Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 12/08
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/08
12/8/2025
Good morning all! We picked up another few inches overnight here in the Soo. Cold temps remain! I am awaiting word from our groomer bosses in the Kinross and Soo areas, and I’ll keep you posted as we have some first runs today in those areas.
For now, here’s what I know-
❄️Trail 8 from the Soo to Raco- Ashmun Bay to south street should be groomed today, and I’ll update when the rest to Brimley Is done. Ken panned it Thursday and it should have a great base from the new snow and sleds packing it all weekend. Brimley to Raco is on the normal grooming schedule and has been done a couple of times already.
‼️The City Trails (part of 49, 449, and 497)- still lots of wet spots in the usual places. It’ll still be a bit before we can get through all of them. Lane will be heading through the tunnel, hills, and airport stretch, as well as 49 behind Walmart as he makes his way down 49 to Kinross. Fingers crossed all goes well!
‼️Trail 49- Soo to Kinross- There are wet areas, particularly from Alberta Lane to 5 mile. Lane went via sled last week from 12 mile south to 472 and said there are some deep water holes between 12 mile and Devil’s Hill, as usual. Gates are open from 12 mile south to Kinross. Lane may be making a pass in the Tucker today if the water holes tightened up.
❄️472 in the Kinross area out toward the 480 split- Lane said there are some water holes between Johnson and Tilson Roads, high ground areas are ok.
❄️Trail 494 around the airport in Kinross- Lane reports this to be ok, no water holes reported.
‼️Trail 480- good from Raco to the turnaround, ungroomed from there to the gate. Deep snow in there! There is construction (yes, construction) in there from 472 to the Spile Dam. Use extreme caution as there is equipment and all sorts of stuff in there. It’s going to be AWESOME when it’s done as the Forest Service is making it a hard packed road and rebuilding a bridge, but it may not be done until late January. Gates are CLOSED on the Spile Dam due to water, so you can’t get through to or from Raco yet anyway. We’ll keep you posted on that.
❄️ Trail 480, 889, and the Raco Powerline (😎 in the Raco and Bay Mills areas- the high ground areas are great and have been groomed. The 889 loop and the Bay Mills Casino trail have been groomed a couple of times and are in really good shape.
In summary, the high ground areas are good to go, but wet areas still need a little time.
We always welcome rider reports and pics! Please be safe and don’t ride alone, especially in the early season. We encourage you to download the What3Words app so that first responders can find you quickly in the event of an emergency.
Thanks all!
**join or donate today at www.sootrails.org**
<>
<>
Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Facebook Page
<>
Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> While the lake effect snow winds down over the east tonight, a round of light fluffy snowfall returns to the UP on Saturday. Expect only nuisance travel impacts from the snowfall on Saturday, with amounts ranging from a dusting to a light few inches throughout the day. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaWhile the lake effect snow winds down over the east tonight, a round of light fluffy snowfall returns to the UP on Saturday. Expect only nuisance travel impacts from the snowfall on Saturday, with amounts ranging from a dusting to a light few inches throughout the day. #906wx #miwx
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/2/26
Out for a ride. Lucky me!
Trail 8 between Raco and Brimley.
Thank you Warren and Laurie🤘🏼❄️ #soo #snowphotos1/2/26
Out for a ride. Lucky me!
Trail 8 between Raco and Brimley.
Thank you Warren and Laurie🤘🏼❄️
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Another chilly day is in store today with highs ranging in the teens. Light lake effect snow showers persist today through tonight in the eastern UP, where another 2-4in will be possible. Light snow becomes more widespread across the UP as another system moves through. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaAnother chilly day is in store today with highs ranging in the teens. Light lake effect snow showers persist today through tonight in the eastern UP, where another 2-4in will be possible. Light snow becomes more widespread across the UP as another system moves through.
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/2/26
Good morning everyone! It’s been awhile since I was able to create a complete trail report with all that we’ve had going on, so here we go!
❄️Trail 8- good from the Soo to Brimley, and Brimley to Raco has greatly improved now that the drifts have been knocked down more. Still soft snow that will start packing down more with each run.
❄️ City Trails- part of 49, 449, 497, and the I500 courtesy trail- lots of drifting in the open areas, fair to good. Needs a groom to manage drifts, and we’ll get to it as soon as we can.
❄️ ‼️ Trail 49 - Soo to Kinross- rough from Devils Hill to 12 mile, and we left the groomer out of there the last few days to let it freeze in more. Passable by sled with some wet spots, so use caution. Continued cold and sleds packing it will make a big difference. 12 mile north to the Soo is in good shape. Please stay on the trail! There are water hazards under the snow off trail in several areas.
❄️49 south of M80 and the 494 loop- excellent. No issues here, other than maybe some drifts in open areas.
