Sled Safe education and enforcement weekends were held Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and Feb. 6-8, during which 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.”

During the 2026 Sled Safe weekends, 34 different counties and 3,658 miles of trails were patrolled. More than 100 citations were issued along with over 300 warnings. Three OWI and three drug-related arrests were also made.
According to data from the Wisconsin DNR, there have been 12 snowmobile fatalities so far this winter season. As trails continue to remain in good condition in the northern part of the state, Holsclaw continues to remind snowmobile operators to ride safely and smartly.

“Impairment of any kind – drugs or alcohol – can have tragic consequences. Always operate within the limits of your skills, visibility and snowmobile,” he said. “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.”

Holsclaw also says to avoid ice-covered waters, stay on marked trails, slow down, and ride with others.

Late-season ice

As winter begins winding down and thinning ice becomes a factor, Holsclaw reminds riders that snowmobiles, UTVs and vehicles can weigh thousands of pounds, increasing the risk of falling through the ice.

“Ice conditions are unpredictable and can change quickly on Wisconsin’s rivers and lakes. The ice covers hide the currents, debris and underground springs still feeding lakes and rivers, thinning the ice in spots,” he said. “No matter if you’re on foot, on a snowmobile or in a UTV, it’s important to remember that ice is never 100% safe.”

He urges contacting local fishing clubs, outfitters and bait shops as the best sources for current ice thickness and conditions. If heading out on ice, wear warm clothes, take or wear a flotation device, and tell others where you are going, Holsclaw said. He also recommends bringing spare dry clothes, keeping your cell phone in a waterproof container or bag, and using a spud bar to check thickness.