Michigan Trail Report

Trail Reports


Traverse City Trail Report – 12/31

TRAVERSE CITY FOOD AND TRAILS UPDATE via Ranch Rudolf – 12/31

And update on snowmobile trails:

Groomers went out today smoothing and packing trails. They are lightly covered and icy is places. Certainly not in great shape, but sadly some of the best we’ve seen so far this season- really wanting to see some more snow! But riders are out and about these last couple days.

– An update on our weekend hours:

Friday, January 1st: Closed
Saturday, January 2nd: 12pm-4pm for beverage service and outdoor food options
Sunday, January 3rd: 12pm-3pm for beverage service and outdoor food options
Our outdoor food options consist of soup, chili and foods you can roast over an open fire in our fireplace (hot dogs, s’mores etc). Masks are required inside and as such food and beverage must be taken outside to eat/drink. We will have an outdoor fire pit going as well.

Happy New Year! Hoping 2021 brings health and happiness to us all, as well as the ability to do business as usual sooner than later. ..

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Grand Traverse Area Snowmobile Club on Facebook >>>>

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Area Reports:

Grand Traverse Area Snowmobile Club on Facebook >>>>

Blue Sky Rentals on Facebook >>>>

Visit Grand Traverse Area Snowmobile Club Trail Report on MSA >>>>

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Friday December 26th, 2025 - 10:38 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Wintry mix peaks this morning, tapering to some drizzle / freezing drizzle late this afternoon into tonight. We trend milder into Saturday and especially Sunday before the next system builds into the region, bringing falling temps and, eventually, the return of snow. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberry ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Wintry mix peaks this morning, tapering to some drizzle / freezing drizzle late this afternoon into tonight. We trend milder into Saturday and especially Sunday before the next system builds into the region, bringing falling temps and, eventually, the return of snow. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryImage attachment

Friday December 26th, 2025 - 2:46 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Here's the latest on the wintry mix tonight into Friday. Expect 3-6" of snow across the E UP, up to 2" of snow/sleet in northern lower N of M-72 in addition to a light glaze of ice, and up to 0.10" of ice accumulation south of M-72. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryHere's the latest on the wintry mix tonight into Friday. Expect 3-6" of snow across the E UP, up to 2" of snow/sleet in northern lower N of M-72 in addition to a light glaze of ice, and up to 0.10" of ice accumulation south of M-72. ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Heres the latest on the wintry mix tonight into Friday. Expect 3-6 of snow across the E UP, up to 2 of snow/sleet in northern lower N of M-72 in addition to a light glaze of ice, and up to 0.10 of ice accumulation south of M-72. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberry

Thursday December 25th, 2025 - 12:15 pm

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> A messy winter system will bring impacts the region at varying times to the region tonight and much of Friday. Accumulating snow will be most impactful in eastern upper, while a messy mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain / drizzle impacts much of northern lower. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> A messy winter system will bring impacts the region at varying times to the region tonight and much of Friday. Accumulating snow will be most impactful in eastern upper, while a messy mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain / drizzle impacts much of northern lower. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyImage attachment

Thursday December 25th, 2025 - 12:03 pm

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> On top of our second call ice map, here is our second call snowfall map for December 26th, 2025. It's a messy system with multiple precipitation types, so be sure to click on our page to go see our ice forecast.... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyOn top of our second call ice map, here is our second call snowfall map for December 26th, 2025. It's a messy system with multiple precipitation types, so be sure to click on our page to go see our ice forecast.

Discussion
The north side of the low will have much colder air, and the deformation zone for this event will be set up across the eastern UP and Lake Superior region. Totals greater than 1" of snow (some melting) will be confined north of M-55 to the Mackinac Bridge, while totals closer to the 3"+ mark are confined from St. Ignace up to Paradise and Sault Ste. Marie. Additionally, the Keweenaw Peninsula also may see the highest snowfall totals too.

You may have noticed that we added a new color for this event only. Because there is a gradual change from rain to snow... freezing rain, and even sleet is expected with this event. Sleet is like the shared sibling between snow and freezing rain. Sleet is snow that melted to rain really high up immediately after falling from the clouds, but spent enough time in the cold sector after melting to reform into tiny pellets. Freezing rain, however, forms when there isn't enough time for the rain to reform back into those tiny ice pellets due to that warm sector close to the ground, but because the ground itself IS a cold sector, it freezes on contact. Yes, sleet is slippery, but due to its properties, it's not quite as impactful. Still, because of the sleet's size, it accumulates in tenths of an inch similar to snow instead of hundredths like freezing rain. As a result, much of the white trace-1" corridor will likely fall as <1" of both snow and sleet. Again, not a huge amount, but worth mentioning. Timing for this snowfall will be similar to that of the ice. Anytime from 6 am EST Friday through the end of the day Friday is the expected duration.

