The snowmobile trails from Twin Lakes to Copper Harbor are officially open. Due to warmer temps the groomers are not out. As soon as it gets cooler and we get more snow grooming will resume.

Any trail usage should be done with extreme care until we have better snow cover as there are rocks, stumps, branches and wet areas not covered by snow and hazards that have not been identified.

The protective mat on the Portage Lift Bridge between Houghton and Hancock will not be installed until the middle of January. It is safe to cross the on the metal grating and will do no damage to your sled, just please drive carefully until the mat is installed.

There will be 20 minute closures of the Portage Lift Bridge tonight between 7 pm and 6 am.

Remember to watch out for the groomers when you’re out on the trails, they have the right of way!!

The Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau asks that you stay on the trails, STAY OFF THE ICE, respect private property, do not drink and drive, and above all else, please, drive safely. The signs on the snowmobile trails are there for the riders’ safety. Please, DO NOT remove or destroy these signs.

Please be aware that if you snowmobile on U.S. Coast Guard property you could face federal trespass charges.

Wet, wet, wet…pretty much sums up our trail conditions right now and the groomers are off the trails until conditions change. The forecast is calling for a return to normal conditions for this time of year once we get past Monday. On the bright side, this actually may be a good thing for setting the trails up for better conditions for the rest of the season. The trails are packed down so they’ll freeze once the temperature drops and then we’re expected to get more snow through next week. But for now the trail conditions are very poor. I will keep you updated as soon as conditions change so keep checking back.

For any who are planning to spend Christmas day up here be aware that not all of the restaurants will be open so it’s best to call ahead. Also, by law, all bars must close Christmas Eve by 9:00et/8:00ct.

You can legally ride any county road that does not get plowed, but check with the Forest Service for a map to these roads. They have a waterproof one for $10.00. Call 906-932-1330 or go to www.fs.usda.gov/ottawa for more info.

The new snowmobile maps are out and available at most local businesses. Please remember that only money put into the wooden map money boxes with the photo of the groomers on it goes towards the trails – so please be aware of this and watch for this.

That’s all for now from Carolyn at the Hoop! We can’t wait to see you all back up again enjoying our beautiful area. For additional information about the Lake Gogebic area please visit the chamber website at www.LakeGogebicArea.com or call them at 1-888-464-3242 (888-GOGEBIC). Have a great day and a great ride.

Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce – 03/29/2014

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