La Crosse needs more snow before trails can open

LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) - Even though La Crosse County got eight inches or more of snow in the recent storm, most snowmobile trails are still closed.
    
A WKBT-TV report says the area needs more snow and colder temperatures before trails can open.
    
The problem is soft ground and bare spots along the 185 miles of trails.
    
That's frustrating for would-be riders, but also for local businesses.
    
Steve Falkenberg is the president of the La Crosse County Snowmobile Alliance. He says he's "bummed" by the closed trails. He says the recent forecast got people's hopes up, but the area didn't get as much snow as hoped.
    
Don LaBarre owns the local Log Cabin Bar and Tavern. He says this time of year used to be great for business, and he hopes things change soon.