Your Online Trail and Travel Guide for Snowmobiling the U.S. & Canada

Reports

Trail Report: Lake Gogebic, Michigan – January 5, 2017

Trail Conditions: Good

Snow Cover: Good

Date of Report: January 5, 2017

Area Report:

For those of you who have been wishing for cold and snow here on Lake Gogebic– it appears as though you are getting your wish!    Sub zero temps have set in over the past couple of days and should help to take care of some of those wet spots out on the trails.    Looks like we’ll be warming up a little bit for the weekend and then back into the mid 20’s next week.     We’ve received quite a bit of snow and Jim thinks he’s plowed about 40” so far this winter.    John Dee is forecasting up to 24” inches between now and Jan 14th.    Trail conditions are reported as good to even excellent in some areas.

Groomers have been out on the trails and  are reporting that 8 wst has been groomed and is in good condition, just use caution around wet areas.    We took a ride up to Rockland on Tuesday and is was beautiful!   Trail 1 north was in good condition as was 13.       We also took Trail 1 south to Fishtales and it was good with the exception of a couple of wet spots that the groomers have been working on.   Trail 102 is in very good condition but watch for a wet area towards the north end of the trail.    Watch out for some rocks in areas on Trail 13 north.    8 East is pretty rough – mainly due to all the traffic it received over the past weekend.

Please remember that access to and from Lake Gogebic from the Walleye Lodge is limited to guest use only.   We appreciate your cooperation with that and we know that our guests also appreciate your consideration!

Weekends are filling up fast and the weekdays are great days to ride!   Give us a call at 906-575-3557 for reservations.

Also note that the Walleye Lodge Lake Gogebic Ice Fishing Tournament is scheduled for Jan 28-29 and for more information log on to www.walleyelodge.com/ice-fishing  

Enjoy you time up here in the U.P.!

Trail Report: Crivitz, Wisconsin – January 5, 2017

Trail Conditions: Good

Snow Cover: about 10 inches

Date of Report: January 5, 2017

Area Report:

Trails are in GOOD condition…It is really hard to describe our trail as just one condition since it covers over 100 miles!  But here goes…

One of our groomers did break down yesterday, so the other two groomers went out on extra duty to get that area groomed also.  Most of the trail is in good condition, however, there are some short stretches that have to be rated as fair due to needing snow to fill in ruts and holes also lack of snow in logging areas.  Good news…the two areas of logging that were going on between Boat Landing 9 and Old Veterans Park seems to be over.  This is where the snow is thin, but very passable. 

But along with the FAIR rated areas there is a lot of GOOD and some even VERY GOOD.  Anyone considering coming up this weekend, I do not believe you will be disappointed.  And with that final word for the day, I am putting on my coat and helmet and I am going riding.  See you on the trail!

News and Reports:

 

Saturday, January 21 – High Fall Flowage Snowmobile Radar Run

Saturday, January 28 – 5th Annual Human Ice Bowling at Thortons Resort

Saturday, February 11 – High Falls Fish-o-Rama and Radar Run

Saturday, February 18 – Crooked Lake Fish-o-Rama

Saturday, February 27-Vintage Sled Ride at Thunder Lake Lodge

(any club members with events to be listed, please contact me…thank you)

Trail Report: Ely, Minnesota – January 5, 2017

Ely, MN Chamber of Commerce

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: 17

Date of Report: January 5, 2017

Area Report:

Ely Area Lakes & Trails: We have received several inches of new snow since last week’s report.  Swamps and wetlands are developing ice; however, they have not reached sufficient levels to support grooming equipment.  Area snowmobile trails are currently ungroomed; however crews are working on rolling the Tomahawk Trail and encourage riders to help pack the trail.  Most areas have been cleared of downed trees from the November storm – please continue to use caution while traveling and watch for downed trees and surface debris.  Area lakes have ice cover of varying depths and all lakes, except White Iron Beach and Birch Lake (Babbitt), have been staked.  There are areas of slush on lakes and it is recommended snowmobilers follow staked trails for safety.  Use caution when traveling on lakes by foot, skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles and test ice as you travel.

