-half loaf offreshly baked French bread, basted withbutter, seasoned with garlic and aged Ro-mano, covered with mozzarella, roastedto a honey-golden brown and finally,lightly sprinkled with oregano.

Employees at Alexander’s Pizza havecome from countries around the globe.Exchange-student employees from Hun-gary, England, Spain, Scotland, Lithua-nia, Jamaica, Poland, Belarus and theCzech Republic have worked at Alexan-der’s Pizza.

Although the brothers have experi-mented with high-tech, cost- and labor-saving methods, the pizza-makingmethod at Alexander’s remains tradi-tional. At Alexander’s, the pizza is cookedon a 150-pound stone deck.

Pizza is not the only item on the menu.Savory sandwiches are made to order withtoasted French bread, creamy mozzarella,California tomato sauce and a choice ofham, Italian sausage or meatballs, andany of your favorite pizza toppings.

Parking for vehicles and snowmobilesis available across the street. Customerscan dine in or carry out, and can call aheadto have the pizza ready when they arrive.

Tradition, customer service and funcan always be found at Alexander’sPizza. Alexander’s does not accept creditor debit cards. To enjoy the “best pizza inthe North,” call (715) 479-7363.

___________BY NEWS-REVIEW STAFF

___________

Another pizza is pulled from the oven at Alexander’s Pizza in Eagle River. The pizzeria is lo-cated on Railroad Street and next to the snowmobile trail. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO


Razorback Ridges ski trail systemfavored among Nordic enthusiasts

When the Arctic winds howl and snowpiles up thickly on this part of northernWisconsin, there is a certain company ofpeople who rejoice, knowing that for thenext three months or more their time hascome.

They are cross-country skiers, skinny-ski enthusiasts who come from near andfar to kick and glide their way along thequiet trails of winter.

A popular destination for nearly 30years, Razorback Ridges has been one ofthe most highly favored set of cross-coun-try ski trails in all of the North Country.

The trails, begun by a group of cross-country enthusiasts who banded togeth-er to form a club in 1982, started out as aroughly 12-kilometer system groomedwith old snowmobiles, bed-spring dragsand a homemade wooden track setter.They now encompass 28 kilometers oftrails groomed to perfection with an ASVrubber-tracked groomer and a Yellow-stone Ginzu drag.

The Sayner-Star Lake Lions Clubtook over the trails as a community ser-vice project in 1983 and have been main-taining and improving them ever since.

The Lions were fortunate to have trailfounders as members and, under theirleadership, equipment and other facili-ties have constantly been upgraded andexpanded.

The club has maintained operation ofthe trails through a land-use agreementwith the Wisconsin Department of Natu-ral Resources (DNR) and, from the daythe trails opened for business, the Lionshave never charged a trail fee.

Skiers, along with summertime hikersand mountain bikers, have sustainedtrail maintenance with their donations,along with fundraisers put on by the

Lions Club.And the ski trails at Razorback

Ridges are not the only attraction any-more. For several years, the club hasmaintained additional single-track trailsfor mountain bikers, separate loops forsnowshoe enthusiasts in the winter andthe Bernie Van Acker Memorial Park

skating rink for recreational skaters,which is lighted for nighttime use.

The skating rink is adjacent to awarming building, built in 1996 througha grant made possible by the town ofPlum Lake in cooperation with the DNR.

At that time, the Lions built thechalet/equipment garage which provided

not only an area for parking and main-taining groomers, but more importantlyfor visiting skiers, provided a large heat-ed room with picnic tables for lunchingand indoor bathrooms.

The chalet is open seven days a weekyear-round and, along with skier use, isavailable for private parties such asgraduations, birthdays and anniver-saries. The Lions do not charge for suchuse, but welcome all donations.

The Lions have long prided them-selves in the fact that Razorback Ridgestrails are groomed by skiers for skiers.All the volunteer groomers are avidskiers who have completed many Ameri-can ß and other ski races between them.

Over the past several winters, the Lionshave modified grooming at RazorbackRidges to better accommodate both classi-cal-style kick and gliders and skate skiers.

Essentially the east side of the trailsystem is groomed exclusively for classicskiers. Among those trails are Doug’sFolly, a 5.1-kilometer loop; Hair Raiser,6.4 km; Lions Pride, 11 km; and WildThing, a fast, challenging loop that adds2 kilometers to any of the other loops.

Will’s Crossing is a 5.3-kilometer skiwhich is accessed by following a portionof skate-groomed Roller Coaster. RidgeTrail is 3.2 kilometers and provides theconnection to all skate loops while alsobeing groomed for classic skiing.

Loops groomed exclusively for skatinginclude the 8.5-kilometer Roller Coaster,9-kilometer Mary’s Frolic and LongRider, which has been extended to 14.5kilometers for the 2011-’12 season.

Suicide Hill is a short side loop accessi-ble to both skaters and striders, and it al-ways lives up to its name on the thrillmeter. Big Valley allows skaters to shortenany of their loops by nearly 2 kilometers.

For additional information on Razor-back Ridges or trail condition updatesduring the winter, call (715) 542-3501.

___________BY WILL MAINES


The Razorback Ridges cross-country ski system near Sayner is groomed for both clas-sical-style and skate skiers. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO

Sayner blessed with ski, snomo trailsBlessed with an abundance of lakes

and thousands of acres of public forestsin the Northern Highland-American Le-gion State Forest, the Sayner-Star Lakearea in central Vilas County is a greatplace to visit in winter.