❄️472 out of Kinross to Tilson Rd- our first pass since the storm was made yesterday so it is much improved. Fair to good. We cannot groom past Tilson due to ongoing construction.
🚨 472 and 480 to the Raco gate- please see the pinned post. We cannot groom in here yet due to bridge construction. The Raco gate is closed.
❄️ 480 from the Spile Dam turnaround to the Raco Powerline ( trail 8 ) - excellent
❄️ Raco Powerline- good
❄️889 The Mission Hill Loop- good- all trees have been cleared and it groomed up nicely.
Ride safe everyone!
**to join or donate, please visit www.sootrails.org** #soo #soo0102 #snowphotos1/2/26
Good morning everyone! It’s been awhile since I was able to create a complete trail report with all that we’ve had going on, so here we go!
❄️Trail 8- good from the Soo to Brimley, and Brimley to Raco has greatly improved now that the drifts have been knocked down more. Still soft snow that will start packing down more with each run.
❄️ City Trails- part of 49, 449, 497, and the I500 courtesy trail- lots of drifting in the open areas, fair to good. Needs a groom to manage drifts, and we’ll get to it as soon as we can.
❄️ ‼️ Trail 49 - Soo to Kinross- rough from Devils Hill to 12 mile, and we left the groomer out of there the last few days to let it freeze in more. Passable by sled with some wet spots, so use caution. Continued cold and sleds packing it will make a big difference. 12 mile north to the Soo is in good shape. Please stay on the trail! There are water hazards under the snow off trail in several areas.
❄️49 south of M80 and the 494 loop- excellent. No issues here, other than maybe some drifts in open areas.
❄️472 out of Kinross to Tilson Rd- our first pass since the storm was made yesterday so it is much improved. Fair to good. We cannot groom past Tilson due to ongoing construction.
🚨 472 and 480 to the Raco gate- please see the pinned post. We cannot groom in here yet due to bridge construction. The Raco gate is closed.
❄️ 480 from the Spile Dam turnaround to the Raco Powerline ( trail 8 ) - excellent
❄️ Raco Powerline- good
❄️889 The Mission Hill Loop- good- all trees have been cleared and it groomed up nicely.
Ride safe everyone!
***to join or donate, please visit www.sootrails.org***
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Another chilly night is in store with wind chills falling to -5 to -20. Lake effect snow will continue with several additional inches of accumulation and low visibility in Ontonagon/Houghton Counties and in the eastern UP along/north of M-28. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaAnother chilly night is in store with wind chills falling to -5 to -20. Lake effect snow will continue with several additional inches of accumulation and low visibility in Ontonagon/Houghton Counties and in the eastern UP along/north of M-28.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Accumulating lake effect snow will continue today, especially across parts of Chippewa County in the eastern U.P. where several inches of additional localized accumulation are expected. Lighter snow showers expected to continue across parts of northwest lower Michigan. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryAccumulating lake effect snow will continue today, especially across parts of Chippewa County in the eastern U.P. where several inches of additional localized accumulation are expected. Lighter snow showers expected to continue across parts of northwest lower Michigan.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Accumulating lake effect snow will continue tonight for parts of eastern upper and the NW lower snowbelt. An additional 1-4 inches is expected for parts of the county with localized amounts in excess of 8 inches possible near Sault Ste. Marie and Brimley. In the NW lower snow belts, additional snow of 2-4 inches in some spots is possible as well tonight. Snow covered roads and quick drops in visibility will lead to hazardous travel at times into tonight. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryAccumulating lake effect snow will continue tonight for parts of eastern upper and the NW lower snowbelt. An additional 1-4 inches is expected for parts of the county with localized amounts in excess of 8 inches possible near Sault Ste. Marie and Brimley. In the NW lower snow belts, additional snow of 2-4 inches in some spots is possible as well tonight. Snow covered roads and quick drops in visibility will lead to hazardous travel at times into tonight.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Happy New Year, northern Michigan! Accumulating lake effect snow will continue today into tonight, mainly across Chippewa county. An additional 2-4” is expected for parts of the county with localized amounts of 6”+ possible near Sault Ste. Marie. Snow covered roads and quick drops in visibility will lead to hazardous travel at times into tonight. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryHappy New Year, northern Michigan! Accumulating lake effect snow will continue today into tonight, mainly across Chippewa county. An additional 2-4” is expected for parts of the county with localized amounts of 6”+ possible near Sault Ste. Marie. Snow covered roads and quick drops in visibility will lead to hazardous travel at times into tonight.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A chilly day is expected for the first day of 2026, with highs mainly in the teens and light lake effect snow continuing for the west to northwest wind snow belts through tonight. Another 2-4” is expected in the eastern UP, though some locally higher amounts up to 6” are possible. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA chilly day is expected for the first day of 2026, with highs mainly in the teens and light lake effect snow continuing for the west to northwest wind snow belts through tonight. Another 2-4” is expected in the eastern UP, though some locally higher amounts up to 6” are possible.
