Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 01/05
SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association – 01/05
1/5/25 8:30 PM update
Run down of where we are at. Like all of you, I’m a rider too and I try my best to give you accurate info. I realize everyone has a different perspective of what is good and bad. I feel like I’m pretty fair, and often times more critical of our trails because I want to be as honest as possible. So here we go-
The Soo definitely got the most out of the lake effect snow event from Thursday to this morning. Not as much west or south of us on our trail system.
Trail 8 from the Soo to Raco gets thinner as you head west to about a mile or two west of Irish Line, then sees a bit more coverage as you approach the 480 intersection. Open areas saw snow get blown off the trail, and our operators use the blade as best they can to pull snow in from the sides. There are some thin areas, most notably just west of 6 Mile where those doggone slag rocks are popping up for about 100 feet. I stop and toss them off when I see them. We’ll try to pick the drag up in that section to keep them from pulling up. More snow will bury them back up.
8 on the powerline to Ranger Rd had more snow on it than I expected and is great.
889 is also great.
Met some of our other volunteers for a ride today coming from Kinross. They took 472 to 480 to 8 and they said it was good. A few ruts left from some wheeled vehicles during the warm up. Nothing major.
Rider reports from 49 south of M80 and the 494 loop reported both as excellent.
The city trails, with the exception of 449 and the now closed Kewadin trail are also in good shape. Pete is out there now, and will have a report for us that I’ll share.
I’m going to pin the post about 449 and the Kewadin Trail for easy reference.
49 from Alberta Ln south of the DonDee Lanes (great food!) remains ungroomed. Lots of wet spots still. The cold weather should do the trick and allow it to freeze up nicely. We’ll run it as soon as it makes sense to do so. It is ungroomed from there to Gaines Hwy in Kinross. Sleds have been riding it, but you need to know it’s at your own risk, and is likely very rough.
Overall, we could use more snow to freshen up most areas, but things overall are good with some fair areas, and some excellent areas!
I hope that helps! Ride safe! ❄️❄️❄️
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1/5/25
Good morning all!
Brimley Bill headed out very early this morning in the Bay Mills and Raco area on part of 480, the powerline, and 889. Here’s his report-
“I groomed the Powerline and the Mission Hill Loop early this morning. There’s still some wind, but not as strong as yesterday. Open areas still have some drifting.
I was able smooth out all the chatter from traffic and drifts.
I got out early enough so that the trail had some time to set up before any sled traffic.
The trails are in really good shape.”
Thanks Bill! Have a great ride everyone! ❄️❄️❄️
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Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Facebook Page
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Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Heavy snow and strong winds expected to spread across Upper Michigan Sunday night and Monday. Hazardous to dangerous driving conditions and power outages will be possible. Those with travel plans Sunday night and Monday should be prepared to cancel or adjust those plans! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaHeavy snow and strong winds expected to spread across Upper Michigan Sunday night and Monday. Hazardous to dangerous driving conditions and power outages will be possible. Those with travel plans Sunday night and Monday should be prepared to cancel or adjust those plans!
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/27/25
Brimley Bill groomed part of 480, the Raco Powerline, and the 889 loop this morning. Looking great for the weekend traffic!
Thanks Bill!!❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soophotos #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via Midwest Weather >> ~(Updated) Snowfall Forecast Sunrise Sunday-Sunrise Tuesday~
A major winter storm is expected to bring significant snowfall to portions of the region. Most of the accumulating snow will be along and north of I-80. No matter how much snow will fall, there will be strong northwest winds that will create blowing and drifting snow. Travel north of I-80 will be near impossible at times. Some road closures are possible along and north of I-90 given greater accumulation and more persistent blizzard-like conditions. Heaviest snowfall totals through sunrise Tuesday (there will be more after) will be along Lake Superior. Snowfall rates could exceed 2" an hour at times due to lake enhancement. Expect over a foot in most areas along the lakeshore before dropping as you get closer to the WI border. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey~OUTDATED~
~(Updated) Snowfall Forecast Sunrise Sunday-Sunrise Tuesday~
A major winter storm is expected to bring significant snowfall to portions of the region. Most of the accumulating snow will be along and north of I-80. No matter how much snow will fall, there will be strong northwest winds that will create blowing and drifting snow. Travel north of I-80 will be near impossible at times. Some road closures are possible along and north of I-90 given greater accumulation and more persistent blizzard-like conditions. Heaviest snowfall totals through sunrise Tuesday (there will be more after) will be along Lake Superior. Snowfall rates could exceed 2" an hour at times due to lake enhancement. Expect over a foot in most areas along the lakeshore before dropping as you get closer to the WI border.
