SNOWMOBILE TRAIL CONDITIONS

Please stay on the trails as we are losing easement's as sledders are not staying on the trails (new trail into Wakefield) and riding anywhere they want, if this keeps up there will be no trails to ride on.

Western UP & Hurley area Trail Report:

WESTERN U.P. TRAIL REPORT - 01/18/20103000000000000000/11/10 Up

03/17/10 update: Snowmobile season is over for this season hope everyone had a great season and hope to see you next season. Everyone have a great summer and maybe we will see you on your motorcycle. Sam

03/11/10 Update: Snow is going fast with the warm temps and light rain on and off. Snowmobile trails are mostly gone except for in the wooded areas and Porkies area but you will have to trailer to get to them. Groomers are not out till we get colder temps and snow if even then as we have lost lots of snow. Sam

02/23/10 Update: Season snowfall total remains at 151.6" with 19 on the ground...you can expect less in some places-more in others. Be aware streets/roads and hiways are bare-hoping that's temporary-will update tomorrow if our Lake Superior Snow Machine kicks as they are forecasting.
Gogebic Range Trail Authority: Groomers are out and all trails are being groomed including 2-8-160-11N and 11S. Conditions are a mixed bag..fair to good to very good...more info on GRTA at: gogebicrangetrailauthority.com)
From Gogebic Area Grooming, covering the Lake Gogebic Area-Groomers are all out double grooming all trails.. trails in good shape -again some very good-some fair. Logging is still ongoing- so watch for signs and especially logging trucks-pull way over immediately when you see them.
And from the U.P. Thunder Riders of Watersmeet: Haven't been able to get an update-do know the groomers out daily- Last report had trail conditions are good to very good.

TOO MANY SERIOUS ACCIDENTS are in the news this year. Many are alcohol and speed related. We want you to have a great time on our trails here in Big Snow Country, so please use your good common sense and save your drinking for after the ride.
ICE: Let us reiterate, there is no such thing as "safe" ice.
If you choose to ride on a body of water, be sure you check with locals in the specific area you intend to ride and get current information on conditions in that area. When you ride on ice, you are doing so at your own risk.

Hurley Area Trail update as of February 22, 2010

We have 151.3 inches of snow to date. Our current snow depth is 18.7 inches. Snow showers are in the forecast throughout next week. Trails are reported to be in Good to Very Good condition for riding. Please slow down and pull over when you see the groomer's, thank you. Ride Safe.

WESTERN U.P. TRAIL REPORT - 02/11/2010

Season snowfall to date: 137.8" with 18" on the ground. Groomers in all areas are out working on the trails.
Gogebic Range Trail Authority: Groomers are out both day and night and all trails are being groomed including 2-8-160-11N and 11S. Overall conditions Good-some very good, some fair. Keep in mind with increased use, corners may be icy -and as always, use extra caution when crossing streets, roads and driveways.(more info on GRTA at: gogebicrangetrailauthority.com)
>From Gogebic Area Grooming, covering the Lake Gogebic Area-Groomers are all out double grooming all trails.. trails range from good to very good.
And from the U.P. Thunder Riders of Watersmeet: groomers are out and reporting trails are solid and conditions are fair to good.

TOO MANY SERIOUS ACCIDENTS are in the news this year. Many are alcohol and speed related. We want you to have a great time on our trails here in Big Snow Country, so please use your good common sense and save your drinking for after the ride.

ICE: Let us reiterate, there is no such thing as "safe" ice.
If you choose to ride on a body of water, be sure you check with locals in the specific area you intend to ride and get current information on conditions in that area. When you ride on ice, you are doing so at your own risk.

Hurley area Trail update as of February 10, 2010

We have 138 inches of snow to date. Trails are reported to be in Good to Very Good to Excellent condition for riding depending on your location at this time. Temperatures are in the single digits and below keeping everything solid at night. We have one problem trail north of pine lake on trail #15. This trail has some water on it from logging activity there are signs posted use caution. Please slow down and pull over when you see the groomers. Thank You. Ride Safe.

