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

Trail Report: Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan – February 21, 2017

Trail Conditions: Poor
Snow Cover: 4 inch base
Date of Report: February 21, 2017
Area Report:

Temporary Trail Diversion in Brimley

A street closure due to a collapsed building in Brimley causes a short diversion of Trail #8. When turning west off M-221 in downtown Brimley, the first portion of trail is moved just south of the street across from the Bay Mills Laundry facility and over a portion of their driveway. Please follow the signs.

The trails are in poor to fair shape.

The warmth of today/yesterday and the next couple of days will take a toll on trails. We will try to groom as much as possible when it is cold enough.  It was not cold enough to groom last night; the trails will be roughed up in a hurry. 

We have a new plowed parking area at the beginning of Trail #8 under the International Bridge, which now has an all-season Porta-John.

If you are staying in the Sault, please look at our list of supporters on our web page and give them your business.  Please do that in all the towns you visit.  The grooming entities are all made up of volunteers who want you to support those who support us!!!!!!

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.  Six inches of snow compresses to a depth of less than one inch on the trail.

Sault Ste. Marie to Brimley, Trail #8 –

Base 3-6 inches – Trail is in poor to fair Condition.  

Brimley to Raco, Trail #8 –

Base 3-7 inches – Trail is in poor to fair Condition.  Trail going west off M-221 is moved to the south of street as the roof of a building next to the road collapsed; the county closed the road.

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 4-8 inches – Trail is in poor to fair Condition.

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

Base 3- 6 inches – Trail is in poor to fair condition.  Wet areas by casino are frozen and groomed.

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 the street; not on sidewalks. Watch for closed streets that are posted, mainly around the hospital, university, and state trunk lines.

Sault Ste. Marie to Kinross, Trail #49 –

Base 3-5 inches – Trail is in Poor to fair Condition.  Make sure you follow the reroute once you cross the bridge going south at 7 Mile Road. Wet areas are reopened.

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 2-4 inches – Trail in poor to fair condition.  Watch for trucks on the trail.

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

Base 1-4 inches – Trail in poor to fair Condition.  Watch for reroute signs just west of Kinross.

The Downtown Trail is signed and coned up Portage Ave!  Big, frozen snow banks, left from the big warmup, are hindering grooming parts of the route, but adjacent streets are open to sleds.

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, the 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 than an inch on the trail.
  • We have a new plowed parking area at the beginning of trail #8 under the International Bridge, which now has an all-season Porta-John.

Online Safety Course 

Local Safety Course 

Snowmobile Information:

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.