Winter weather advisories are now in effect for the eastern UP regarding this snowfall. We will have traffic impact maps and timing maps coming later this afternoon after our Christmas morning activities. See you all back here soon!

-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Kuiper Tree Care | Call 616-828-8225 for your top option regarding all your west Michigan tree care needs!
... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> On top of our second call ice map, here is our second call snowfall map for December 26th, 2025. Its a messy system with multiple precipitation types, so be sure to click on our page to go see our ice forecast.... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey

Comment on Facebook

The key does not match the colors on the map

what is orange?

Wednesday December 24th, 2025 - 3:36 pm

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain later Thursday night through Friday. The highest snow accumulations will be across the eastern UP, with 2 to 5 inches of snow possible. The potential exists for up to 0.10” of ice south of M-72. Stay tuned for the latest updates! #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain later Thursday night through Friday. The highest snow accumulations will be across the eastern UP, with 2 to 5 inches of snow possible. The potential exists for up to 0.10” of ice south of M-72. Stay tuned for the latest updates! #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyImage attachment

Comment on Facebook

Anybody up in the Gaylord are or mancelona that knows how the trails are. I wanna ride Friday and or Saturday

Are Gaylord trails gonna be any good for Friday and or Saturday

Wednesday December 24th, 2025 - 4:51 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> The next shot for widespread precipitation over the state arrives late Thursday into Friday. Primarily snow is expected over the U.P. with higher chances for a wintry mix/freezing rain over lower Michigan. Post-holiday travel may be impacted across parts of the state. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyThe next shot for widespread precipitation over the state arrives late Thursday into Friday. Primarily snow is expected over the U.P. with higher chances for a wintry mix/freezing rain over lower Michigan. Post-holiday travel may be impacted across parts of the state. ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> The next shot for widespread precipitation over the state arrives late Thursday into Friday. Primarily snow is expected over the U.P. with higher chances for a wintry mix/freezing rain over lower Michigan. Post-holiday travel may be impacted across parts of the state. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
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December 31, 2020 | Uncategorized

Traverse City Trail Report – 12/31

TRAVERSE CITY AREA UPDATE via Grand Traverse Area Snowmobile Club – 12/31

I went for a ride on our trail system last night. I rode from the Kalkaska warming hut down to Ranch Rudolf and then up the north trail back to Kalkaska. We received 3 to 4 inches of snow two days ago. There is still a lot of ice on the trails. Can you ride? Yes but use extreme caution and watch out for ice in the corners. I would have to rate the trails poor to fair depending on what part of the system you are riding. The areas to the north seem to be fair and the snow seems to thin out to the south. I read a report from one of the groomers in Kalkaska that said they didn’t even start running their groomers until the middle of January last year. We are still running groomers trying to maintain the base so that when we do get snow the trails will improve quickly. Hang in there everyone the conditions should improve soon assuming we get some snow. Hoping for a great riding season in 2021. Happy new year everyone!

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<>

Grand Traverse Area Snowmobile Club on Facebook >>>>

<>

Area Reports:

Grand Traverse Area Snowmobile Club on Facebook >>>>

Blue Sky Rentals on Facebook >>>>

Visit Grand Traverse Area Snowmobile Club Trail Report on MSA >>>>

<>

Visit See Traverse City Website >>>>

<>

Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Friday December 26th, 2025 - 10:38 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Wintry mix peaks this morning, tapering to some drizzle / freezing drizzle late this afternoon into tonight. We trend milder into Saturday and especially Sunday before the next system builds into the region, bringing falling temps and, eventually, the return of snow. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberry ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Wintry mix peaks this morning, tapering to some drizzle / freezing drizzle late this afternoon into tonight. We trend milder into Saturday and especially Sunday before the next system builds into the region, bringing falling temps and, eventually, the return of snow. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryImage attachment

Friday December 26th, 2025 - 2:46 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Here's the latest on the wintry mix tonight into Friday. Expect 3-6" of snow across the E UP, up to 2" of snow/sleet in northern lower N of M-72 in addition to a light glaze of ice, and up to 0.10" of ice accumulation south of M-72. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryHere's the latest on the wintry mix tonight into Friday. Expect 3-6" of snow across the E UP, up to 2" of snow/sleet in northern lower N of M-72 in addition to a light glaze of ice, and up to 0.10" of ice accumulation south of M-72. ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Heres the latest on the wintry mix tonight into Friday. Expect 3-6 of snow across the E UP, up to 2 of snow/sleet in northern lower N of M-72 in addition to a light glaze of ice, and up to 0.10 of ice accumulation south of M-72. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberry

