Sault Police have been called in to investigate after some Christmas Eve joyriders tore up a ski trail at Hiawatha Highlands before getting stuck in the snow.
It appears the stranded drivers then brought in a front-end loader to tow them out — but it got stuck, too.
“This is an ongoing investigation which we are working with the Sault Ste. Marie Police and all individuals involved,” reads a Christmas Day Facebook post from Hiawatha Highlands.
All three vehicles were removed from the Pinder Trail by Wednesday evening, but in a subsequent post, Hiawatha Highlands said “there is significant damage to the skate lane and it will take time to address, fill in, and groom the damaged trail.”
“The trail section as you take the final turn to come toward the parking lot is salty, sandy, and has deep ruts,” the post continues. “Please enjoy yourselves but try to steer clear of the ruts and dirty sections so we don’t spread the damage that has been done.”
News of the damage spread quickly among users of the trail, with many expressing anger on social media.
“We deeply appreciate all your thoughtful messages and concern,” says the follow-up post from Hiawatha. “We understand the frustrations of the many who do purchase trail passes as we try to maintain excellence in our trails and there are (and will always be) individuals who take advantage of that. Thank you for your patience and support.”