Whether a snowmobiler, skier, ice fish-erman or just a sightseer who loves thegreat outdoors, the Sayner-Star Lake re-gion has the natural facilities to handlethem all.

One of the main events in Sayner thiswinter is the annual Sayner-Star LakeLions Club’s Ice Fishing TournamentSaturday, Feb. 9. The tournament will beheld on Plum Lake from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.The headquarters will be at the PlumLake public landing. Awards will be pre-sented at 4 p.m.

There will be prizes for the largestfish as well as door prizes. Food and re-freshments will be available. For moreinformation on the fishing tournament,phone (715) 542-3501.

Also set to take place this winter isthe inaugural Jesse Roman MemorialVintage Snowmobile Show Saturday,Feb. 23, at Danny’s Roadhouse Saloonand Grill in Sayner. The show will beheld in memory of Roman, a vintagesnowmobile enthusiast and restorer, whopassed away in 2008 from a brain tumorat the age of 23.

The event will begin with registrationat 9 a.m. with judging for sleds at 12:30p.m. and prizes at 2:30 p.m. The cost toregister is $5 per sled with a maximum of$20. There also will be a vintage clothing

contest, raffles, prizes and a silent auction.Trophies will be awarded for first and

second places in original and restoredclasses for the years 1969 and earlier, 1970-’73, 1974-’76, 1977-’87 and racing sleds.

For more information, call Kelly at(715) 536-9845. Event proceeds will bene-fit the Vilas County Historical Museum, afavorite stop of Roman’s. Danny’s Road-house is located at 2486 Lollycoogan Lane.

Birthplace of snowmobileSnowmobiling is very popular in the

Sayner area, and rightly so. Sayner is thebirthplace of the modern snowmobile,and the community still carries on thesnowmobiling spirit that inventor CarlEliason began in 1924. He mounted asmall engine on a toboggan equipped

with skis under the front part and a con-tinuous tread under the rear.

He patented the snow sled in 1927and manufactured 40 of them. Upon re-ceiving an order for 200 from Finland,Eliason sold the patent. The snowmobileindustry took off, with the U.S. govern-ment buying 300 for military use.

Eliason died in December 1979, at theage of 80, and his funeral procession wasfittingly a parade of snowmobiles. Manyof the early day snowmobiles can be seenat the Vilas County Historical Museumin Sayner.

Today, the Sayner-Star Lake area hasmore than 75 miles of snowmobile trails.

For more information on Sayner-StarLake area, call 1-(888) 722-3789 or (715)542-3789 or go to sayner-starlake.org.


Afterglow Lake Resort is a hidden gemMoline family caters to cross-country skiers

Afterglow Lake Resort in Phelps is across-country ski destination that couldbe called a “hidden gem.”

It is not just a ski resort, it is a skier’sresort. While it caters to other segmentsof the winter tourism market — ice skat-ing, tubing, ice fishing, snowshoeing andbroomball — cross-country skiing is theobvious passion.

Owned by Pete and Gail Moline, After-glow is a small, second-generation fami-ly-owned cabin-based resort. On 240acres, it is perched aside its namesakelake two miles north of Phelps.

With 15 housekeeping cabins (dogsare permitted in some cabins), each witha fireplace and full kitchen, Afterglow isan ideal destination for individuals,groups and especially families. A well-equipped indoor recreation center witheverything from table games to exerciseequipment for après ski and the obligato-ry whirlpool and sauna, show they knowhow to round out a great ski day.

Trails literally start at the cabin door.Walk to the end of the sidewalk, clip inand ski away.

Garnering a well-deserved cult follow-ing among Nordic skiers in the upperMidwest, Afterglow attracts cross-coun-try enthusiasts trekking from Madisonand Milwaukee and the Twin Cities areaof Minnesota and beyond.

Besides its hominess, Afterglow chalksup other things in its favor. Located on thesouth edge of the snowbelt, it is less sub-ject to the vagaries of fickle snowfall pat-terns. Snows also get a bit of a bump dueto occasional lake-effect weather.

Its other claim to fame, and thatwhich keeps skiers coming back, isgrooming. Pete Moline, a former U.S. SkiTeam moguls star, long ago embracedNordic skiing and, more importantly,grooming. To say that he is a fanaticabout grooming is an understatement,failing to do justice to the time he puts inand the quality of his product.

For years, Moline has participated in

grooming research that helped the TiddTech company develop the Generation 2(G2) ski trail grooming implement. Mo-line uses a Tidd Tech G2 to groom After-glow’s trails.

“We don’t see much of Pete once skiseason gets under way,” joked Gail Mo-line. Her loss is the skier’s gain, however,as Moline has groomed as much as 100times in a season. Grooming during theday allows skiers to damage the qualityof the trail surface before it has time toharden. For the highest quality, Molinegrooms almost exclusively at night, usu-ally starting by 2:30 a.m. and finishingby 6 a.m. This allows three hours for thetrail to harden, and for Moline to plow

and get ready for the arriving skiers andsnowshoers.

But Moline is more than just an avidgroomer. He has fully embraced the “art”of grooming. Though he uses a snowmo-bile and pull-behind Tidd Tech, onewould swear he’s been over the trailswith a Pisten Bully or other snowcat-style machine. The trails, 12 to 14 feetwide, require two passes with this rig.Unlike many trails groomed in this fash-ion, in the middle of the trail where onegroomer path crosses on top of the other,there is no bump, ridge or discerniblejoint. The trail surface is virtually flatand seamless.

