The President of South East Sno-Riders welcomes the cold weather.

The normal overnight low for this time of year is -18 degrees. Yet, this week, daytime highs have barely crept warmer than -20 degrees. Mitch Gobeil says that is a good thing.

"It is welcomed by us," says Gobeil. "We got to get the cold to freeze up the bogs and any other river crossings we have to do."

South East Sno-Riders operates approximately 530 kilometres worth of trails. Gobeil says since late summer, crews have been out brushing the trails, clearing deadfall and putting up signs. As of Wednesday, about 350 kilometres worth of trails has been taken care of. Gobeil says the remaining 180 kilometres contains a lot of bogs, and crews will need to wait for colder weather first.

He notes the Thanksgiving storm that pummelled parts of southeastern Manitoba, impacted their trail system. Gobeil anticipates the remaining trails needing to be cleared will probably require some extra work because it is in that remote area where there seems to be more wind damage.

Meanwhile, the President says they typically open the trails at the beginning of January. In order for that to happen, they will need a foot of snow on the ground to even consider grooming. And, Gobeil says in some places there is still only minimal snowfall.

Gobeil says they are right on schedule, noting crews usually do not get their first grooming in before the end of December or early January.