Post your comments and reports about snowmobiling in the Western U.P.

I'm a newbee to the Michigan trails and plan on riding for a week in January in Baraga. Would someone be able to tell me when the trails are normally groomed?

Thanks!

December 1st opener??? are they going to be groomed??

any snow so we can support the sport and ur state,,,,,, freakin cops and their noise pollution make me laugh ... those kids and their decibal machines ha.. anyway got a group of like thirty wanna play more money than god but still cant buy snow ironic i know see ya hillbillies when ya can ride maybe i put ya in the movies...later

WESTERN UP TRAIL REPORT - DECEMBER 1

Snow and scattered snow showers in the forecast everyday this week. Season snowfall to date as measured by the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ironwood is 25"-more is some places, less in others.

CURRENT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
Snowmobile season is officially underway. Area grooming clubs are out prepping the trails by rolling and panning-need a good dumping of around 16-18" to actually groom.

Take a look at web cams throughout the area to check out the snow for yourself. Find links on our website at www.westernup.info

SPECIAL NOTICES AND EVENTS:
Sledfest December 6 & 7, 2008-Midwest Regional Sno Cross

December 12-13-14, 2008 ISOC National Sno Cross and Slednecks show.
Both Snocross events will be held at Mt. Zion on the campus Gogebic Community College in Ironwood where snowmaking will assure a great course.

Chance to win a new snowmobile, venders, food, drink, fun, thrills and more.

Visit Western U.P. Trails >>>>

Lots of snow. Gas prices down. Groomers out. Trails are not marked as clearly as could be in that area as they are in neighboring Wis. For example not numbered when branching off main East/West trail and confusing is places like in downtown Bessemer as it is hard to know where to go.

While you are in the western U.P., don't forget to check out Evolution Sled Park in Bessemer, 10 miles east of Ironwood. There is something for everyone! We open on December 6, 2008. Check out our website at www.evolutionsledpark.com or you can email dylanharju@evolutionsledpark.com or call Dylan at (906) 364-1268.

WESTERN UP TRAIL REPORT - DECEMBER 8

We have the forecast continuing to call for a 50 to 70% chance of snow or snow showers daily through Sunday. We've had up to 60 inches so far-more in some places, less in others. We do have single digit overnight lows forecast for the next couple of nights, so that should help freeze up wet/swampy areas.

Where conditions permit area grooming clubs are out. Overall, we're hearing trails are Rideable-poor to fair.

Gogebic Range Trail Authority is now grooming trails 2 and 8 daily. They're fairly good but expect wet spots.

Trails 11N and 11S are closed due to the swampy areas that have not yet frozen over... maintenance work being done on 11N. Signs will be posted. The new trail 160 will be closed until December 15th.

Gogebic Area Groomers: Groomers have been over out the entire system, they now need wet areas to freeze up.

Watersmeet groomers need more snow to get out on trails.

We received a report from the North Country Snowmobile Club which grooms Ontonagon, Silver City and White Pine, indicating they need more snow-a base of 12" before they start grooming and no grooming has been done yet.

PLEASE NOTE THIS: THERE IS NO LONGER A GAS STATION IN SILVER CITY. AT THE TIME OUR MAP WAS PRINTED, OUR INFORMATION HAD A GAS ICON THERE. THAT STORE/STATION IS NO LONGER OPEN. PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
SHOULD YOU RUN IN TO AN EMERGENCY AND HAVE A CELL PHONE, YOU MAY CALL 906-885-5246 AND EMERGENCY SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE SILVER CITY AREA.

Take a look at web cams throughout the area to check out the snow for yourself. Find links on our website at www.westernup.info

SPECIAL NOTICES AND EVENTS:
If you're a Snocross fan, you're going to LOVE next weekend, December 12-13-14, 2008 when Ironwood will host the ISOC National Sno Cross and Slednecks show. Top names including Levi Levalle & Tucker Hibbert,both X Games Gold Medalists, as well as many others will be among the competitors.

Both Snocross events will be held at Mt. Zion on the campus Gogebic Community College in Ironwood.

The National Snocross is your chance to win a new snowmobile, and enjoy a weekend of food, refreshments, fun, thrills and more.

