Happy Leap Day! And a very, very, very windy Leap Day it is on the Keweenaw. Not snowing here yet, but I hear it’s doing a good job of it a bit south of us. If you’re out on the Keweenaw today, on a snowmobile, on skis, or even in a vehicle, be careful as drifting and low visibility can occur with the high winds, especially if and when it starts snowing. Watch out for groomers and each other! Ride Safe! — Via
Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula Page

This is the Keweenaw trail system report for Wednesday, February 29, 2012.

The snowmobile trails from Twin Lakes to Copper Harbor are open and groomers are out working on them. Trails are in very good condition. Remember to watch out for the groomers when you’re out on the trails….they have the right of way!!! Please watch out for deer on the trails too.

The CopperDog 150 sled dog race will be held on portions of the snowmobile trail system March 2 through March 4. Please use caution and take advantage of alternate routes. Friday Night from 7 to 11 pm, Stage 1, the dogs will run trails 122, 124, trail 3 from Phoenix to the north end of trail 130 and into Eagle Harbor. Saturday from 9 am to 1:15 pm, Stage 2, they will run the north end of trail 130 to 132 to 134 to Copper Harbor. Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm, Stage 3, is trail 3 from Copper Harbor to Calumet. Anyone with any questions on this can call the CVB at 906-337-4579 or 800-SNOWFALL.

There is logging on a portion of Trail 133.

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

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.

Snowfall & Weather Report:
Houghton county – 31 inches on the ground, 171.5 inches fallen to date as of 2/29/12
Keweenaw county –27 inches on the ground, 150.5 inches fallen to date as of 2/29/12

Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula Page on Facebook >>>>

More Information at Keweenaw.info >>>>

Ray’s Retreat – February 28
You should have been with us!

Snowing Hard!!!! 8 – 12 inches expected today with another good snow on Friday. It can only get better.

Ray’s Retreat Country Inn Snowmobile Report
You should have been with us! … we just returned from an absolutely awesome ride on the trails. Best ride of the year. Its so neat, because each ride we’ve taken this year is better than the last.
We were on Gaylord Trails, Kalkaska Trails, and Jordan Valley – all were groomed superbly. Great job to all those groomers who work hard to give us such excellent riding conditions.
85% of our ride was excellent, 5% was fair, the other 10% good. That’s a good day on the trails. Not many riders out either, so the trails can be in good shape all day. I encourage anyone that can take some time off to head north during the week and enjoy the great trail conditions.
We headed south on trail 7 (from Rays Retreat). Trail 7 to just a little out of Waters was bumpy, and the short section along Waters had dirt showing. Snow on either side. Just 1/4 mile maybe even less out of Waters continuing on trail 7 south it was good. Just before Frederick we made the turn west onto 679. Cutting into 679 from the road was dirty (as with anywhere today… there was always snow along the sides). 679 was excellent. No complaints whatsoever. Just 1-2 corners that were down to the ice. Trail flat and smooth. A beautiful ride. We passed two sleds. Stopped at The Hideaway for lunch. There were about 10 sleds there having a break. Got back onto 679 taking it to just the little bit of 76. 76 had a short area that had bumps and spot of dirt. Then we were onto 4 and easy sailing for home.
We both agreed it was just a fantastic day of riding. We averaged between 40-50 mph because the trails were just in great shape. Easy ride.
I sure hope you’ll be able to get some riding in with these great conditions. If you need a sled – remember we rent them! Come up and stay with us at www.raysretreatcountryinn