WESTERN U.P. TRAIL REPORT - 01/29/2010

Our Big Snow Country official Season Snowfall to date is now 128" with 18" on the ground - Cold temps have been good for firming things back up.
Gogebic Range Trail Authority: Groomers are out both day and night. All trails being groomed including 2-8-160-11N and 11S. Overall conditions Good-some very good, some fair.
>From the Lake Gogebic Area-Groomers are all out double grooming all trails.. and reporting trails range from fair to good to very good.
Watersmeet groomers are back out and reporting trail conditions are fair to good.
And here's some good news for our Trail 2 East riders-the Marenisco Mini Mart is open and gas is again available there.
IN ALL AREAS:
Keep in mind the groomers are out both day and night, so watch for them, and PLEASE pull over or at least slow down and wait for the operator to signal you by whenever you see them.
The time you spend riding in Big Snow Country is all about lots of fun and a great time...therefore, your safety is our #1 priority.



SIGN VANDALISM RESULTING IN SERIOUS SITUATION
Expect to see more patrols on the trails due to a recent rash of sign vandalism incidents...we're hearing cameras also may be enlisted in order to apprehend those responsible. If you see any suspicious activity, please call the DNR at 800-292-7800.

Trail update as of January 28th, 2010

We have 127.9 inches of snow to date. We received another 2.5 inches of snow overnoght. That's a fresh foot of newly fallen snow this week!! The groomers are out in full force running two shifts. They have reported the trails to be in Very Good condtion. More Lake Effect Snow is in the forecast for tonightwhich will make this weekend a great time in the Hurley Area!

Had a chance to go for a short ride on trail 2 in Ironwood then some back trails. Trail 2 was a little rough but with some grooming it will not be to bad and the good news is the groomers are coming back out later today. The forecast is calling for cold temps starting tonight along with snow up to 10 inches by Wednesday. If we get the snow the trails should be in fairly good shape along with the cold temps to freeze up any wet areas after the warm up. Have no clue if this will be enough to help all the trails in the area only time will tell and how much snow we get. Will keep you posted as to how it turns out. Sam

Hurley Area Trail update as of January 25th, 2010

We have 116 inches of snow to date. Snow showers are forecasted with accumulation of 3-5 inches today and up to 10 more inches through Thursday! The groomers are back out now that the weather has adjusted. They are running 2 shifts to improve the trail system. By today's end, with the tepmeratures progressive decline trails will be in Good to Very Good Condition with more snow on its way!!

Big Snow Country official Season Snowfall to date: 113.7".
We are in need of more snow...know it will come...but the sooner the better...mild temps and traffic took a toll on the trails but all groomers are out in all areas working to get them back in good condition. Overall they held up in pretty good shape.
Gogebic Range Trail Authority: Expect to find an occasional bare spot...groomer working to fix them. 11 N being groomed...on 11S you still want to watch for Logging Trucks around that quarter-mile narrow stretch -remember, the Trucks have the Right of Way. Signs are posted in that area...the Trail is being groomed. Trails 2-8 and 160 are all in the process of being groomed.
>From the Lake Gogebic Area-everything is being groomed and in pretty good shape tho trails will deteriorate as you get closer to the WI line.. IMPORTANT: There are Logging Trucks in the vicinity of the junction of 102 AND 8-W. You MAY NOT ride plowed roads-you MUST observe the snowmobile trail signs. (Have heard they may be issuing tickets.) Stay on the trails and if you see a logging truck, pull over immediately.
Watersmeet groomers report all trails groomed and conditions are fair to good
IN ALL AREAS:
After a number of close calls, you need to be aware groomers can be out any time of the day or night, so PLEASE pull over or at least slow down and wait for the operator to signal you by whenever you see them.
We want you to have lots of fun and a great time...therefore, your safety is our #1 priority.

Trail update as of January 18th, 2010

We have 110.5 inches of snow to date. That’s more than most areas get all year! We had a little warm up over the weekend. Temperatures are back to seasonal for the rest of the week. Flurries are forecasted for today and the groomers are back out on the trails. Trails are reported to be in Good to Very Good Condition! SMALL portions on trail #77 and #11A are in Fair to Poor condition. The Poor condition is approximately 15 miles of trails.
Off trail snowmobile riding also known as boondocking is now here in Iron County. Boondocking maps are now available, stop by the chamber office to pick up your copy today. Know the areas open for this outdoor recreation before you go. Snow is plentiful and is waiting to be discovered in the Hurley Area.