Visit Western U.P. Trails Website >>>>

ONTONAGON TRAIL REPORT - 12/11

Ontonagon area trails: (White Pine, Silver City and Ontonagon)

Trails have all been panned. South Boundary in the Porcupine Mountains will be done tonight. Snow has been falling all day. Accumulations vary from 10 to 14 inches so far. Trails will be groomed nightly as snow warrants. Temps have been cold and continue to be cold. More snow in the forecast.

North Country Snowmobile Club

I see a number of posts stating that there is no gas in Silver City(weren't there two gas stations in Silver City?...One was a little store the other was in front of a motel near the entrance to the Porkies?) Also heard that there's no gas in White Pine? Where is the nearest gas to Silver City and White Pine? How many miles? _______________

Hope to saddlebag it coming down from Hancock on 3 to 13 ,Greenland,Mass City, Rockland to 12 to1, then 11 to 102, towards Bergland then 8 towards Bruce Xing. Need to know if gas is available, if not I've got to change plans. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks ...............Merry Christmas

WESTERN UP TRAIL REPORT - DECEMBER 15

We've had lots of new snow... and, surprise, surprise, surprise-more in the forecast. Extremely cold through Tuesday, but warming up to double digits at least by Wednesday. Thinking this should be an outstanding weekend to ride.

Gogebic Range Trail Authority Groomers, on the far western end, and Gogebic Area Groomers in the Lake Gogebic Area are all out doing their thing. We're getting a lot of good reports from riders. Trails 2 and 8 are groomed and good. Trails 11N- 11S and 160 should be opening today. We'll give more info on this tomorrow.

Lake Gogebic groomers report Trails 13 N, 102, 1 North of Bergland, 8E and 8W are alll in good condition.

Trail 8 just north of Bergland has been re-routed...it is being brushed, signed and groomed, Please watch for workers in that area.

Trails in Ontonagon, Silver City and White Pine are reported to all be groomed and snow covered with grooming going on nightly.

We're waiting to hear from Watersmeet.

PLEASE NOTE THIS: THERE IS NO LONGER A GAS STATION IN SILVER CITY. AT THE TIME OUR MAP WAS PRINTED, OUR INFORMATION HAD A GAS ICON THERE. THAT STORE/STATION IS NO LONGER OPEN SO PLAN ACCORDINGLY. SHOULD YOU RUN IN TO AN EMERGENCY AND HAVE A CELL PHONE, YOU MAY CALL 906-885-5246 AND EMERGENCY SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE SILVER CITY AREA.

Take a look at web cams throughout the area to check out the snow for yourself. Find links on our website at www.westernup.info

SPECIAL NOTICES AND EVENTS:
COPPER PEAK CHAMPIONSHIP SNOWMOBILE HILLCLIMB
Feb. 14, 2008 Gates open 7:00 AM-Competition slated to begin at 9:00 AM.
Pro Stock King of the Hill and Pro Mod King of the Hill competition begins around 3:30 PM.
Driver Registration due by 12/30/08.
For more information contact Skip Schulz, MASTERS Circuit at
sschulz@jamadots.com
Visit Western U.P. Trails Website >>>>

Ontonagon Trail Report - 12/15

Ontonagon area trails: (White Pine, Silver City and Ontonagon)

Ontonagon area: Fresh snow 14 inches fell in the past 24 hours. Trails have not been groomed today due to frigid temps and poor visibility.

Planning on grooming tomorrow all trails. This includes Ontonagon to Greenland,( trail 11) Ontonagon to White Pine, (11) White Pine to Silver City, (trail 1) South Boundary (11) and Lake of the clouds. (1)

More snow in the forecast. Trails should be a good to excellent condition after grooming . Low traffic, lots of snow and cold temps. This is a snowmobiler”s dream. For information call 906-884-2187

North Country Snowmobile Club

How long would the ride be from Lake Gogebic to the Houghton/Hancock bridge and do the trail 3 to 17 loop upto Gay Michigan be? Any points of interest to check out on the trails we should not miss?

Thanks
snowshark60504

Ontonagon area trails are rating on December 17th good to excellent. We have 2 to 4 feet of snow on the trails the groomers are now out nightly. Cold temps and a lot of snow with a good base is finally here. We did not get the rain and warm temps last weekend that many received. Light traffic on all area trails. Lightest snow is in Silver City but that even got snow the past few days. Reminder to all the groomers have the right of way. Ride safe. Lodging available at reasonable rates 906-884-2187.

