More than 120 snowmobile riders, who have raised at least $650 each, will take to the trails in and around Vilas County for the MS Snowmobile Tour, This year’s ride, the event’s 31st, will take place Jan. 23 to 25 and be based out of Lake of the Torches Resort Casino in Lac du Flambeau.

The annual event brings together snowmobile enthusiasts from throughout the Midwest for an all-inclusive weekend. Proceeds benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter.

Snowmobile Blessing
Riding will begin Friday morning following a “blessing of the sleds” by the Rev. Charles Brooks (an avid snowmobiler and long-time event participant himself) at 8 a.m. at Lake of the Torches Resort Casino. Anyone with a snowmobile is welcome to attend the blessing even if they are not participating in the Tour.

UTV Raffle
A raffle is being held in conjunction with this year’s tour for a 2014 Polaris Ranger 500 EFI utility task vehicle with camouflage wrap and trailer. Other prizes include cash awards of $500 and $250 and rider registration for the 2015 MS Snowmobile Tour. The drawing will be held at the MS Snowmobile Tour’s evening program Jan. 25, but winners don’t need to be present to win. Proceeds from the raffle will support multiple sclerosis-related research, programs and services. Tickets are $10 each and will be available on-site until the drawing or by contacting mssnowtourraffle@gmail.com.

More than 10,000 children, women and men in Wisconsin are known to have been diagnosed with MS, which is believed to be one of the higher prevalence rates in the nation. In total, MS Snowmobile Tour participants have raised more than $6.7 million during the past 30 years and may reach the $7 million mark with money raised for the 2014 event.

The 2014 MS Snowmobile Tour is sponsored by Rockford Silk Screen Process, Columbia St. Mary’s, Lake of the Torches Resort Casino, Triton Trailers, Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs and Questcor.