“I have a couple of tricks,” he hinted

with a smile. One is the use of an add-onsmoothing bar, a simple piece of PVCpipe that he slips over the cutting tinesof the groomer. “This helps level the trailand erase any seam that might be creat-ed when making the second pass aroundthe trail,” he explained.

At 18 kilometers, the Afterglow trailsystem is not large, and one can ski mostof it in a morning. But it is such a delightto ski that repeating parts of it in the af-ternoon is totally within reason. Thereare nine trails, most skate with a classictrack, numbered simply 1 through 9.None threaten with large challenges,though three expert loops — Nos. 4, 7and 8 — provide short, steep climbingand rewarding descents.

Leaving the Afterglow property, No. 5tours a bit in the adjoining Chequa -megon-Nicolet National Forest on a wide,flowing out-and-back trail where skierscan practice their V2 or just cruise along.

Classic skiers will delight in thePhelps Trail. This trail also ventures offAfterglow property, winding its way ontoadjacent national forest land that Molinegrooms under an agreement with theU.S. Forest Service. Single-track most ofthe way, the 4-kilometer loop starts outinnocently enough, but as the signs inti-mate, it tosses in some swooping andwinding descents about two-thirds of theway into the trail.

To complement the great skiing, After-glow also offers a network of mapped,marked snowshoe trails. With distancesfrom 0.3 miles to 1.8 miles, the half-dozen trails can be ganged together for amuch longer tour, up to 8 miles total.None are overly strenuous. All intersectski trails, so getting lost is not an option.

Afterglow Lake Resort is the kind ofplace cross-country skiers dream about.With a family environment, dedication toquality grooming, quiet and comfort, thishidden gem begs discovery.

This article originally was printed inCross Country Skier Magazine. It isreprinted here with permission fromCross Country Skier Magazine, cross-countryskier.com.

___________BY CROSS COUNTRY SKIER MAGAZINE


The cross-country ski trails at Afterglow Lake Resort in Phelps are some of the best inthe Midwest. They are groomed for traditional and skate skiers. —Contributed Photo

Scenic trails, fishing events found in PhelpsPhelps, located in the northeastern

corner of Vilas County, is a winter par-adise offering snowmobiling, ice fishing,cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The Phelps Snowmobile Club keepsabout 40 miles of trails groomed through-out the winter, offering trails into thescenic Chequamegon-Nicolet National For-est and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The snowmobile club has severalfundraisers during the year. The club willhave a benefit breakfast Saturday andSunday, Dec. 15-16, at Sunrise Lodge from7:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information,call Sunrise Lodge at (715) 547-3684.

Because much of Phelps is located inthe Chequamegon-Nicolet National For-est, there also is plenty of public landavailable for bushwhacking on cross-coun-try skis and snowshoes. There are loggingroads galore, just waiting to be explored.

Excellent skiing is offered at the Af-terglow Lake Resort trails and thePhelps-Nicolet National Forest trail.

These scenic trails, maintained for bothclassical and skating styles, are groomedby former pro mogul skier Pete Moline.

To get to the trails, travel north onHighway E from Phelps for one mile.Turn right on Sugar Maple Road, go one

mile and then turn right into AfterglowResort’s drive. The office is on the right.The telephone number is (715) 545-2560.

The Phelps area is probably bestknown for its great ice fishing, with lakessuch as North and South Twin, Lac VieuxDesert, Long and Big Sand all within fivemiles of the community.

Because Phelps caters to ice fisher-men, the community has several ice fish-ing tournaments each year.

The Phelps Lions Club will sponsor the27th annual Great Northern Ice FishingTournament Saturday, Jan. 26, on LacVieux Desert. There will be an evening din-

ner. For information, call (715) 545-3327.The 12th annual Northern Exposure Ice

Fishing Tournament will be Saturday, Feb.9, on North and South Twin lakes. Registerfish at the boat landing. Call Doug at (715)545-3555 for more information.

The Big Sand Lake Ice Fishing Tourna-ment will be held Saturday, Feb. 16, andalso will be headquartered at the boatlanding. It is sponsored by Sand Lake Pub.Call (715) 545-3200 for more information.

For more information on winter activi-ties and fishing tournaments in the Phelpsarea, people can call the Phelps Chamberof Commerce at (715) 545-3800.


One of the most popular winter attrac-tions in the North Woods is the Snowmo-bile Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Ger-main, with racing history displays and vin-tage sleds showcased.

The Hall of Fame offers something ofinterest to everyone in the family. Admis-sion is free, although a donation box is pro-vided. The Hall of Fame is a nonprofit cor-poration that depends on donations fromvisitors, fundraisers, individual member-ships and corporate sponsorships.

Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdaysand Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Saturdays, the hall is located at 8481Highway 70 W., just one mile west of theSt. Germain Chamber of Commerce office,at Sled World Boulevard. Museum hours

increase after the trails open (call ahead).In the winter, the museum is accessible

by snowmobile trails that run along High-way 70 near the facility.

“All operations are in one location — onthe beautiful 20-acre Hall of Fame cam-pus,” said Hall of Fame President andfounder Loren Anderson. The new Warn-ing Gallery has added 5,000 feet of exhibitspace.

Visitors can look at the exhibits andread the exciting histories of more than 40inductees into the Hall of Fame. Videos offamous and historic races also play in themini theater.

Racing videotapes are available for pur-chase in the Hall of Fame gift shop, alongwith T-shirts, sweat shirts, caps and jack-

ets. Each has the Snowmobile Hall ofFame logo on it.

