Snowbound in the Underdown continues to highlight area trails

Snowbound in the Underdown continues to highlight area trails

MERRILL, WI – The Snowbound in the Underdown offers fat tire bikers and snowshoers a winter adventure on some of the area’s premiere trails.  The event utilizes both City of Merrill and Lincoln County properties, featuring the Prairie Dells Recreation Area and Underdown Recreation Area, respectively. “The City of Merrill Parks & Recreation Department is once again excited to host IRONBULL events in our community!” said Dan Wendorf, Parks & Recreation Director for the City of Merrill.  “IRONBULL is a world class organization and does a tremendous job showcasing silent sports in our area.”

The Snowbound in the Underdown added snowshoeing in 2023, bringing together different users groups.  Photo credit: Jessica Schaefer

Race director, Chris Schotz, also spearheads year-round maintenance of the trails building many of the trails over the years, keeping events in mind.  Passing other racers can be difficult on winter singletrack trails, but Schotz packs down snow for passing lanes when he grooms throughout the winter to make sure conditions are top-notch on race day.   “I groom those trails for the magical days when it all comes together for the awestruck riders down at the Dells canyon,” said Schotz.  “On the right day, riding in winter can beat any summer day.” The event draws many newcomers to the trails, with many eager to return.

 

The grassroots event immerses racers into the winter wonderland of the Prairie Dells and Underdown Recreation Areas. Photo credit: Jessica Schaefer

Bringing multiple user groups on the same trails can sometimes be a challenge, but Schotz orchestrates courses and race times to bring together bikers and snowshoers for this event as well as the Underdown Trail Races, held each August.  Based on last year’s Snowbound in the Underdown anonymous post-event survey, all respondents felt the user groups coexisted well.  Additionally, the event has been drawing more women over recent years.  In 2022, the percentage of women racers have grown each year from 14% to 38%.  Historically, both events appeal to racers outside the immediate area, with 62% of last year’s participants traveling beyond 90 miles to the Snowbound in the Underdown and even more for the summer event. The range in ages was also vast, spanning seven decades. Last year, all free snowshoe rentals were snatched up, allowing the trails to be more accessible to all. “We look forward to welcoming IRONBULL and all of their participants to Merrill for these events this year and into the future,” said Wendorf.

John Kunert is one of those traveling to the event this year, travelling nearly three hours to the event.  Although he’s a first-time racer at Snowbound in the Underdown, he’s familiar with the notorious hills awaiting him, since these are among his favorite mountain bike trails.  After completing a different IRONBULL event this fall, he signed up immediately for this IRONBULL event. “The event was incredibly well-organized, and the rider support was outstanding,” said Kunert.  “I truly appreciate the welcoming, fun atmosphere IRONBULL brings to its events,” said Kunert.

The number of women at the Snowbound in the Underdown has been steadily increasing over recent years.  Photo credit: Jessica Schaefer

This year’s January rain followed by subzero temperatures has resulted in a firm trail base and immaculate trail conditions going into the 2026 event. Despite any possible challenge Mother Nature deals out, racers know that Schotz will rise to the occasion. Schotz has groomed through the night in countless years, and even held the event without snow in 2024.  “We’re blessed to have the Schotz family,” said Andrea Larson, whose daughters both participated as first-time snowshoers last year. “The dedication they pour into these trails is unmatched.”

Banner photo credit: Karry Johnson