BRIMLEY - EASTERN U.P. UPDATE via Old Soo Line Grade Lodge >> 01/01/26 - HAPPY NEW YEAR
24” minimum on the ground just off Trail 8 in Brimley, MI with more on the way!
Snow and cold temps in the forecast.
Stay safe #soo #newberry #snowphotos
Time for a taller gauge😅
Load more
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> While the lake effect snow winds down over the east tonight, a round of light fluffy snowfall returns to the UP on Saturday. Expect only nuisance travel impacts from the snowfall on Saturday, with amounts ranging from a dusting to a light few inches throughout the day. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaWhile the lake effect snow winds down over the east tonight, a round of light fluffy snowfall returns to the UP on Saturday. Expect only nuisance travel impacts from the snowfall on Saturday, with amounts ranging from a dusting to a light few inches throughout the day. #906wx #miwx
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/2/26
Out for a ride. Lucky me!
Trail 8 between Raco and Brimley.
Thank you Warren and Laurie🤘🏼❄️ #soo #snowphotos1/2/26
Out for a ride. Lucky me!
Trail 8 between Raco and Brimley.
Thank you Warren and Laurie🤘🏼❄️
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Another chilly day is in store today with highs ranging in the teens. Light lake effect snow showers persist today through tonight in the eastern UP, where another 2-4in will be possible. Light snow becomes more widespread across the UP as another system moves through. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaAnother chilly day is in store today with highs ranging in the teens. Light lake effect snow showers persist today through tonight in the eastern UP, where another 2-4in will be possible. Light snow becomes more widespread across the UP as another system moves through.
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/2/26
Good morning everyone! It’s been awhile since I was able to create a complete trail report with all that we’ve had going on, so here we go!
❄️Trail 8- good from the Soo to Brimley, and Brimley to Raco has greatly improved now that the drifts have been knocked down more. Still soft snow that will start packing down more with each run.
❄️ City Trails- part of 49, 449, 497, and the I500 courtesy trail- lots of drifting in the open areas, fair to good. Needs a groom to manage drifts, and we’ll get to it as soon as we can.
❄️ ‼️ Trail 49 - Soo to Kinross- rough from Devils Hill to 12 mile, and we left the groomer out of there the last few days to let it freeze in more. Passable by sled with some wet spots, so use caution. Continued cold and sleds packing it will make a big difference. 12 mile north to the Soo is in good shape. Please stay on the trail! There are water hazards under the snow off trail in several areas.
❄️49 south of M80 and the 494 loop- excellent. No issues here, other than maybe some drifts in open areas.
❄️472 out of Kinross to Tilson Rd- our first pass since the storm was made yesterday so it is much improved. Fair to good. We cannot groom past Tilson due to ongoing construction.
🚨 472 and 480 to the Raco gate- please see the pinned post. We cannot groom in here yet due to bridge construction. The Raco gate is closed.
❄️ 480 from the Spile Dam turnaround to the Raco Powerline ( trail 8 ) - excellent
❄️ Raco Powerline- good
❄️889 The Mission Hill Loop- good- all trees have been cleared and it groomed up nicely.
Ride safe everyone!
**to join or donate, please visit www.sootrails.org** #soo #soo0102 #snowphotos1/2/26
Good morning everyone! It’s been awhile since I was able to create a complete trail report with all that we’ve had going on, so here we go!
❄️Trail 8- good from the Soo to Brimley, and Brimley to Raco has greatly improved now that the drifts have been knocked down more. Still soft snow that will start packing down more with each run.
❄️ City Trails- part of 49, 449, 497, and the I500 courtesy trail- lots of drifting in the open areas, fair to good. Needs a groom to manage drifts, and we’ll get to it as soon as we can.
❄️ ‼️ Trail 49 - Soo to Kinross- rough from Devils Hill to 12 mile, and we left the groomer out of there the last few days to let it freeze in more. Passable by sled with some wet spots, so use caution. Continued cold and sleds packing it will make a big difference. 12 mile north to the Soo is in good shape. Please stay on the trail! There are water hazards under the snow off trail in several areas.
❄️49 south of M80 and the 494 loop- excellent. No issues here, other than maybe some drifts in open areas.
❄️472 out of Kinross to Tilson Rd- our first pass since the storm was made yesterday so it is much improved. Fair to good. We cannot groom past Tilson due to ongoing construction.
🚨 472 and 480 to the Raco gate- please see the pinned post. We cannot groom in here yet due to bridge construction. The Raco gate is closed.