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SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/27/25
Good morning!
No real significant snow in our area yesterday, though we did pick up a general 4-5” inches over much of our area.
We did have groomers out yesterday in the Raco, Bay Mills, and Brimley areas, on 8, 889, and part of 480, as well as on trail 49 from the Soo to 12 mile, and also on 49 from Devils Hill to Kinross and the 494 loop. We skipped the thin section south of 12 to preserve the new snow and let riders pack it. City trails will be done tonight if needed, as well as trail 8 from the Soo to Brimley.
I’ll be going for a ride later today and I’ll report what I see.
Significant snow is forecasted for tomorrow through Tuesday, along with high winds so that could get interesting.
Remember, we are on Groomer Tracker, subscribe today!
Ride safe! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Heavy snow and strong winds expected to spread across Upper Michigan Sunday night and Monday. Hazardous to dangerous driving conditions and power outages will be possible. Those with travel plans Sunday night and Monday should be prepared to cancel or adjust those plans! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain will cause slippery conditions across Upper Michigan this morning, ending from west to east through the afternoon. Isolated power outages will be possible in parts of western Upper Michigan. Attention then turns to additional rounds of winter precipitation both Saturday night/Sunday and Sunday night/Monday. Models continue to trend toward accumulating snow from Sunday night into Monday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain will cause slippery conditions across Upper Michigan this morning, ending from west to east through the afternoon. Isolated power outages will be possible in parts of western Upper Michigan. Attention then turns to additional rounds of winter precipitation both Saturday night/Sunday and Sunday night/Monday. Models continue to trend toward accumulating snow from Sunday night into Monday.
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
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/26/25
Good morning, all! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
Our wish has been granted and snow has returned! How much we will get remains to be seen, but sounds like 6” for our general area by tomorrow, then more later in the weekend. Our Raco crew is out on the 889 loop as I type this, and we’ll update once groomers are able to roll out in other areas.
As a reminder- trail 472 from Tilson Rd all the way to the Raco gate on 480 has lots of heavy equipment and a partially plowed road in there with exposed rocks due to bridge construction. We are advising that you stay out of there for now please. We cannot groom it either. See the pinned post for more info and for the exact location.
Also see the post from yesterday for the trouble spots on trail 49.
All other trails have good coveage and a solid base. This new snow will only help.
As always, we will keep you posted! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo
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.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain may result in slippery roadways and isolated power outages tonight into Friday morning. Those with travel plans should leave extra time for travel! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
FROM Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/25/25
We hope you’re having a great Christmas! Trails are pretty hard packed and icy in spots, and we definitely need snow.
Big thanks to rider Chuck for sending us these pics. These are the worst of the worst spots on our trail system right now. This is trail 49 south of the Soo, north of Kinross. He said that overall the trail is pretty fair with the exception of these spots.
These are the usual trouble spots in the early season. However, we normally can’t even groom this trail until mid January so we are pleased to be ahead of the game.
If we get the new snow that’s forecasted, these areas will easily be filled in.
Always important to share the bad spots too, so we appreciate the pics Chuck!
We’ll keep you updated as snow returns tomorrow into the weekend. ❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo2 #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Expect a wintery mix to develop across the U.P. tonight and continue into Friday morning, ending west to east through the day. Mainly snow is expected for the far north and east with mainly freezing rain near the MI/WI stateline. Those with travel plans should leave extra time for travel as roads could be slippery. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect tonight into Friday for the entire U.P.
For more information, visit the full briefing packet here :https://www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
Can we expect any significant lake effect between now and New Year's?