We were in ironwood for snocross race, great races.The weather was great. We took a quick ride on friday,trails in gogebic county were the best i have ever seen. Great job GRTA. Cannot wait to get back up for more riding.Anyone else think that there should have been more businesses involved in the race weekend?

New area to explore this year: Summit peak in the Porcupine mountains is being groomed. It is a view that is breath taking ..riders may want to lake a look when up in the Porucpine mountains snowmobling. Also remember that the groomers do have the right of way.Enjoy your ride.

Went riding 12/17/08 bessmer trails were ok bergland trails were excellent I live in wakefield and as of 12/22/08 I have measured 106" in my yard been very cold -14 this AM. I hope the big lake stays open I want and old fashion 300" year. Ride safe !

Just a reminder from earlier posts - There IS gasoline in White Pine. There IS NOT gasoline in Silver City.

Here is the latest Ontonagon Trail Report - December 23, 2008

Ontonagon area: (includes White Pine, Silver City, Lake of the "Clouds, Summit Peak, South Boundary road in The Porcupine Mountains.)

All trails are being groomed daily! We have lots of snow - trail 12 from ontonagon to greenland good - trail 12 from ontonagon to white pine good - trail 101 from trail 12 to trail 13 excellent - trail 1 from white pine to silver city good - thru silver city fair - trail 11 (south boundry) excellent - trail 1 to lake of the clouds-good to very good - if you are doing lake of the clouds be sure to gas up in white pine as there are no gas stations in silver city

With the cold temps it should stay good. trails are very smooth and almost no traffic!! Now is the time to ride !!!!! We have lots of fresh snow so the trails are great. it just keeps on snowing !!

For information call 906-884-2187

Trails are maintained by the North Country Snowmobile club in Ontonagon

Thanks for your note, Pantera. Here it the latest from the Western U.P. Bureau...

WESTERN UP TRAIL REPORT - DECEMBER 29

Happy New Year Everyone. Official Season Snowfall to date at Ironwood is over six feet. As always, you'll find more in some areas, less in others. We've had mild temps for the past couple of days...some melting resulted, but we're re-freezing now. Forecast calling for single digit or below zero lows at nights for the next few days--chance of snow and highs in the teens with up to 20 on New Year's Day.

Overall conditions here on the far western end are reported fair to good. However, wherevere you're riding, it's a good idea to slow when approaching corners, as they may be icy.

Gogebic Range Trail Authority Report:
Trails 2 & 8 being groomed-snow is very sugary right now.
11N - 11S & 160 will be groomed as soon they firm up a little more, hopefully in the next couple of days.

Lake Gogebic Area Report:
All trails were groomed overnight so they're reporting the system is in good condition. Groomers will be out again late this afternoon so watch for them on the trails.

Ontonagon, Silver City and White Pine Report Trails snowcovered and in fair to good condition - Expect some areas of snurt along the lakeside - trails are being groomed nightly.

Watersmeet groomers were able to go out last night as temps got colder so trails are groomed and fair to good.

Bruce Crossing Report: No current report available.

PLEASE NOTE THIS: THERE IS NO LONGER A GAS STATION IN SILVER CITY SO PLAN ACCORDINGLY AND STOP IN BERGLAND OR WHITE PINE.

SPECIAL NOTICES AND EVENTS:
COPPER PEAK CHAMPIONSHIP SNOWMOBILE HILLCLIMB
Feb. 14, 2008 Gates open 7:00 AM-Competition slated to begin at 9:00 AM.
Pro Stock King of the Hill and Pro Mod King of the Hill competition begins around 3:30 PM.
Driver Registration due by 12/30/08.
For more information contact Skip Schulz, MASTERS Circuit at
sschulz@jamadots.com

Visit Western U.P. Trails Website >>>>

Trail Report: This report is from our ride today not from Chopper 5 or from the office.

We headed north on 11N which was absolutely painful. The first 10 miles or so were rough but we kept thinking that it has to get bettter, it has to get better. Wrong. It got worse and worse and worse. After you cross 519 there were multiple areas that weren't froze up yet which you had to continuously cross and then there was one spot that the water was over 5 feet across and you had to either turn around to get up on the road or take a steep incline up to the road. Looks like an area that should seriously be considered for a culvert. Also along the way there were several trees that had fallen quite some time ago since they had 6+ inches of snow on them and had not been cleared from the trail. Therefore the groomer had to go around them or not go thru that area at all, and in some cases it was very apparent that the groomer hadn't been there for quite some time. Again, that 20 miles or so was painful at a pace of about 10 - 15 mph, anything faster and the kids were bouncing off the seat of the 2-ups. Once we got to South Boundary Road there was a pleasant surprise. Not only was it groomed and smooth like it usually is but the pleasant part was the fact that the first 6 miles were not plowed like it has been in so many years I can't remember. Since it took so long to get to the ski resort that the kids were getting cold fingers and toes this time.