❄️ 480 from the Spile Dam turnaround to the Raco Powerline ( trail 8 ) - excellent
❄️ Raco Powerline- good
❄️889 The Mission Hill Loop- good- all trees have been cleared and it groomed up nicely.
Ride safe everyone!
***to join or donate, please visit www.sootrails.org***
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Another chilly night is in store with wind chills falling to -5 to -20. Lake effect snow will continue with several additional inches of accumulation and low visibility in Ontonagon/Houghton Counties and in the eastern UP along/north of M-28. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaAnother chilly night is in store with wind chills falling to -5 to -20. Lake effect snow will continue with several additional inches of accumulation and low visibility in Ontonagon/Houghton Counties and in the eastern UP along/north of M-28.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Accumulating lake effect snow will continue today, especially across parts of Chippewa County in the eastern U.P. where several inches of additional localized accumulation are expected. Lighter snow showers expected to continue across parts of northwest lower Michigan. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryAccumulating lake effect snow will continue today, especially across parts of Chippewa County in the eastern U.P. where several inches of additional localized accumulation are expected. Lighter snow showers expected to continue across parts of northwest lower Michigan.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Accumulating lake effect snow will continue tonight for parts of eastern upper and the NW lower snowbelt. An additional 1-4 inches is expected for parts of the county with localized amounts in excess of 8 inches possible near Sault Ste. Marie and Brimley. In the NW lower snow belts, additional snow of 2-4 inches in some spots is possible as well tonight. Snow covered roads and quick drops in visibility will lead to hazardous travel at times into tonight. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryAccumulating lake effect snow will continue tonight for parts of eastern upper and the NW lower snowbelt. An additional 1-4 inches is expected for parts of the county with localized amounts in excess of 8 inches possible near Sault Ste. Marie and Brimley. In the NW lower snow belts, additional snow of 2-4 inches in some spots is possible as well tonight. Snow covered roads and quick drops in visibility will lead to hazardous travel at times into tonight.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Happy New Year, northern Michigan! Accumulating lake effect snow will continue today into tonight, mainly across Chippewa county. An additional 2-4” is expected for parts of the county with localized amounts of 6”+ possible near Sault Ste. Marie. Snow covered roads and quick drops in visibility will lead to hazardous travel at times into tonight. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryHappy New Year, northern Michigan! Accumulating lake effect snow will continue today into tonight, mainly across Chippewa county. An additional 2-4” is expected for parts of the county with localized amounts of 6”+ possible near Sault Ste. Marie. Snow covered roads and quick drops in visibility will lead to hazardous travel at times into tonight.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A chilly day is expected for the first day of 2026, with highs mainly in the teens and light lake effect snow continuing for the west to northwest wind snow belts through tonight. Another 2-4” is expected in the eastern UP, though some locally higher amounts up to 6” are possible. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA chilly day is expected for the first day of 2026, with highs mainly in the teens and light lake effect snow continuing for the west to northwest wind snow belts through tonight. Another 2-4” is expected in the eastern UP, though some locally higher amounts up to 6” are possible.
BRIMLEY - EASTERN U.P. UPDATE via Old Soo Line Grade Lodge >> 01/01/26 - HAPPY NEW YEAR
24” minimum on the ground just off Trail 8 in Brimley, MI with more on the way!
Snow and cold temps in the forecast.
Stay safe #soo #newberry #snowphotos
Time for a taller gauge😅
<>
Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links
- Traverse City Area Trail Report – 01/02
- Grand Marais Area Trail Report – 01/02
- Keweenaw Peninsula Trail Report – 01/02
- Newberry Area Trail Report – 01/02
- Ontonagon Area Trail Report – 01/02
- Petoskey Area Trail Report – 01/02
- Paradise Area Trail Report – 01/02
- Seney Area Trail Report – 01/02
- Watersmeet – Western U.P. Trail Report – 01/02
- Harbor Springs Area Trail Report – 01/02
- Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 01/02
- Lake Gogebic Area Trail Report – 01/01
- Gaylord Area Trail Report – 01/01
- Frederic / Gaylord Area Trail Report – Sledheads of Frederic – 01/01
- Grand Marais Area Trail Report – 01/01
- Ontonagon Area Trail Report – 01/01
- Keweenaw Peninsula Trail Report – 01/01
- Cadillac Area Trail Report – 01/01
- Paradise Area Trail Report – 01/01
- Harbor Springs Area Trail Report – 01/01
- Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 01/01
- Ironwood – Western U.P. Trail Report – 12/31
- Watersmeet – Western U.P. Trail Report – 12/31
- Lake Gogebic Area Trail Report – 12/31
- Sidnaw – Western U.P. Trail Report – 12/31
- Baldwin Area Trail Report – 12/31
- Newberry Area Trail Report – 12/31
- Ontonagon Area Trail Report – 12/31
<>