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Trail Report: Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan – January 26, 2017

Trail Conditions: Fair
Snow Cover: 3 inch base
Date of Report: January 26, 2017
Area Report:

We were out today with groomers on our dry trails and they are in good shape now ( Raco & Kinross).  Still wet Soo to Kinross and Kinross to Raco so it will wait a day

We have not groomed for a week as it was too warm. According to weatherman it’s not supposed to get back below freezing maybe Thursday. We will not be able to groom again until they do. All trails are still Rideable but this spell of warm weather is wreaking havoc since it’s too warm to groom.  Let’s all hope it gets cold earlier!  Road shoulders are bare and this may open up again some of those wet areas that we just got frozen down.  It will be just like start of season with most wet areas open!!!

Big reroute around Raco this year

There is a change in the Soo to Kinross trail also.

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 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.  10 inches of snow compresses to less than an inch on the trail.

Sault Ste. Marie to Brimley, Trail #8 –

Base 3- 4 inches -Trail is in good Condition.

Brimley to Raco, Trail #8 –

Base 3 – 6 inches -Trail is in fair to good 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 – 7 inches – Trail is in fair to good Condition.

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

Base 2- 3 inches – Trail is in Fair 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 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 2- 4 inches – Trail is in poor to fair Condition. 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 is in 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 2 – 4 inches – Trail in poor to fair Condition.  Watch for reroute signs just west of Kinross

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 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 

 

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.

News and Reports:

Downtown Winter Ice festival is this Friday and Saturday! More information here https://goo.gl/3vnCbE

I-500 Snowmobile Race Week kicks off Monday January 30th Race is Saturday February 4th check out the race here http://i-500.com/