A spokesperson for South East Sno-Riders says by now most of their snowmobile trails are normally open for the season. But as we approach the middle of January, that is certainly not the case this year.

A lack of snow has meant a large portion of their trail system remains closed. According to Snoman, the stretch from Woodridge to South Junction, over to Moose Lake and then Buffalo Point is open, but nearly all other snowmobile trails in the southeast sit quiet. Yet, President Mitch Gobeil says that should change by the end of this week. He notes they have groomed all the way up to Richer and so by the end of this week they will probably have more than 300 kilometres open of their 550 kilometre long trail system.

"All things considered, (the trails) are in decent condition," says Gobeil. "I saw some (sledders) on the weekend while working, signing on the trails, they were just ecstatic that they could come out here and ride."

Gobeil points out there are some trouble spots. As a result of last fall's wet weather, Gobeil says there are some sections of their trails that they can not reach today with their groomer. Not only that, but Gobeil says they can not groom any closer to Steinbach than Marchand, because of a lack of snow. He suggests they probably need a foot of snow yet around Steinbach before they can even think of grooming.

Gobeil says they welcome the snow in this week's forecast.

"It can only make things better," he suggests.

Again, Gobeil says not having all trails open by mid-January is not common. However, he points out that as recently as last year they were still waiting for snow in early January.

"Fortunately we got it," he recalls. "We're hoping for more of the same."

South East Sno-Riders gets paid per kilometre that it grooms. Gobeil notes the goal is to groom once per week. He says that takes them about four days, done with one groomer by volunteers.

"We're working hard to keep everything up and going," says Gobeil. "Keeping our warmup shelters stocked up with firewood and all that usual stuff."