Sleds of some of the Hall of Famers areon display. Many makes of snowmobileshave been donated to the hall, rangingfrom Polaris, Arctic Cat, Yamaha and Ski-Doo to Moto-Ski, Chaparral, Bolens andAriens. Clothing worn by racers throughthe years is also on display.

“Stop in and see historic race sleds, tro-phies, clothing and the Ramstad photo col-lection,” said Anderson. “Championshipsleds on display include oval, enduro, hillclimb, cross-country, water cross, Sno-Cross and drag sleds raced by champi-onship drivers such as Karpik, Wicht,Musselman, Coltom, Hayes, Elsner, Solem,Bernat, Fransen, Nelson, Bender, Maki,

Hibbert, Morgan and Vincent.”The hall holds its annual Ride With The

Champs as a fundraiser for the Hall ofFame. The 30th annual ride will be heldSaturday, Feb. 16, 2013, starting and end-ing at Whitetail Inn in St. Germain. The2013 Hall of Fame inductees will be hon-ored that evening.

Memberships to the hall are availableas follows: individual annual, $25; individ-ual life, $500; business annual, $100; andbusiness life, $1,000.

For information on the SnowmobileHall of Fame and Museum in St. Germainor to make a donation to the new building,contact Anderson at (715) 542-4488 or visitthe museum website at snowmobilehalloffame.com.

Hall features racing displays, vintage sleds

If you have never visited St. Germainduring the winter, you are missing someincredible winter fun.

With towering pines and downy-whitesnow, the North Woods is absolutely beau-tiful during the winter months.

Winter also is one of the best times ofthe year for wildlife viewing, especiallyamid the postcard-perfect surroundings.And during the winter, the St. Germaincommunity hosts an array of events thatcelebrate what many feel is the most won-derful season in the North Woods.

For the seasoned snowmobiler andnovice alike, St. Germain is the center ofsnowmobiling in Vilas County. The area iswebbed with an incredible network oftrails which lead throughout northernWisconsin and beyond. You simply won’tfind a better snowmobile destination thanSt. Germain.

For many years, St. Germain has beenhome to the largest snowmobile club in thestate of Wisconsin, the Bo-Boen Snowmo-bile Club. Weekly rides and other eventsare planned throughout the winter.

When you’re not on your snowmobile,be sure to visit the Snowmobile Hall ofFame and Museum just west of town, offHighway 70.

For many in the North Woods, the realfishing season begins when the lakesfreeze over. The ice fishing in St. Germainis tremendous. With an endless selection oflakes to choose from — and excellent pop-ulations of walleye, crappie, perch, bluegilland northern pike — you’ll have no troublefinding a lake to suit your personal style offishing. You also won’t want to miss thelocal ice fishing tournaments heldthroughout the winter season.

Other winter sports in St. Germain in-clude snowshoeing, cross-country skiingand hiking. There’s really no better time toexplore the woodland trails than winter.Experience the quiet and solitude of beingdeep in the forest, where the only soundyou’ll hear is a nearby chickadee and thecrunching of pristine snow underfoot.

If indoor activities are to your liking,check out St. Germain’s vast array of localrestaurants. Whatever your mood or ap-petite, St. Germain has something to offer,from fine dining to a burger and fries. Andshopping doesn’t stop because the snowflies. The local shops and businesses areopen all winter and eager to offer “retailtherapy.”

Community eventsThe 13th annual Polar Bear Plunge at

St. Germain Lodge and Resort on Big St.Germain Lake is a fundraiser to benefitAngel On My Shoulder. It will be held Sat-urday, Jan. 5, with registration in themorning and the plunge at noon.

If dancing is your thing, join the Prime-Timers at their annual Snowflake Danceheld Tuesday, Jan. 15, at the St. GermainCommunity Center. Food and beverages

will be available from 7 to 11 p.m.There will be a trail groomer show at

Vogel Enterprises Wedne s day and Thurs-day, Feb. 6-7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednes-day and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday.

This is a great chance to see the equip-ment with which St. Germain’s trail sys-tem is maintained, and will provide inter-ested professional groomers with insightinto the latest grooming equipment. Therewill be displays and demonstrations bothdays. Food will be served by the Bo-BoenSnowmobile Club.

A snowmobile radar run will be heldFriday through Sunday, Feb. 1-3, on WestBay of Little St. Germain Lake, with 660-and 1,000-foot tracks. Friday is for practiceruns starting at 11 a.m. and trophy runsare planned Saturday starting at 10 a.m.

The Plum Lake Emergency MedicalService will have its Holes for Life ice fish-

ing tournament on Big St. Germain LakeSaturday, Feb. 2, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reg-istration is at 7 a.m.

The 30th annual Ride With TheChamps will be held Saturday, Feb. 16,with headquarters at Whitetail Inn. Theevent is a fundraiser for the SnowmobileHall of Fame and Museum in St. Germain.The event will start at 7:30 a.m. with reg-istration and will include breakfast, lunchand the Hall of Fame induction dinnerbanquet.

The winter events will wind down withthe fourth annual Ice Golf Tournamenthosted by Black Bear Lodge on Little St.Germain Lake Saturday, March 16. Theevent will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.and will benefit the Vilas Food Pantry.

For more information about all the St.Germain winter activities, call the cham-ber of commerce at (715) 477-2205.

Snowmobile trails, annual radar runtop attractions for St. Germain area

When it comes to snowmobiling in the St. Germain area, one of thetop attractions is the annual radar run. This year’s event on Little St.

