The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports 10 snowmobile fatalities so far this year and urges all snowmobile operators to ride safely and ride smart.

Sled Safe education/enforcement weekends were held Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and Feb. 6-8, 2026. During those weekends, DNR conservation wardens patrolled snowmobile trails, providing safety tips to riders and watching for operators who may be impaired or causing safety problems for themselves and others.

“For the last several years, we have held Sled Safe, an all-hands-on-deck patrol effort with a goal of reducing crashes and fatalities. Safety is the number one goal for wardens and other officers out patrolling our trails,” said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR off-highway vehicle administrator. “Alcohol and speed are the top factors in severe crashes.”

Here are some results from the 2026 Sled Safe weekends:

34 different counties patrolled
3,658 miles of trails patrolled
161 frozen waterbodies
Over 1,300 contacts
Over 100 citations issued
Over 300 warnings given
3 OWI and 3 drug-related arrests
21 snowmobiler assists

This snowmobile season, there have been excellent trail and snow conditions in the northern parts of the state, but riders are encouraged to continue operating safely.

Here are a few snowmobile safety tips:

Impairment of any kind – drugs or alcohol – can have tragic consequences.
Always operate within the limits of your skills, visibility and snowmobile.
Stop and look both ways before crossing a road. All snowmobile operators are required to obey stop sign postings. Be sure the path is clear of all oncoming traffic.
Avoid ice-covered waters.
Stay on marked trails.
Slow down.
Ride with others.

In addition to these safety tips, the DNR reminds riders to check trail conditions before heading out by viewing Travel Wisconsin’s Snow Report.

Visit the DNR’s Snowmobiling webpage for additional information on snowmobile safety classes, regulations, safety tips and how to register your snowmobile.

Photo Credit: WI DNR

Published on: Feb 20, 2025 at 4:31 pm