After a warm-up we were mentally prepared for dealing with the mogul infested snirt along the shore as it almost always is. Again, a pleasant surprise, it was bearable, not much snirt and fairly smooth. Now if they could just do something about the rediculous 10 mph speed limit thru there I wouldn't fall a sleep during that part. I'm not suggesting no limit, but pleeeeese lets get realistic, 20-25 mph??

From Silver City to White Pine the trail was groomed, wide and comfortable to travel. Almost wanted to turn around at White Pine and do it again just to make up for the torture of 11N. From White Pine south the trail was a little choppy but not too bad. Once onto the old road it was once again wide and pretty decent all the way to where you have to cross the road again just north of Bergland. Then once again things got ugly. Rough, chop and once again back to 15 mph. This continued all the way thru to Merriweather at the Intersections of 8 & 1. Heading west back towards Wakefield the trail was once again nice, wide, groomed and comfortable to run at whatever pace you wanted. Of course that didn't last all the way to Wakefield, it never does. Once you get to where the G.R.T.A. take over the grooming and you cross M28 the trail falls apart. Moguls, chop, stutters, you name it thats what it was. Of course after riding up here for 12 years I shouldn't have expected anything else. Seems like the G.R.T.A. just can't get it together and groom like other areas in the U.P. are able to do. Too bad as I'm sure many people will continue to choose to trailer right thru this area and unload farther east. Lost money for the businesses in this area. When we got to the intersection for 11S to Marenisco we found ourselves on a recently groomed trail. Again, pleasant but short-lived since our destination was Wakefield.

To sum it up: The G.R.T.A has a lot of work to do to make the trails a pleasant experience. My advice is to unload or stay in Bergland or east of there.

If anyone can explain why the G.R.T.A. has such a hard time with their trails I would be very intersted in hearing. And if you didn't catch it from my earlier comments this is not my first time here. We have ridden here for the last 12 seasons and it seems like every year it's the same thing.

Pantera.

Pantera.... Thanks for the ride report... We've passed along your message to the powers that be.... anyone else who has reports right from the trail, please post them here.

12/30/08 Update:
Trail 2 from Wakefield to Marenisco is in decent shape. We ran it later in the day so it had the usual chop & stutters but nothing too bad and nothing that would prevent me from turning around and running it again. I would imagine they will have it groomed tonight so it will be just like new in the morning.

FYI: The road is closed from Thomaston to Indianhead Valley. The bridge is not out but the road is closed, not sure why but there are huge boulders across the road so you can't even get a sled thru there. However, all the trail signs are still up from Bingo's thru Thomaston pointing you thru there and how many miles to Wakefield, but you can't get there from here. Another nice one where somebody dropped the ball. If you are going to close the road so the connecting link is no longer there to get to 11N you probably should take down all the trail signs in the Thomaston area. How about it North Guide, can you pass that along to the powers that be?

Maybe while you are at it they can start updating the trail map to reflect some of these changes. After all Trail 11N has had its new route for a couple of years now. And while they are at it they could update the Wakefield insert to reflect the fact that you no longer go around the open pit and Ramsay. I've got maps going back 12 years and its absolutely discouraging how little the attention is given to the accuracy of these maps. Its a shame.

We got a ticket for being in the wrong place one year along with a whole group of people. DNR didn't care how bad the maps or signs were, gave tickets to everyone. I was probably the only one that didn't pay the fine. I came back up here, took photos of the poor trail markings and maps, showed that to the prosecuting attorney and they thru it out of court. Then I went riding for the rest of the weekend.

Trail 102 is so far off where it actually is it is a joke. How do I know? I have a GPS. Nuff said.

Thanks in advance for listening and if I see some changes in next years map I will be sure to say thank you again.