Germain Lake will be Feb. 1-3 and will feature timed speed runsand the always popular bikini radar run. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO


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Three Lakes a premier destinationfor wide variety of winter events

The town of Three Lakes near theVilas-Oneida county line is a winter sportsparadise, offering forest trails and sceniclakes to suit snowmobilers, cross-countryskiers and ice anglers.

A gateway to the Chequamegon-Nico-let National Forest, this quaint little townoffers 150 miles of groomed snowmobiletrails, access to national forest ski trailsand the world’s largest chain of freshwaterlakes.

The Three Lakes Chain and other lakesin the area, such as Thunder Lake to thewest and Butternut and Sevenmile lakesto the east, offer angling diversity thatranges from good crappie, perch and otherpanfish action to tip-up fishing for walleyeand northern pike.

To provide more winter excitement forresidents and vacationers alike, organiza-tions sponsor several winter events, in-cluding poker runs for snowmobilers inJanuary and February, a fishing derby inlate February and guided snowmobilerides every Wednesday and Friday.

With the use of three groomers, ThreeLakes Trails Inc. keeps 150 miles of state-funded and club trails groomed to the bestpossible condition all winter.

Volunteers with Three Lakes TrailsInc. and the Northern Lights SnowmobileClub put in hundreds of hours to prepareand maintain the trail network.

A favorite of snowmobilers is a 65-mileloop encompassing the Kimball Creektrail that includes trails in Three Lakes,Eagle River and south to Hiles, all passingthrough the national forest.

There are county maps of the entiretrail system available for both Oneida andVilas counties, making touring less con-fusing.

The Three Lakes Tavern League willsponsor weekend poker runs for cashprizes Fridays and Saturdays, Jan. 18-19

and Feb. 15-16, with proceeds going tobenefit Three Lakes Trails Inc. Raffledrawings are scheduled after 9 p.m. eachSaturday night of the weekend pokerruns.

For the fourth straight year, Bonnie’sLakeside will be the host site of snowmo-bile races as part of the Northern VintageSnowmobile Race Series on Spirit Lake.Oval racing is set Saturday, Feb. 23, andendurance races are scheduled March 9.

Cross-country skiers will find miles ofgroomed trails and unlimited bushwhack-ing opportunities on the nearby national

forest. Skiers can venture east towardFranklin Lake, where they will find theAnvil Lake and Nicolet North trails.

Ice anglers will find walleye, northernpike and a host of panfish species in theThree Lakes Chain of Lakes and dozens ofnearby lakes, including national forest fa-vorites such as Butternut, Franklin andSevenmile.

Perch and crappie can be found in goodnumbers all winter off the many rock barson the Chain. Other nearby lakes, such asThunder, Maple and Spirit, hold northernpike, panfish and some walleyes.

The Three Lakes Lions Club will stageits 60th annual Ice Fishing Derby from 10a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, onMaple Lake near downtown Three Lakes.

The fishing contest offers merchandiseprizes. Fish from the Three Lakes area areaccepted for registration up to 2:30 p.m.

Participants will have a chance to winhundreds of prizes during the afternoon,including special raffle prizes.

Sunday, Feb. 17, the Northern LightsSnowmobile Club will stage a weenieroast from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Trail No. 8in the national forest. For information onthe ride, contact President Jim Nykolaykoat (715) 546-8372.

The club also coordinates weekly ridesbeginning the first Wednesday in January.The casual, family-oriented rides are of-fered each Wednesday and Friday startingat 9:30 a.m. at the Three Lakes Shell Sta-tion. A longer, more spirited ride starts at8:30 every Wednesday morning, also start-ing from the Shell Station.

Saturday, Dec. 29, a chili cook-off andmeat raffle will take place from noon to 4p.m. at Mai Tiki Bar & Grill to benefitThree Lakes Trails. For more information,call (715) 546-3520.

Whether by snowmobile or vehicle,winter visitors can tour the NorthwoodsPetroleum Museum free of charge six daysa week. It is located two miles north ofThree Lakes on Highway 45, and is closeto the snowmobile trail.

“A trip through the museum will bringyou back to a time when the local gas sta-tion was run by a friendly neighbor whothanked you for your business, might haveoffered you Green Stamps or free dish-ware, and who cleaned your windshield,”said museum founder Ed Jacobson.

The museum is open noon to 4 p.m.weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

For information on accommodations orwinter events in Three Lakes, call theThree Lakes Area Chamber of Commerceand Welcome Center at (715) 546-3344 orvisit threelakes.com.

___________BY ANTHONY DREW

NEWS-REVIEW ASST. EDITOR___________

Three Lakes offers a variety of winter activities, ranging from snowmobiling to cross-country skiing. This is a scene along the Three Eagle Trail. —Contributed Photo

Three Eagle Trail is groomed, markedMore and more people are discovering

one of the hidden gems of the NorthWoods winter sports scene right betweenthe communities of Three Lakes andEagle River.

The Three Eagle Cross-Country SkiTrail, groomed for both classic and skateskiing, follows the same route as thenorthern five miles of the familiar bikingand walking trail.

The two-way trail is easily accessiblefrom both the Sundstein Road trailhead,located four miles south of the VilasCounty Fairgrounds, or from a trailsideparking lot three miles north of ThreeLakes on Highway 45.

The trail winds through uninhabited

forestland on generally flat terrain. Thetwo-mile stretch from Sundstein Road tothe Mud Creek bridge does have a fewgently rolling hills that novice skiers canhandle with ease.