WESTERN U.P. TRAIL REPORT - 01/13/2010

Our Big Snow Country official Season Snowfall to date is now 113.7".
We're talking "Winter Wonderland"...
Overall, you're going to find some mighty good riding just about anywhere here in the far western end of the U.P.
All groomers are out. For the most part we're sticking with good to very good conditions.
There are just a few exceptions where the riding will be fair.
Gogebic Range Trail Authority: Grooming is ongoing.
11 N is now groomed-Still expect to run into some wetness on the west side going north, but it's marked with signs.
NOTE: Watch for Logging Trucks ON 11S-there is a quarter-mile narrow stretch and the Trucks have the Right of Way.
Signs are posted in that area...the Trail is freshly groomed. Trails 2-8 and 160 are all snow covered and groomed.
>From the Lake Gogebic Area-everything is freshly groomed and in good shape. IMPORTANT:
There are Logging Trucks in the vicinity of the junction of 102 AND 8-W.
You MAY NOT ride plowed roads-you MUST observe the snowmobile trail signs. (Have heard they may be issuing tickets.)
Stay on the trails and if you see a logging truck, pull over immediately.
Watersmeet groomers reporting all trails being groomed daily and conditions are good to very good.
IN ALL AREAS:
After a number of close calls, you need to be aware groomers can be out any time of the day or night,
so PLEASE pull over or at least slow down and wait for the operator to signal you by whenever you see them.
We want you to have lots of fun and a great time...therefore, your safety is our #1 priority.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

MAP ERROR
There are errors regarding the location of Paulding, MI, which is a new advertiser on this year's Trail Map.
The red dot (#85)was mistakenly placed 1/2" south of where it should be and there also should be a GAS icon
at Paulding. Snowmobile access to Paulding is via plowed County Rd-shoulders only.

ABOUT THE ICE:
It's time for our usual caution. There is no such thing as "safe ice" due to underwater currents.
If you choose to go out, be sure you talk to locals where you intend to ride for specific information
about the ice depth and other factors...be aware you will be riding at your own risk.

Hurley area snowmobile trail report
We have 110.5 inches of snow to date. That’s more than most areas get all year! Fresh snow and temps in the 20’s is what you’ll find in Iron County along with some of the best snowmobile riding in the state. The White Thunder Riders are out in full force keeping the trails in great shape. Trails are reported to be in Very Good to Excellent condition. Groomers will be out any time of the day or night, especially on the weekends so PLEASE pull over when you see them.

WESTERN U.P. TRAIL REPORT - 01/02/2010

Our Lake Superior Snowmaker kicked in with a bunch of localized snow.. Because of the size of our county, amounts vary from from 4-6" to 15 to 20". That's a "guesstimate"-we'll get official snowfall Monday.
All the groomers in all areas are out.
Gogebic Range Trail Authority: 11 N was groomed yesterday for the first time-haven't talked to the groomer yet, but know it has been groomed. 11S is open & groomed - still a little brushy is some areas but being worked on. Trails 2-8 and 160 are all freshly snow covered and being groomed today.
>From the Lake Gogebic Area-the groomers are out on all trails... everything is freshly groomed and in good shape. IMPORTANT: There are Logging Trucks in the vicinity of the junction of 102 AND 8-W. You MAY NOT ride plowed roads-you MUST observe the snowmobile trail signs. (Have heard they may be issuing tickets.) Stay on the trails and if you see a logging truck, pull over immediately.
Watersmeet groomers reporting all trails being groomed daily and Good conditions.

It's time for our usual caution about ice: There is no such thing as "safe ice" due to underwater currents. If you plan to go out, be sure you talk to locals where you intend to ride for information about the ice depth and other factors...be aware you will be riding at your own risk.
And one more safety note... groomers can and will be out any time of the day or night, especially this week...so PLEASE pull over when you see them.
We want you to have a great time...and most importantly, to stay safe.

HurleyTrail update as of January 2nd, 2010
We have 84 inches of snow to date. Temperatures are very typical for this time of year. We are expecting more snow off and on throughout this upcoming week. Traffic has gotten heavy on the trails. Groomers are running 2-3 shifts to keep up. Conditions are GOOD to VERY GOOD with EXCELLENT snow conditions!

