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

Reports

Trail Report – : Bayfield County, Wisconsin – March 8, 2018

Reporter:BayfieldCounty

Trail Conditions: Good

Snow Cover: 6-8 inch base

Date of Report: March 8, 2018

Area Report:

 

The latest winter storm dropped significant snow on the southern part of the County but not very much in the northern part, however there’s still lots of snow in the northern part of the county. Overall our trails remain in good condition with some icy corners.  For those riding forest roads on National Forest Service land, please use caution and stay alert! Especially in areas where you see activity i.e. plowed roads. We can’t monitor all the forest roads throughout the county so unsafe conditions may exist. We’ve had reports of large plowed snowbanks on the roads which can be hard to see, so slow down and stay safe. Detailed reports from the local snowmobile clubs are posted below. Stay safe and stay on the trails!

 

Namakagon Trail Groomers: Namakagon Trails are in Good to Very Good condition thanks to the 4-6 in. new snow fall! Grooming operations were done last night and early this morning! NTG trails are as good a condition as we’ve had all year! With lighter traffic and a great base they are holding up well. PLEASE RIDE SAFE!! Have FUN!!

 

Drummond SnoJacks: The Town of Drummond received 6″ of snow to make for excellent conditions on trail # 63 south to Lake Owen and Trail # 6. Trial # 63 north to Grand View and Mason did not get any significant snow but remains covered. These trails should hold up to traffic through the weekend but road routes may not. Groomers will be out working at night.

 

Bayfield County Snowmobile Alliance – Iron River Area: Iron River area is hard,flat,and icy. No new snow in this area. 

 

Barnes Barnestormers: Town of Barnes, we received 7 inches of snow. The town trails 7 and 17 were groomed last night, trail 17 Moore Road done today (3/7), and are in excellent condition. We hope to have 31 North and South done by the weekend.

 

Washburn Valhallers: Washburn received no new snow and trials are hard, icy and reasonably covered.  We have not groomed this week but will groom Trail #13 South from Washburn on Thursday (3/8) and Trail #13 North from Washburn on Friday, 3/9.  Without any new snow in the forecast, that will be our last scheduled grooming until we get more snow.

 

The Valhalla area has plenty of snow yet.  Grooming is on hold for now. Trails are holding up well and still have a good amount of snow on them. There are a few icy corners.

 

South shore Trail Club – Port Wing, Herbster & Cornucopia: No new snow in the north, groomed Trails 1, 40 and 41. Trails are very good!

 

WAINO Riders- Northwest corner of the County: We groomed Trail 1 to highway 13 last night and outside of a few bare spots on corners the groomer said the trail was in very good condition. 

 

Closures:

  • Trail 1 near Port Wing: This is now open but use caution as ruts have frozen into the ground.
  • Trail 63 in the Cable Area: Trail 63 just south of the intersection with Trail 70 south of the town of Cable is closed until further notice.
  • Trail 31, South of the intersection with Trail 1 near the City of Bayfield is not signed and not being groomed. There is currently no trail access to the City of Bayfield, but there is access to Legendary Waters Casino.

 

ReReoutes:

  • Trail 13 outside Washburn, follow signs. Permanent reroute.
  • Trail 4 east of Mason, follow signs. Seasonal reroute for now, includes road routes.
  • Trail 70 south of Cable, follow signs. Seasonal reroute for now, includes road routes.

 

Logging Activity

  • Trail 40 Southeast of Port Wing has a timber sale going active this week so keep your eyes out and stay alert in that area.
  • Trail 51 south of Cornucopia near Jodi road is now being used for an active timber sale. They are logging off the trail and using the trail as a haul route so use caution. Jodi road is also being plowed for a short distance.