Taconite Trail: Snow – 10-12” depth  Base – 0”  Groomed – no  Condition – poor

 Arrowhead Trail: Snow – 10-15” depth  Base – 0”  Groomed – no  Condition – poor

Putnam-Fishing Lakes Trail: Base: 2-4” Groomed – no  Condition – poor

Lake Vermilion State Park and Soudan Underground Mine State Park: Trails are closed

Taconite Spur Trails and Stony Spur Trails: Base – 2-4”  Groomed – partially Condition – poor

Tomahawk Trail & Local Trails: Base – 4-6”  Trail is cleared through to the North Shore from Ely.  Crews are attempting to roll the trail, but cannot run grooming equipment through swap/wetland areas yet.  Crews are encouraging snowmobile riders to aid in packing down the trails, particularly the wetland areas to help them freeze faster and develop a solid base.  Please use caution traveling along the trail.  All lakes except White Iron Beach & Birch Lake (Babbitt) have been staked.  Slush does exist on area lakes, please follow stakes routes for safety.

Snowmobile Information:

Visit our Event Calendar at www.ely.org to see upcoming snowmobile events including: The Fun Run, Northland 300 and Pink Ribbon Riders Snow Event.  Many other great winter events happening too!

Trail Report: Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin – January 5, 2017

Trail Conditions: Fair

Snow Cover: 10-16 inches

Date of Report: January 5, 2017

Area Report:

Bad News First—Trail boss rates trails as poor to fair.

Good News: Second groomer is up and running. It is cold and trails are smooth and holding up great. Legendary Leo and I rode yesterday and things were in very good shape every where we went. Some snirt mixed in and an some leaves but all in all I thought area trails were most enjoyable. You can contact me at  715 891-0123 if you have any trail updates or comments. Stop in the Pine Cone Cafe in Land O Lakes and ask Leo for his recommendations!

News and Reports:

Lakes we rode yesterday were all in good shape. The slush was gone—but beware of drifts and rough frozen spots. Stay by the barrels is a good rule to sled by.

Snowmobile Information:

Pigskin Poker Run Super Bowl weekend—contact Bent’s for more info.

Trail Report: Washburn County, Wisconsin – January 6, 2017

Trail Conditions: Closed

Snow Cover: 3-5″

Date of Report: January 6, 2017

Area Report:

All Washburn County snowmobile trails remain closed at this time. The clubs are out freezing down wet areas and packing the snow we currently have. Significant additional snowfall is still needed before trails can be opened for safe riding.

Trail Report: Washburn County, Wisconsin – January 5, 2017

Trail Conditions: Closed

Snow Cover: 3-5″

Date of Report: January 5, 2017

Area Report:

All Washburn County snowmobile trails remain closed at this time. The clubs are out freezing down wet areas and packing the snow we currently have. Significant additional snowfall is still needed before trails can be opened for safe riding.

Trail Report: Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan – January 4, 2017

Trail Conditions: Good

Snow Cover: Base 3″ – Past 24 Hours 1″

Date of Report: January 4, 2017

Area Report:

Courtesy of the Sault Ste Marie Snowmobile Association

Sault Ste. Marie to Brimley, Trail #8 –

Base 2- 5 inches -Trail is in good to excellent Condition. 

 

Brimley to Raco, Trail #8 –

Base 3 – 5 inches -Trail is in good to excellent Condition.  When going across the bridge in Brimley make sure you go with the flow of traffic!  Blowing and drifting occurs when you first leave Brimley.

 

Raco to Naomikong Trail #8 [where Paradise meets us], Trail #8 –

Base 3 – 6 inches – Trail is in good to excellent Condition.

 

Sault Ste. Marie City Trail, Trails #497, #449, parts of #8 & #49 –

Base 2- 4 inches – Trail is in  fair to good condition.