WESTERN U.P. TRAIL REPORT - 12/30/2009

Happy New Year. Snow in the forecast and typical temps thru the weekend should keep things in good shape. Sticking with overall conditions as Fair to Good - this depends where you're riding...you will find some trails better than good, some worse.
In case you missed it, we'll repeat our "INFO UPDATE" regarding Gas in Marenisco: While the Marenisco Gas Station on Trail 2 is closed, there is Gas available at Bam Bam's Bar & Grill.
All the groomers are out working to keep the trails in as good shape as possible-
Gogebic Range Trail Authority: 11S is now open - you'll find it a little brushy is some areas but they're continuing to work on it. Trails 2-8 and 160 are all snow covered and freshly groomed...11N is still not groomed-the swampy area hasn't frozen up so they are now packing snow in that area to get it groomable which they will do ASAP.
>From the Lake Gogebic Area-the groomers are out on all trails...so everything is freshly groomed. Heads Up: You may encounter Logging Trucks at the junction of 102 AND 8 W-pull over if you do.

>From Watersmeet groomers reporting all trails are being groomed daily and Good conditions.

It's time for our usual caution about ice: There is no such thing as "safe ice" due to underwater currents. If you plan to go out, be sure you talk to locals where you intend to ride for information about the ice depth and other factors...be aware you will be riding at your own risk.
And one more safety note... groomers can and will be out any time of the day or night, especially this week...so PLEASE pull over when you see them.
We want you to have a great time...and to stay safe.

Hurley Area Trail update as of December 30, 2009
We have 64 inches of snow to date. Temperatures are very typical for this time of year and we are expecting snow off and on throughout the weekend to keep things nice and white. The groomers are out in full force running two shifts. Trails are in VERY GOOD to Excellent Condition depending on your location. Groomers will be out any time of the day or night, especially this weekend so PLEASE pull over when you see them.

WESTERN U.P. TRAIL REPORT - 12/28/2009

Happy New Year. Getting some off and on snow...enough to keep everything nice and white. Still reporting overall conditions as Fair to Good - some better, some worse.
Here's an "INFO UPDATE" regarding Gas in Marenisco: While the Marenisco Gas Station on Trail 2 is closed, there is Gas available at Bam Bam's Bar & Grill.
Conditions really haven't changed as all the groomers are out working to keep the trails in as good shape as possible-
Gogebic Range Trail Authority: 11S is now open for riding...it's a little brushy is some areas and they're continuing to work on it. Trails 2-8 and 160 are all snow covered and freshly groomed...11N is still not groomed-the swampy area hasn't frozen up so they are now packing snow in that area to get it groomable which they will do ASAP.
>From the Lake Gogebic Area-the groomers are out on all trails...so everything is freshly groomed. Heads Up: You may encounter Logging Trucks at the junction of 102 AND 8 W-pull over if you do.

>From Watersmeet groomers reporting all trails are being groomed daily and Good conditions.

Remember, groomers can be out any time of the day or night so PLEASE pull over when you see them.

Hurley Trail update as of December 28, 2009
We have 61 inches of snow to date. We are getting fresh snow on and off keeping everything white. PLEASE use caution while traveling. Trail groomers are out in full force. Trails are Good to Very Good depending on your location. Trails are smooth, well groomed and open for riding. Come request a boondocking map.

MICHIGAN TRAIL CONDITION REPORT 12/25/09

Merry Christmas! Getting some on and off snow, but nothing unusual. It's a bit milder than normal, but not enough to hurt the trails... Still reporting overall conditions as Fair to Good - some better, some worse.
Thanks to some of our e-mail trail conditions report recipients, we have another "INFO UPDATE" about the Gas in Marenisco situation. While the Marenisco Gas Station on Trail 2 is closed, there is Gas available at Bam Bam's Bar & Grill.
Conditions really haven't changed...
Gogebic Range Trail Authority: Trails 2-8 and 160 are all freshly groomed...11N is not groomed-the swampy area remains the villian...they will groom it as soon as possible. Here's good news: Trail 11S should be ready for riding Saturday...the re-route is completed and they are out signing now...
From the Lake Gogebic Area-the groomers are out on all trails...so everything is freshly groomed. Heads Up: You may encounter Logging Trucks at the junction of 102 AND 8 W-pull over if you do.

From Watersmeet groomers reporting all trails are being groomed daily and Good conditions.

Hurley Trail update as of December 26, 2009

Temperatures are now dropping, and snow is in the forcast. PLEASE use caution while traveling.
We have a total snowfall to date of 60 inches. Trail groomers are back out and running today now that it is colder. They are reporting they have gained more than lost with the change in the weather. Trails are FAIR to GOOD depending on your location of travel. Come request a boondocking map.

daveysmotel@hotmail.com