Trail Report – : Minocqua, Wisconsin – March 8, 2018

Reporter:minocqua

Trail Conditions: Fair

Snow Cover: decent in the woods in some areas

Date of Report: March 8, 2018

Area Report:

rode the last 2 days and some good and some bad, limited to wear you can go, getting in and out of town is poor, Lake Tomahawk is on hold or done grooming, sayner is the same, If you want some decent riding you have to go to other side of Big Arbor vitae lake and stay in the woods or st germain wooded trails were also decent, trails to boulder were still holding up but icy and hard. Most all areas that were exposed to the sun are very thin and some gravel, roads are also getting pretty bald. West of Minocqua in the forest rider areas were good with some bare spots and roads were melting, This might be the last ride because of warming temps and sun will only further damage our base. Bring a extra set of carbides if you still want to ride to and from town.

Trail Report – : Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin – March 8, 2018

Reporter:Manitowish Waters Chamber

Trail Conditions: Fair

Snow Cover: 10-20 inches

Date of Report: March 8, 2018

Area Report:

Date March 8th, 2018
Trail Conditions: Fair
Posted by: Barry Hopkins – Snowmobile Club President
I would call our trails fair, with some exposed areas being poor.  However, we’re hearing pretty decent reviews on the trails.  Had a group that rode up from Minocqua yesterday and they said it was pretty good overall, some icey spots but not bad at all.   I’m heading out to take a look see myself and will report back tonight.  Still overcast and a few snowflakes in th

News and Reports:

A big thank you to the Manitowish Waters Chamber for mailing maps out for us and their help in reporting trail conditions.  Also a  huge thank you to the groomer operators who volunteer their time to make our trails the best they can be!

Snowmobile Information:

The Manitowish Waters Sno-Skeeters snowmobile club was founded in 1968 and is one of the oldest snowmobile clubs in existence today in Wisconsin. Located in the very northwest corner of Vilas county, Manitowish Waters borders the Lake Superior snow-belt country. With average snowfalls of 150 inches and over 25 miles of professionally groomed trails, the area is one of Vilas County’s top winter vacation areas.Manitowish Waters , Wisconsin - Snowmobiling Conditions & News

The Manitowish Waters trail system is a unique hub network directly linking into 5 other trail systems. With Minocqua/Woodruff to our south, St. Germain/Eagle River to our southeast, Lake Gogebic to our north, Presque Isle/Winchester to our northeast, Mercer and Hurley to our northwest and Lac du Flambeau/Price County to our west, our area residents and guests can choose from a variety of daily or overnight destinations for scenic riding with excellent pit stops along the way.

The Manitowish Waters Sno-Skeeters maintain an active grooming schedule for the area’s trail system. Coordinated efforts with the surrounding communities provide continuous smoothly-groomed trails in this northwest sector. The Sno-Skeeters own and operate some of the newest grooming equipment on the market today. Support the club by attending their special events or contributing to the “trail pigs” at local establishments along the trails. Or show your support by becoming a member!

Enjoy, and please ride responsibly and safely!

Trail Report – : Keweenaw Peninsula / Houghton-Hancock, South Range, Copper Harbor, Michigan – March 8, 2018

Reporter:tpeters

Trail Conditions: Good

Snow Cover: 42″ to 52″

Date of Report: March 8, 2018

Area Report:

To answer the question that everybody is asking—Yes, all of the trails in the Keweenaw from Copper Harbor to Twin Lakes are open and being groomed.  Depending on the area, we have received 6 to 10″ of new snow over the last few days.  Temps are below freezing.  Main roads and some parking lots are bare, making getting gas or into some motels and restaurants a little challenging, but the riding is still good.  It’s looking to be a busy weekend up here, with riders coming in from all over.  There is no chance that the trails will be closed.

Remember when out on the trail, respect private property and others on the trail, stay off all ice–its not safe anywhere, slow down and enjoy the views, and save the drinking for after the riding!!

Watch for the groomers out on the trails and remember to give them a big thank you for all that they do, its a thankless job!!!

Trail Report – : Forest County, Wisconsin – March 8, 2018

Reporter:forestco

Trail Conditions: Fair

Snow Cover: 2″ to 4″

Date of Report: March 8, 2018

Area Report:

The trails have a 2″ to 4″ base and are in poor to good condition. With the recent weather changes and time of year it is conditions are changing daily.

