Snowmobiles hitting the trails early

GRAND CHUTE - Snowmobilers and dealers are taking advantage of the early season snow. They say these are the best early-season conditions in years.

Snowmobiles were a sight not seen much last year.

"There was not enough snow to open the trails so, you get a good lull like that and it brings the enthusiasm back," said Gary Timm, president of the Outagamie County Snowmobile Alliance.

Now snowmobilers are making up for lost time.

"Everybody is pretty enthusiastic about snowmobiling this year," said George Ronk of Black Creek. "There wasn't really much snowmobiling done last year."

That led to slumping sales and disappointed riders.

"Sleds were steadily slow, I guess you could say, and it's certainly nothing like that right now," said Jon Matz of Ecklund Motorsports in Grand Chute.

But this year, trails have been open in many areas since before Christmas. And with plenty of fresh snow and trails in such good conditions, snowmobile dealers say they're seeing a big boost in sales.

"Everything is all impulse, just bang, set it up, I need, this, this and this, if you have to special order it, whatever, just get me on the road," said Matz.

And riders taking advantage of the fresh snow are also helping other businesses.

"The gas stations really are supportive of it and other places that people visit with snowmobiles really appreciate it," said Timm.

• Timeline: 2012-13 winter storms

Ronk and his friend are looking at buying a new snowmobile at Ecklund Motorsports in Grand Chute where they're currently selling eight to ten a day. Ronk says he's already been out once and plans to make up for the time missed last year.

"You've got to look at it as a long term investment. You hope that over a number of years you'll be able to utilize it."

And prospects for that happening in the new year are already looking pretty good.