Thursday December 25th, 2025 - 12:15 pm

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> A messy winter system will bring impacts the region at varying times to the region tonight and much of Friday. Accumulating snow will be most impactful in eastern upper, while a messy mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain / drizzle impacts much of northern lower. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> A messy winter system will bring impacts the region at varying times to the region tonight and much of Friday. Accumulating snow will be most impactful in eastern upper, while a messy mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain / drizzle impacts much of northern lower. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyImage attachment

Thursday December 25th, 2025 - 12:03 pm

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> On top of our second call ice map, here is our second call snowfall map for December 26th, 2025. It's a messy system with multiple precipitation types, so be sure to click on our page to go see our ice forecast.... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyOn top of our second call ice map, here is our second call snowfall map for December 26th, 2025. It's a messy system with multiple precipitation types, so be sure to click on our page to go see our ice forecast.

Discussion
The north side of the low will have much colder air, and the deformation zone for this event will be set up across the eastern UP and Lake Superior region. Totals greater than 1" of snow (some melting) will be confined north of M-55 to the Mackinac Bridge, while totals closer to the 3"+ mark are confined from St. Ignace up to Paradise and Sault Ste. Marie. Additionally, the Keweenaw Peninsula also may see the highest snowfall totals too.

You may have noticed that we added a new color for this event only. Because there is a gradual change from rain to snow... freezing rain, and even sleet is expected with this event. Sleet is like the shared sibling between snow and freezing rain. Sleet is snow that melted to rain really high up immediately after falling from the clouds, but spent enough time in the cold sector after melting to reform into tiny pellets. Freezing rain, however, forms when there isn't enough time for the rain to reform back into those tiny ice pellets due to that warm sector close to the ground, but because the ground itself IS a cold sector, it freezes on contact. Yes, sleet is slippery, but due to its properties, it's not quite as impactful. Still, because of the sleet's size, it accumulates in tenths of an inch similar to snow instead of hundredths like freezing rain. As a result, much of the white trace-1" corridor will likely fall as <1" of both snow and sleet. Again, not a huge amount, but worth mentioning. Timing for this snowfall will be similar to that of the ice. Anytime from 6 am EST Friday through the end of the day Friday is the expected duration.

Winter weather advisories are now in effect for the eastern UP regarding this snowfall. We will have traffic impact maps and timing maps coming later this afternoon after our Christmas morning activities. See you all back here soon!

-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Kuiper Tree Care | Call 616-828-8225 for your top option regarding all your west Michigan tree care needs!
... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> On top of our second call ice map, here is our second call snowfall map for December 26th, 2025. Its a messy system with multiple precipitation types, so be sure to click on our page to go see our ice forecast.... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey

Comment on Facebook

The key does not match the colors on the map

what is orange?

Wednesday December 24th, 2025 - 3:36 pm

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain later Thursday night through Friday. The highest snow accumulations will be across the eastern UP, with 2 to 5 inches of snow possible. The potential exists for up to 0.10” of ice south of M-72. Stay tuned for the latest updates! #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain later Thursday night through Friday. The highest snow accumulations will be across the eastern UP, with 2 to 5 inches of snow possible. The potential exists for up to 0.10” of ice south of M-72. Stay tuned for the latest updates! #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyImage attachment

Comment on Facebook

Anybody up in the Gaylord are or mancelona that knows how the trails are. I wanna ride Friday and or Saturday

Are Gaylord trails gonna be any good for Friday and or Saturday

Wednesday December 24th, 2025 - 4:51 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> The next shot for widespread precipitation over the state arrives late Thursday into Friday. Primarily snow is expected over the U.P. with higher chances for a wintry mix/freezing rain over lower Michigan. Post-holiday travel may be impacted across parts of the state. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyThe next shot for widespread precipitation over the state arrives late Thursday into Friday. Primarily snow is expected over the U.P. with higher chances for a wintry mix/freezing rain over lower Michigan. Post-holiday travel may be impacted across parts of the state. ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> The next shot for widespread precipitation over the state arrives late Thursday into Friday. Primarily snow is expected over the U.P. with higher chances for a wintry mix/freezing rain over lower Michigan. Post-holiday travel may be impacted across parts of the state. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
Load more

<>

Visit See Traverse City Website >>>>

<>


<>

Traverse City Area Featured Snowmobile Rentals



<>

Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links

<>

December 31, 2020 | Uncategorized
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