The most recent numbers from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism show that Snowmobilers contribute about $250-million to our state's economy each year. Much of that economic boost comes to Northern Wisconsin. And one look at a sign along one of Wisconsin’s Snowmobile trails will show you, they're a 'connect the dots' of various taverns, bringing business bar owners depend on. "Yes, it is, it's definitely a part of our livelihood”, said Dan Breckheimer, who owns Billy Timber’s in Summit Lake. “Without it, I don't know what I’d be doing right now."

Taverns like Billy Timber's have long been an important part of snowmobiling culture in Northern Wisconsin. While law enforcement and bar owners say there has been a shift towards safety, they say there is still a lot of work left to be done.

Wisconsin DNR statistics show the state's number of snowmobile fatalities has shown slight improvements in recent years, credited to stepped up patrols, and more awareness.
But the number of alcohol-related fatalities remains high. According to the D.N.R., out of 77 snowmobile-related deaths in just over two years, 45 have alcohol listed as a factor. The trend seems to be on the rise from a year ago. We've already seen 15 fatalities this season, 10 of which list alcohol as a possible factor. On this date last year, there had been 6 fatalities.

But bars and snowmobile clubs say it's up to those on the trails to be responsible riders, and they say many are stepping up. "People are getting safer with speed, and I don't think they're drinking as much as they used to be”, said Mike Ramuta, trail boss for the Snow Devils snowmobile club. “I know we go riding during the day, during the week, we drink soda. I might have a drink when I put my sled away."

But no matter what they're selling, bars aim for more sales, not fewer. And so Breckheimer says the way to keep drivers from driving intoxicated isn’t to serve less alcohol, but more food. "Thing is, we serve food here and we try to serve snacks to keep the alcohol a little more absorbed I guess”, he said. “Basically putting snacks on the bar helps."

Tavern owners say this year has been a great one for their business, with snow getting more riders out on the trails. But with the number of alcohol-related fatalities on the rise this year, they say alcohol consumption is not to blame. They say there have simply been more riders, and many have a false sense of security on the ice.

Tune in to NewsChannel 7, and check our WebChannel all week for continuing reports on Snowmobiling and Alcohol in Northcentral Wisconsin.