We now have a marked & groomed trail going to Chippewa Motors.  It starts once you come out of the woods east of M-129 off #449.  It comes into their parking lot from behind if you need parts or service.

City curfew is from 1 am – 6 am. Remember most City streets are open to traffic 20mph, stop at all intersections, and ride on the right hand side of street not on side walks. Watch for closed streets that are posted, mainly around the hospital, university, and state trunk lines.

 

Sault Ste. Marie to Kinross, Trail #49 –

Base 1 –  4 inches – Trail is in poor to fair Condition. There are wet spots.  Make sure you follow reroute once you cross bridge going south at 7 Mile road .

When the trail is running along roads make sure you go with the flow of traffic on the right side of the road.

 

Kinross loop & south to Pickford, Parts of Trail #49, #472, and #494 –

Base 2- 5 inches – Trail in  fair to good condition.  Watch for trucks driving on trails it seems to be the thing this year.

 

Kinross to Raco & Rudyard, Parts of trail #472 & #480 –

Base 1 – 5  inches – Trail in poor to fair Condition.  Lots of water and trail to Rudyard is packed and groomed but not to Raco is only packed.  Watch for reroute signs just west of Kinross

News and Reports:

International 500 Snowmobile Race Information & Button Purchase – Click Here! 

Snowmobile Information:

Courtesy of the Sault Ste Marie Snowmobile Association – Groomer Report 

  • We now have a marked trail that will be groomed on occasion to get to parts and service at Chippewa Motors.  it comes into the back of their lot from the east side of M-129 when you come out of the woods.
  • Remember trail base is the amount of snow between your track and the ground below not the amount of fluff piled up in the woods.  6 inches of snow compresses to less then a inch on the trail.
  • We have a new plowed parking area at the beginning of trail #8 under the International Bridge, which now has a all season porta John.

 

Online Safety Course 

Local Safety Course 

 

Courtesy of the Sault Ste Marie Snowmobile Association

The Sledder’s Pledge

  • I will obey the rules and laws of the state or province I am visiting.
  • I will be careful when crossing roads, and always cross at a right angle to traffic.
  • I will keep my machine in top shape and follow a pre-op check before each ride.
  • I will wear appropriate clothing, including gloves, boots and a helmet with a visor.
  • I will let family or friends know my planned route, my destination and my expected arrival time.
  • I will treat the outdoors with respect. I will not litter or damage trees or other vegetation.
  • I will respect other peoples’ property and rights, and lend a hand when I see someone in need.
  • I will not snowmobile where prohibited.

Trail Report: Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin – January 5, 2017

Trail Conditions: Fair

Snow Cover: 6″ – 10″

Date of Report: January 5, 2017

Area Report:

Date: January 5
Trail condition: Fair 

Posted by Club President – Barry Hopkins
We rode through MW, Boulder and Arbor Vitae trails on January 2.   I would call our trails fair to good.  We groomed the entire trail#6 today (twice) so it is a lot better now.  That’s the trail between MW and Winchester (see picture from today)  Thank you for your patience.  We got another 4″ of snow last night so things are shaping up nicely.   We could still use more snow, but us snowmobilers are greedy that way: we want “all the snow.”  
A big thank you to all the groomers and volunteers who have worked their butts off to get our trails in good shape! Also a big thank you to the MW Chamber for mailing out Snowmobile Maps for the Club!

Trail Report: Eagle River, Wisconsin – January 5, 2017

Trail Conditions: Early Season

Snow Cover: Hard base in most areas – Snow cover

Date of Report: January 5, 2017

Area Report:

Sno-Eagles Trails Open
Fair Early Riding Condition

Holy moly -15 below at 8am with a high of -2 today!  This cold spell is going to last Monday.  Great for freezing any wet or swampy areas that might still be out there.

Catfish Lake Loop is OPEN. Stay by the orange reflective barrels.

Eagle Lake Trails is CLOSED due to water. Stay off for safety sake.  Would expect it to open shortly with this very cold weather.