Pantera

BTW: I put on about 2K miles up here per season so I know where the trails are now and where they are not. Others new to the area will not know about these issues and could easily be discouraged by the issues with the maps and signage and not come back. Lost $$$ to the community.

kwnyquist:
Thanks for the reply. I know just what you mean by the rough trails due to high traffic and try not to complain about that becuase that is hard to avoid. With the lack of snow in much of the midwest for the past 7-8 seasons the traffic has been very high up here and takes its toll on the trails in a hurry. What I have been trying to convey is my frustration with the lack of maintenance on Trail 11N and the corresponding lack of a trail condition report of that trail. If they know it has not been groomed in weeks, has trees down, wet areas, etc, why not point that out in the Trail Conditions report to inform riders of that so they can make an informed decision as to whether or not they want to travel it or not.

Todays Trail condition update indicates that the groomer got stuck not once but twice but again do not indicate where. The trail reports lack substance, just like the local news on TV. After you watch it you are left with more questions than answers. So, did it get stuck on 11N or 11S??

We checked 11N last night heading up from Indianhead Valley and didn't see any evidence of the groomer. We checked again this morning and again no evidence of the groomer. Unless they were coming in from the north which I would not expect since that is not a full loop for the GRTA but rather a turn around point on the north I can only assume they stuck it on 11S somewhere from Marenisco to Presque Isle.

The map issue is quite disappointing as well. My nine yr old could draw a more accurate line with a set of colored crayons to where the trail actually is. In this day and age with all the technology they could be exponentially better. I would be happy with something with lines at least drawn on or next to the actual forest road or logging road rather than ones drawn miles off of where they actually run.

Again, I am just trying to make things better for everyone by pointing out some things that I believe are unacceptable.

The Thomaston signs and the road closed is clearly going to cause issues for people. It already got us with the kids aboard and all. Had to turn around and head all the way back to Bingo's and back thru Wakefield to get to Indianhead. Nothing in the trail report to indicate this was closed.

Well, one can only hope they get the message that these things are issues for frustration and do something about it.

Pantera

Western U.P. - Trail Report - 12/31

Happy New Year Everyone. Season Snowfall to date at Ironwood is about 6 and a half feet - more in some places - less in others. Mild temps are over - we did have melting, but everything's frozen back up. Forecast calling for single digit or below zero lows at nights for the next few days -- of course snow and highs in the teens with up to 20 on New Year's Day.

Overall conditions are reported fair to good.

Gogebic Range Trail Authority Report:
Trail 2 to 11 is freshly groomed - 2 being groomed every night so it's in good shape... 160 freshly groomed yesterday - trail 8 freshly groomed. 11N & 11S have not been groomed, but not for lack of trying. The Groomer broke through and sunk not once, but twice while attempting to groom them. It is VERY costly to retrieve a sunk groomer. (The early snow insulated the wet areas and prevented them from freezing up.) They will try again New Year's Day morning when they will have extra volunteers available to assist if they run into the groomer breaking through again.

Lake Gogebic Area Report:
All trails groomed nightly, so they're reporting the system is in good condition...you'll find some very good and may run into some fair.

Ontonagon Trails all snow covered - grooming nightly so they are reporting good conditions - Do expect some areas of snurt along the lakeside -
Silver City is a little thin as usual as is Trail 1 down to White Pine. Trail 1 to Lake of the Clouds is good and 11 really good as usual. Groomers out as needed. REMEMBER: THERE'S NO LONGER A GAS STATION IN SILVER CITY SO PLAN ACCORDINGLY AND STOP IN BERGLAND OR WHITE PINE.

Watersmeet groomers are out nightly now, so all trails groomed and in good condition.
Bruce Crossing Report: No current report.

SPECIAL NOTICES AND EVENTS:
COPPER PEAK CHAMPIONSHIP SNOWMOBILE HILLCLIMB
Feb. 14, 2008 Gates open 7:00 AM-Competition slated to begin at 9:00 AM.
Pro Stock King of the Hill and Pro Mod King of the Hill competition begins around 3:30 PM.
Driver Registration due by 12/30/08.
For more information contact Skip Schulz, MASTERS Circuit at
sschulz@jamadots.com

Visit Western U.P. Trails Website >>>>

Storm,
Since you are joining the conversation late you missed the fact that they did not state that they were not grooming it until after I pointed out that it was not groomed. Timing is everything.

North Guide,
Thanks for making that clarification on when the groomers did not get stuck or get stuck. The Trail reports over the past week have not indicated anything up until this point.

Little pieces of information like that can help people choose an appropriate route for the day.

Thanks, Pantera