We cannot stress enough to RIDE SAFELY and RESPONSIBLY.  Trail conditions will vary greatly throughout the County.  Always use caution when riding on lakes and frozen water as ice conditions will vary.

The clubs that maintain the Forest County Trail System are made up of volunteers who work very hard to provide the best trails possible. Please respect them while on the trail. When approaching a groomer or member doing trail maintenance, please slow down and move over so they can do their job.

News and Reports:

FOREST COUNTY SNOWMOBILE TRAIL CLOSING

Forestry and Parks Department

All Forest County State funded snowmobile and ATV Trails will officially close as of Monday, March 12, 2018.

Forest County Ordinance prohibits the use of ATV/UTV’s on all State funded trails in Forest County during this closure.

The Nicolet State Trail and Wolf River State Trails will reopen for hiking, biking, horseback riding, dual sport cycles and ATV/UTV use on May 1, 2018.    

Trail Report – : Washburn County, Wisconsin – March 8, 2018

Reporter:Washburn County

Trail Conditions: Excellent

Snow Cover: 7-13 inch base

Date of Report: March 8, 2018

Area Report:

All of the Washburn County snowmobile trails are OPEN! Trails are in great condition with a 7 to 13 inch base. The trails are expected to hold their great conditions even with the warm weather that is predicted over the next few days. Please be aware that the base might be a little slim at road crossings with a snowy dirt mixture before receiving 6-7 inches of fresh snow Monday evening. Always use caution on the trails as volunteers are out grooming daily to keep them in the great condition they are already in. Enjoy the trails! 

Trail Report – : Spooner and Washburn County, Wisconsin – March 8, 2018

Reporter:Washburn County

Trail Conditions: Excellent

Snow Cover: 7-13 inch base

Date of Report: March 8, 2018

Area Report:

All of the Washburn County snowmobile trails are OPEN! Trails are in great condition with a 7 to 13 inch base. The trails are expected to hold their great conditions even with the warm weather that is predicted over the next few days. Please be aware that the base might be a little slim at road crossings with a snowy dirt mixture before receiving 6-7 inches of fresh snow Monday evening. Always use caution on the trails as volunteers are out grooming daily to keep them in the great condition they are already in. Enjoy the trails! 

Trail Report – : Presque Isle, Wisconsin – March 8, 2018

Reporter:Scott McPherson

Trail Conditions: Good

Snow Cover: 20-24

Date of Report: March 8, 2018

Area Report:

With the present forecast, we will be grooming Thursday & Saturday nights. 6 City – 6E 50% in woods good…remainder poor. 6W(Consolidated) 80% still good, some bare spots in the open. 11/14 good/fair, some bare spots. West side to the U.P. is your best bet for continuation of decent sledding. Rainbow Creek culvert on 11(Hwy. O) tricky when crossing. When exiting to the U.P. on 11,… follow the new signs.

Trail Report – : Tomahawk, Wisconsin – March 8, 2018

Reporter:jan

Trail Conditions: Good

Snow Cover: up to 10 inches

Date of Report: March 8, 2018

Area Report:

This report is dated Thursday, March 8,2018.

All Lincoln County snowmobile trails  are OPEN. The trails are being reported in GOOD condition. The area has received a few inches of snow during the week which improved the conditions of the trails. Lots of icy spots, some roads are bare.  Wooded trails are much better.

Please be aware of trail closed signs, stay on marked trails ONLY and respect private land. Use extreme caution and expect early season riding conditions throughout the trail system.

Trails designated as winter ATV trails in these areas are open for ATV use. All trails are closed for ATV use when the temperature  is above 28 degrees F.

For more information please go to : www.co.lincoln.wi.us  or call trail hotline at 715-539-1033.

Oneida County Funded Snowmobile Trail System (as administered by the Oneida County Forestry, Land, & Recreation Department)are  OPEN for the 2017-2018 winter season. The trails are in GOOD condition. The area has received a few inches of snow during the week which improved the conditions of the trails. Lots of icy spots, some roads are bare.  Wooded trails are much better..