More advanced skiers looking for anaerobic workout appreciate the distancemarkers posted every half-mile, makingit easy to judge pace and mileage. Skiingend-to-end and back can be a very pleas-ant 10-mile (16-kilometer) outing.

Scenic boardwalks and a bridge pro-vide landmarks along the way. The wood-ed landscape affords good wind protec-tion along with an abundance of beauti-ful winter scenery. Wildlife sightings arenot unusual and deciphering their tracks

in the snow can be quite entertaining.Trail grooming is, of course, depen-

dent on snow throughout the season.Still, thanks to the relatively smoothlimestone surface providing a uniformbase under the snow, this is often one ofthe first skiable trails in the area and itoften remains open and skiable aftermany others have closed in the spring.

Area volunteers use equipment ownedby the Three Eagle Trail Foundation andTara Lila LLC to groom the trail. Al-though there’s no fee to use the trail, do-nations made in the trailhead donationboxes help with the cost of maintainingthe trail.

In addition to the groomed ski trail,

there is a separate snowshoe trail on theTara Lila property accessible from theSundstein Road trailhead.

Like the ski trail, the snowshoe trail isan out-and-back course with the excep-tion of a short but scenic loop at its farend. A map of the snowshoe trail is dis-played on a kiosk just inside the Sund-stein Road trailhead gate.

Both the ski trail and the snowshoetrail traverse private lands and users areencouraged to stay on the designatedtrails and observe the trail guidelinesposted at both trailheads.

For more information about the ThreeEagle Trail, including maps and photos,visit 3eagletrail.com.


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Communities and organizationsthroughout the North Woods are plan-ning ice fishing jamborees this winter.

Most of the ice fishing derbies arefamily-oriented events, offering prizes forthe largest fish as well as door prizes.Participants should call organizers at thenumber provided to confirm dates and lo-cations.

The following is a rundown of the icefishing jamborees in this area.

Jan. 26, Phelps — The 27th annualGreat Northern Ice Fishing Tournament,sponsored by the Phelps Lions Club, willbe held on Lac Vieux Desert, with theheadquarters at the West Shore BoatLanding. Phone (715) 545-3327.

Feb. 2, Conover — The Conover Vol-unteer Fire and Rescue Department will

sponsor its fourth annual Ice FishingClassic on Pioneer Lake from 7 a.m. to 5p.m., with headquarters at the publicboat landing off Chicago Avenue. Call(715) 477-2036.

Feb. 2, St. Germain — The PlumLake EMS will host the Holes for Life icefishing tournament on Big St. GermainLake, with registration at Fibber’sRestaurant at 7 a.m. Fishing will lastfrom 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be raffles,cash prizes and door prizes. Entry fee is$25. Phone (715) 891-0572.

Feb. 9, Phelps — The Northern Ex-posure Ice Fishing Tournament will beheld on North Twin Lake, sponsored byNorthern Exposure Bar and Restaurant.Call (715) 545-3555.

Feb. 9, Sayner — The Sayner/Star

Lake Lions Club will host its annual icefishing tournament on Plum Lake from 6a.m. to 3 p.m., with registration at theboat landing on the south side of thelake. Awards will be presented at 4 p.m.Tickets are $25 per person. Call (715)542-3789 or (715) 542-3501.

Feb. 16, Sugar Camp — The annualSand Lake Ice Fishing Jamboree will beheld at Pitlik’s Sand Beach Resort inSugar Camp from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prizesevery hour, food and beverages available.Call (715) 479-4955.

Feb. 16, Phelps — The Big SandLake Ice Fishing Tournament will beheadquartered at the boat landing, spon-sored by Sand Lake Pub. Entry fee is $15per person, with prizes awarded afterfishing. Call (715) 545-3200.

Feb. 23, Three Lakes — The LionsClub will sponsor its 60th annual icefishing jamboree on Maple Lake from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be prizes andfood available. Call (715) 546-3344.

Feb. 24, Land O’ Lakes — The 17thannual Kids Fishing Jamboree will beheld on Lac Vieux Desert at the WestShore Boat Landing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.The free event will include food, prizesand bait. It’s open to all youths up to age18. Call (715) 547-3434.

March 10, Conover — The LionsClub Kids Fisheree will be held on Den-ton Lake off Highway 45 from 11 a.m. to3 p.m., with headquarters at Club 45. It’san ice fishing tournament just for chil-dren, with prizes and refreshments. Call(715) 479-6673.

Ice fishing derbies planned in North Woods

Once the lakes are iced over, the NorthWoods turns quiet and it is a good time topursue game fish, especially walleyes.

The walleye is some of the best tablefare of all freshwater fish and the periodfrom mid-December to mid-January is oneof the best times to catch walleyes throughthe ice. Walleyes often feed voraciouslyduring this period, especially during low-light times.

Beware of early iceFirst ice is a time when anglers should

not be stupid or macho on the ice. Wear apersonal flotation device at all times. Someanglers during early ice have walked outto the fishing area and fished with noproblems, only to break through on theway back off the ice.

Beware of lakes with springs becausethe lake can have 6 inches of ice in onearea, but near a spring it may be only aninch thick.

For most anglers, the general rule ofthumb for ice thickness is: 3 inches towalk, 6 inches for all-terrain vehicles(ATVs) and snowmobiles, and 12 inches fortrucks and cars.

Equipment neededEarly ice is walking time; therefore, a

sled to pull any equipment on to the ice isessential. An auger, fishing gear and baitcan go in the sled.