Went out riding myself and found trails in pretty good shape.  Heading south from the Dairy Queen to the 10E intersection was in GOOD regular season riding.  10E FAIR to GOOD and starting to level out along the highway.  Heading south on Alt 13 snow covered and a little bumpy.  Pretty much everything snow covered.  Heading north and west did find a few blow outs and some snirt.  Not much though.  Felt my track spin a little on straight aways and twisted a bit on corners.  WI River Bridge, Manske Swamp, Columbus Rd & Alt 13 were for the most part frozen tight and safe.  Shouldn’t be long before heavy groomer units hear out onto those areas.

Grooming over night into sun up this morning.  Do not have a report of trails groomed from the Trail Boss. Update if I get one later.

Report Trail Issues to Trail Boss Brian Scheid at
715.891.2332 or snoeaglesclub@gmail.com

If you ride today remember tell someone where your headed, charged phone, very cold weather clothing, extra gloves, stop more often & drink warm drinks with food as you are burning more energy.

Keep Doin’ the SNOW Dance!

See Ya On The Trails!

Holly Tomlanovich
Communications Chair
Sno-Eagles, Inc.
PROUD GROOMERS OF THE SNOWMOBILE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD® – Eagle River
Phone Trail Updates 715.479.5185 – Early AM with more updates should conditions changes dictate.

News and Reports:

Torchlight Parade – January 21, 2017.  Staging at 5:30pm Leave at 6:00pm from the Trackside parking lot.  Call Holly at 715.617.4708 for more information

  • All are welcome!
  • Decorate your sleds with lights & other fun stuff!
  • Ride from Trackside using Trail 13 to the Railroad Depot & on down “the Grade” to Trail 10E
  • Trail 10E to the ERRA Sports Arena “the dome”
  • By choice onto Nutty Squirrel for dinner or head on back home or stay for the Falcons Hockey game
  • Meet Miss Sno-Eagle, Tori Sleeman
  • Decorated groomers will be part of the parade
  • Come on Join Us!  Let’s make this a huge parade!

RIDE WITH PRIDE RAFFLE TICKETS

  • $2 each or 3/$5 available from Sno-Eagles, Eagle River Chamber office & many businesses in Eagle River
  • Prizes – 1st prize SkiDoo MXZE 600 or CanAm Outlander 570. 2nd prize 55′ Flat panel TV or $500. 3rd prize Wkend at Eagle Waters Resort + dinner. 4th prize Wkend at Wild Eagle Lodge.

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY TRAIL RIDES

  • Meet on Trail 13 (the Grade) in town between Historic Railroad Depot & Friendship House
  • 9am departure

MONTHLY MEETINGS – 6:30pm Snacks – Meeting at 7pm – All Welcome!

  • January 19 – Eagle River Inn (3 west of Eagle River near the 70W bridge)
  • February 16 – Eddie B’s White Spruce (Hwy 45N at the bridge)
  • March 16 – Eagle Waters (Hwy 70E to Rangeline Rd-follow the signs)
  • April 20 – Gordo’s (Hwy 45N across from Holiday North Gas Station)

BOARD MEETINGS – 7pm at the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (Hwy 45N next door to the World Championship Snowmobile Derby)

  • January-May the 1st Tuesday of the each month

Trail Report: Rhinelander, Wisconsin – January 4, 2017

Trail Conditions: Early Season

Snow Cover: 6-8″ powdery snow

Date of Report: January 4, 2017

Area Report:

The Hodag SnoTrails club is working hard to get the trails in shape for the season.  We are still working on some of the wet areas to get them froze up for safe activities with the groomers.  We are still at approximately 50% of trails at this point as being groomed.  This cold snap will help tremendously.  All trails are rideable, but the areas that the groomers haven’t been able to work are not as flat as normally experienced.

Please stay on marked trails and stay near the barrels on the lakes.  All of the lakes are marked at this point.

Join a local club, they can use your support.