As always, the Oneida County Forestry, Land, & Recreation Department recommends staying on clearly marked trails. Always exercise caution when riding a snowmobile. The trails can be in rough, early season condition. Snowmobilers are urged to stay on marked trails.

For more detailed information on Oneida County Snowmobile trail riding opportunities, contact the local snowmobile club in the area that you would like to ride, the Oneida County Chamber of Commerce, or the Oneida County Forestry, Land, & Recreation Department.

Contact Information: Oneida County Snowmobile Council President, Jim Wendt 715-891-1610 Oneida County Chamber of Commerce, 715-365-7464

Trail Report – : Western UP, Michigan – March 8, 2018

Reporter:Western U.P. Snowmobile Report

Trail Conditions: Fair

Snow Cover: 5-24

Date of Report: March 8, 2018

Area Report:

 

Western U.P. Trail Report – Western U.P. Bureau – 03/08

Date of Report: March 6, 2018

Area Report:
Temps for the next few days will be in the 20’s for highs and in the teens for our lows. We have snow showers in the forecast. Grooming will be ongoing weather permitting. Use caution on corners they may be icy. Make sure you ride on your side of the trail, we want everyone to be safe.

PLEASE STAY ON TRAILS. WE HAVE BEEN GETTING COMPLAINTS THAT SOME HAVE NOT BEEN STAYING ON TRAILS, RIDING ON UNMARKED TRAILS CAN LOSE EASEMENT FOR OUR TRAIL SYSTEM SO PLEASE STAY ON TRAILS!!!!!!

THE GOGEBIC RANGE TRAIL AUTHORITY REPORTS:
Overall Story:
03/02/18: Trails have taken a pretty good hit, we have not received any new snow through the recent storms. Many sections remain GOOD but many others are down to gravel. We suggest if riding you trailer to Wakefield and ride out of Wakefield. The ski hill reroute is bare for long stretches in spots. They remain mostly snow covered, but the 10 days of freezing and thawing leaves them thin during the day and icy at night. We need an influx of new snow. Trail 160 and 11S remain in better condition than our main corridors. PLEASE STAY ON THE TRAIL! PLEASE DON’T STEAL OUR TRAIL SIGNS. Hard to believe we have to continue echoing these issues, we are so lucky we have some of the most friendly landowners around. Please remind yourselves and riders in your group to check road crossings TWICE (at least!) before venturing across roadways. If traveling on a county road ROW keep speeds slow to avoid any issues.

Trail 2 from Hurley to Ramsay US-2 Crossing:
Overall rating: FAIR to POOR
Last groomed 3/2. From the Iron Belle Train Trestle (east of the transfer station horseshoe loop) and east to Bessemer the trail has on and off thin spots. Water has pooled and made a slushy (night time icy) center strip. Around Walmart we are working to cover an approximate 50′ long bare spot that is about 2-3′ wide. Lots of snow was drug over it last night and will continue tonight. Please be courteous and keep noise/speed as low as possible in towns. We know you come to play but the community lives with the traffic all winter long, so help our cause and be respectful!

Trail 2 from Ramsay Crossing to Wakefield:
Overall rating: POOR.
Last groomed 3/2. Conditions are good from Ramsay Crossing US HWY 2 intersection all the way to Indianhead. From Indianhead to Wakefield the trail is poor with very thin snow in spots. There is a 1/2 mile stretch as you come into Wakefield that is down to dirt.

Trail 2 from Wakefield to Marenisco:
Overall Rating: FAIR.
Groomed 3/2. Lots of snow on the trail. As you near Marenisco there are some on/off thin spots. Nothing bare.

Trail 8 from Bingo’s to Tula Crossing:
Overall Rating: FAIR.
Last groomed 3/2. Trail has lots of snow on it. We have some big rollers we need a few more passes to cut down but the trail is flat, wide and corners are smooth! Trail 8 on GRTA system is on Old Michigan 28, a wide seasonal county road that is not plowed and makes a fun trail to ride. It does see the most traffic as it is the fastest way to Lake Gogebic/Keweenaw Peninsula so usually by the end of the day it is the first to get bumpy. We do hit it daily though to keep on top of it when weather allows.