If there is enough early ice, anglers canpull the sled behind a snowmobile or ATV.A sled cover can be used to keep snow, iceand water off the equipment that might bethrown from the snowmobile or ATV.

An ice spud is essential to test the icewhen venturing out on thin ice and a handdrill is needed to bore the holes. A powerauger will work but is not necessary dur-ing early ice.

Tip-ups and a jig rod should be part ofthe angler’s arsenal. There are manystyles of tip-ups on the market. Some an-glers use the wind tip-ups as they providemore action for the bait.

Rig the tip-ups with a minimum of 6- or8-pound test line. Tie the terminal tackledirectly to the line, but do not use snap

swivels or leaders for walleye. Terminaltackle can be a standard No. 6 hook, a tre-ble hook, small spoons or flashers.

The bait, a golden shiner minnow, suck-er minnow or fathead, should be attachedto the hook and located just a couple ofinches off the bottom. However, anglersmay have to raise the bait in heavy weeds.The depth can be marked on the line justbelow the tip-up with a small bobber orbutton.

On the jig rod, try using imitation jig-ging minnows or jigging spoons tippedwith a minnow. Medium or large fatheadsare a good first choice. Drill extra holesand move around with the jigging pole,searching for walleye. In Wisconsin, it’slegal to set three lines, so many anglers setup two tip-ups and jig with the third pole.

Locating early walleyesDuring the early-ice period, walleyes

are very predictable and are easy to locate.Simply find a shallow weed bed along theshoreline of the lake and place your setup.When ice fishing, your setup is stationaryand the fish move to you.

Other great fishing areas are pockets inthe weed edge that protrude toward shore.Walleyes have a tendency to move intothese pockets and hold in these areas. An-other area to try are the shallow pointssubmerged in the lake. Anglers should setup on either side on the break line.

Most walleye anglers will be set up anhour to one-half hour before daylight andfish until mid-morning. Once the sun getsabove the tree tops, walleyes will not feedmuch until near sunset. This means thatthe late afternoon and early evening hoursare very good times to have walleye action.

It it’s a heavy-overcast day, the walleyeswill feed later in the morning and earlierbefore sunset. When the sun has totallyset, the fish slow down for a couple ofhours. But don’t give up; usually about 8p.m. the walleyes become active again andwill respond on and off all night.

Be aware that Wisconsin has a varietyof bag and size requirements for walleyes,so check for notices at the boat landing ora regulation book for details.

Yukon Jack is a hunting and fishingguide in Eagle River and can be reached at(715) 479-3219 or yukonjackegv.com.

Early ice is best time for walleyes___________

BY YUKON JACK


When it comes to walleye fishing through the ice, mid-December to mid-January is thepeak time. Low-light times are the most productive. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO


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The 27th annual Women on Snow trailride will be Jan. 25-27 on Eagle River areatrails, with the Women on Snow Tour 2013to follow Jan. 28-30.

Plans are well under way for this pop-ular event. This women-only snowmobileadventure will begin with a weekend ofriding based out of Eagle River Inn & Re-sort.

This year, more than 100 women willcome together to explore the scenic snow-mobile trails through the North Woodsand visit many local pit stops and restau-rants Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Jan.25-27, 2013.

Friday will offer an afternoon trail rideof approximately 50 miles leaving about 3p.m., highlighted by a traditional Wiscon-

sin fish fry at a local establishment. Therewill be time for meeting old and newfriends, relaxing and socializing.

It will be up with the sun Saturday tohit the trail by 8 a.m. Riders will be divid-ed into groups of 18 to 20 and all will meetfor lunch. There also will be morning andafternoon pit stops at North Woods estab-lishments. About 100 miles will be loggedon the trails before shutting the sledsdown around 5 p.m.

The traditional Saturday night ban-quet will bring everyone together for anevening of food, socializing, surprises andentertainment. The theme for the 27th an-nual Women on Snow weekend is “SuperHeroes.” Costumes will be part of the fun.

There will be one last ride of approxi-

mately 50 miles for the participants Sun-day morning and brunch at a local restau-rant. All groups will return to Eagle RiverInn by 1 p.m. to load up and head home.

Group leaders on the trail in 2013 willinclude Bev Dittmar, Julie LaRiviere,Judy Pacanowski, Marie Simmer, SharonWeMett, Georgia Henricks and Sue Minor.

The Women on Snow Tour riders willmeet early Monday morning, Jan. 28,2013, at Eagle River Inn and then hit thetrail.

The first full-day’s ride will departMonday morning and will head to Phillipsfor an overnight stay. The group will stayovernight and leave for Boulder Junction,the second destination, Tuesday morning.The final ride will be back to Eagle River

Inn, arriving Wednesday afternoon. The tour presents the opportunity for

experienced riders to challenge their rid-ing skills and endurance by venturinginto new territories and riding up to 130miles per day. The tour is limited to 30riders.

The cost for the Women on Snow week-end is $250, while the cost is $285 for Tour’13. The cost for both rides is $535. Theprices include all lodging, meals, enter-tainment and gas for the snowmobile. Re-freshments, oil and incidentals along thetrail are not included.

For a brochure, contact Women onSnow, P.O. Box 2465, Eagle River, WI54521. For more information, visitwomenonsnow.org.

Women on Snow to hit North Woods trails

Connecting Vilas County with theUpper Peninsula of Michigan is Land O’Lakes, a popular destination for snowmo-bilers, cross-country skiers, ice fishermenand winter sightseers.