Trail 160 from Walmart to Montreal River (WI):
Overall Rating: FAIR
Last Groomed 2/27. Lots of snow. We recommend doing an “Out and Back” as the Wisconsin Trail 3 / 2 we are told is hit or miss. As you depart the Montreal River Gorge the snow diminishes (with the elevation decline) but there is plenty of snow to make your way into Wisconsin. The Driftwood Bar on County Highway A has excellent burgers!! There are many scenic overlooks on this trail that riders should be on the lookout for! Bald Mountain / Powers Road Lake Superior Northern Overlook, Bald Mountain Southern viewing overlook, The Montreal River Gorge & Superior Falls are all spectacular. Be safe in these areas! This trail is an incredible ride and we are so happy to see riders out on it! Please remember to stay on the trail in the farm fields! So much work and money has been put into this trail we cannot risk losing it. The last half mile from high-line to Lake road is plowed for logging, ride cautiously.

11S (Wakefield, MI to Winchester, WI):
Overall Rating: FAIR
Last groomed 2/26. The first 2 miles of the trail as it heads south towards Wisconsin from Trail 2 is plowed due to logging. Please yield to all commercial truck traffic. Trail is in great shape and is groomed from the Vilas County Wisconsin Line to Trail 2 completely, regularly. There are still a few thin areas and areas that need more brushing but the trail is fantastic. Please enjoy this reopened trail responsibly, thousands of 100% volunteer hours were logged to open this! Keep speeds slow as you travel the southern half of it, once you cross the bridge within 2 miles there are some rough spots. They are snow covered, but we need more snow to fill in the uneven trail until we can repair it next summer.

LAKE GOGEBIC AREA GROOMER REPORT

Thursday, March 8, 2018
Trail Conditions:
• All trails have been recently groomed – trails are hard and flat.
• Trail 1N to White Pine: good condition.
• Trail 8 East: Not groomed. Decent to Ewen, mostly dirt and gravel from there to Bruce Crossing
• Trail 8 West just groomed and in pretty good shape.
• Trail 102: Good and holding.
• Trail 13N: Good in the morning –choppy in the late afternoon. High traffic.
• Trail 13S from Root Cellar to Trail 2 and 100 – groomed and in excellent condition.
• Trails coming in to Bergland are challenging as there’s always so much traffic.
Get up here and enjoy – as the curtain is going to soon close on what has been an amazing season! Remember – when coming to any intersection: LEFT; RIGHT; LEFT!!

U.P. THUNDER RIDERS OF WATERSMEET GROOMERS REPORT:

Groomer Report
Groomers ran the whole trail system Friday March 2 and will not be running again until we get more snow. Our trail conditions range from very good to poor call it “end of the season conditions” Everything is rideable and the trails are open until March 31 we just don’t have enough snow to keep grooming at this time.

Trail 2 east of Watersmeet – to trail 107 – Fair/good – snirty/dirty as you leave watersmeet
Trail 3 north of trail 2 to bond falls – fair – roadside section right as you turn off trail 2 is bare, the rest of the trail has icy areas and icy/dirty corners
Trail 3 north of Bond falls – good – icy corners
Trail 3 south of Watersmeet to WI – good -this trail gets tons of traffic and it gets rough between groomings use caution over the bridges
Trail 2 west of Watersmeet – good – holding up much better than you’d think, there is a wet area about 20miles west of Watersmeet where water is on the trail there are signs so please use caution
Trail 13 south of trail 2 – good – icy/dirty corners

PLEASE STAY ON MARKED TRAILS. RIDING ON UNMARKED TRAILS CAN RESULT IN THE CLUB LOSING EASEMENT OF THAT TRAIL AND YOU POSSIBLE GETTING A TICKET…..