The community celebrates winter withthe Three Bear Winter Sled Dog Races setfor Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 9-10. Theevent will bring some of the top sled-dogteams from across the country to Land O’Lakes to compete for cash and prizes.

Land O’ Lakes also will have its WinterFestival flea market and craft show Satur-day, Feb. 9. The event will be held at the el-ementary school from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.There also will be crafts, a bake sale, foodand a snowman-making contest.

The festivities will continue Saturdaynight with the Mushers Ball.

Many winter recreationists travel toLand O’ Lakes for cross-country skiing, asthe popular Sylvania Trails are locatednearby in Watersmeet, Mich.

Land O’ Lakes also offers its own 7.5-mile cross-country ski trail, groomed andmaintained by the Land O’ Lakes Fish andGame Club. To get to the trail, take High-way B west to East Duck Lake Road, turnnorth and continue past North Moon LakeRoad to a parking area on the east side ofthe road.

The Land O’ Lakes area offers plenty ofsnowmobile trails, connecting Wisconsintrails with those in Michigan to the north,Boulder Junction to the west, Eagle Riverto the south and Phelps to the east. TheFrosty Snowmobile Club is in charge ofgrooming the trails and fundraisers.

An activity that should not be over-looked in Land O’ Lakes is ice fishing.Some of the more popular lakes in the areainclude Lac Vieux Desert, Portage, Forestand Black Oak.

Several ice fishing tournaments areplanned on Lac Vieux Desert during thewinter months, including the 27th annualGreat Northern Ice Fishing TournamentJan. 26, sponsored by the Phelps LionsClub, and the 17th annual Kids FishingJamboree on Lac Vieux Desert Feb. 24,from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information on Land O’ Lakesevents, call the chamber of commerce at(715) 547-3432.

Mushers coming to Land O’ Lakes

Land O’ Lakes will host the Three Bear Sled Dog Races Feb. 9-10,bringing world-class sled dog racing to Vilas County. Other festivi-

ties will include a flea market and craft show, bake sale and a Mush-ers Ball. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTO


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Many snowmobile groups or organiza-tions did not have a physical presenceuntil the World Snowmobile Headquartersopened its doors in Eagle River in 2006.

Now eight groups call the headquartershome and showcase their snowmobile-re-lated programs in the large facility next tothe AMSOIL World Championship Snow-mobile Derby Track on Highway 45 North.

“With the eight different groups and or-ganizations on display, the headquartersgives them all a physical presence theydid not have,” said Tom Anderson, presi-dent of the World Snowmobile Headquar-ters.

The most impressive display at theheadquarters is the prestigious Interna-tional Snowmobile Hall of Fame that rec-ognizes the recreational side of the sportwith 92 inductees’ plaques on display, eachfeaturing a photo of the snowmobile en-thusiast.

With the cooperation and sponsorshipof the Derby Track, the World Champi-onship Derby Hall of Fame honors the first23 winners of the Derby with their photoplaques on display. At this year’s Derby,the final class will be inducted. Plans arebeing made to make the gala celebrationpart of the 50th anniversary of the mostfamous race in snowmobiling.

Nearby, the Radloff Derby Gallery fea-tures a huge display of Derby photos start-ing from the first race in 1964. This im-pressive collection highlights the faces ofracers and crews as they compete for thetitle of “World Champion.”

Two exceptional snowmobile museums

at the headquarters feature the AntiqueSnowmobile Club of America and the Vin-tage Snowmobile Club with more than 80classic and vintage sleds on display.

“The historical machines are rotatedfrequently to keep the display new and in-teresting,” said Anderson.

Representing the Iron Dog Brigade’s130 members is a display of their history,their major events and current member-ship.

Founded in Eagle River back in 1986,the Women on Snow have their special dis-play area with information on past and up-coming rides.

The Thirsty Dogs has hundreds ofmembers, whose dues have contributedmore than $44,000 to charity since 1985.For $10 anyone can join this fun club thatonly has one rule: “There ain’t no rules.”People can join at the headquarters.

Reflecting the tremendous contribu-tions to the safe and enjoyable trail sys-tems sledders enjoy is the InternationalGroomer of the Year program sponsored byArctic Cat. This year’s winner was JerryEmery of Aitkin, Minn.

Keeping the trail systems funded andintact are the thousands of clubs in thesnowbelt. One special club is honored eachyear with the International SnowmobileClub of the Year recognition. This year’swinner was the Osgoode Carleton Clubfrom Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

The headquarters also features a largegift shop with hundreds of snowmobiler-oriented specialty items including books,magazines, DVDs, photos, cups, T-shirts,

jackets, clothing, jewelry and tapes.Each year, the World Snowmobile

Headquarters is visited by more than3,400 snowmobile fans who come to seethe history of the sport and trace the de-velopment of the machines that made itwinter’s No. 1 pastime.

“We have 7,500 square feet of displaysand there is something for everybody whostops in,” said Anderson. “A common re-

mark is, ‘That is the sled I learned on’ or‘That was my first snowmobile. Wish Iwould have kept it.’ ”

The World Snowmobile Headquartersoffers free admission. Hours are Mondaysthrough Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.from mid-December through mid-Marchand from mid-May through mid-October.

For more information, call (715) 479-2186 or go to worldsnowmobilehq.com.

Eight groups call World Snomo Headquarters home

The World Snowmobile Headquarters in Eagle River features vintage trail and race sleds.It also is home to the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame. —Contributed Photo



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Nov. 21, 2012