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> Merry Christmas everyone! Santa looks to be bringing us some snow! Have a wonderful day with family and friends🎄❄️❤️ #sooMerry Christmas everyone! Santa looks to be bringing us some snow! Have a wonderful day with family and friends🎄❄️❤️
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WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Heavy snow and strong winds expected to spread across Upper Michigan Sunday night and Monday. Hazardous to dangerous driving conditions and power outages will be possible. Those with travel plans Sunday night and Monday should be prepared to cancel or adjust those plans! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaHeavy snow and strong winds expected to spread across Upper Michigan Sunday night and Monday. Hazardous to dangerous driving conditions and power outages will be possible. Those with travel plans Sunday night and Monday should be prepared to cancel or adjust those plans!
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/27/25
Brimley Bill groomed part of 480, the Raco Powerline, and the 889 loop this morning. Looking great for the weekend traffic!
Thanks Bill!!❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soophotos #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via Midwest Weather >> ~(Updated) Snowfall Forecast Sunrise Sunday-Sunrise Tuesday~
A major winter storm is expected to bring significant snowfall to portions of the region. Most of the accumulating snow will be along and north of I-80. No matter how much snow will fall, there will be strong northwest winds that will create blowing and drifting snow. Travel north of I-80 will be near impossible at times. Some road closures are possible along and north of I-90 given greater accumulation and more persistent blizzard-like conditions. Heaviest snowfall totals through sunrise Tuesday (there will be more after) will be along Lake Superior. Snowfall rates could exceed 2" an hour at times due to lake enhancement. Expect over a foot in most areas along the lakeshore before dropping as you get closer to the WI border. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey~OUTDATED~
~(Updated) Snowfall Forecast Sunrise Sunday-Sunrise Tuesday~
A major winter storm is expected to bring significant snowfall to portions of the region. Most of the accumulating snow will be along and north of I-80. No matter how much snow will fall, there will be strong northwest winds that will create blowing and drifting snow. Travel north of I-80 will be near impossible at times. Some road closures are possible along and north of I-90 given greater accumulation and more persistent blizzard-like conditions. Heaviest snowfall totals through sunrise Tuesday (there will be more after) will be along Lake Superior. Snowfall rates could exceed 2" an hour at times due to lake enhancement. Expect over a foot in most areas along the lakeshore before dropping as you get closer to the WI border.
Ready for that magical vacation?
Let Mary handle the details! I ensure your trip is seamless and magical, from finding the best promos to dining reservations.
Offering complimentary, personalized planning from start to finish. Take the trip…make the memories.
Please check out her Facebook page for more information: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090439233631
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/27/25
Good morning!
No real significant snow in our area yesterday, though we did pick up a general 4-5” inches over much of our area.
We did have groomers out yesterday in the Raco, Bay Mills, and Brimley areas, on 8, 889, and part of 480, as well as on trail 49 from the Soo to 12 mile, and also on 49 from Devils Hill to Kinross and the 494 loop. We skipped the thin section south of 12 to preserve the new snow and let riders pack it. City trails will be done tonight if needed, as well as trail 8 from the Soo to Brimley.
I’ll be going for a ride later today and I’ll report what I see.
Significant snow is forecasted for tomorrow through Tuesday, along with high winds so that could get interesting.
Remember, we are on Groomer Tracker, subscribe today!
Ride safe! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Heavy snow and strong winds expected to spread across Upper Michigan Sunday night and Monday. Hazardous to dangerous driving conditions and power outages will be possible. Those with travel plans Sunday night and Monday should be prepared to cancel or adjust those plans! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain will cause slippery conditions across Upper Michigan this morning, ending from west to east through the afternoon. Isolated power outages will be possible in parts of western Upper Michigan. Attention then turns to additional rounds of winter precipitation both Saturday night/Sunday and Sunday night/Monday. Models continue to trend toward accumulating snow from Sunday night into Monday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain will cause slippery conditions across Upper Michigan this morning, ending from west to east through the afternoon. Isolated power outages will be possible in parts of western Upper Michigan. Attention then turns to additional rounds of winter precipitation both Saturday night/Sunday and Sunday night/Monday. Models continue to trend toward accumulating snow from Sunday night into Monday.
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
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/26/25
Good morning, all! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
Our wish has been granted and snow has returned! How much we will get remains to be seen, but sounds like 6” for our general area by tomorrow, then more later in the weekend. Our Raco crew is out on the 889 loop as I type this, and we’ll update once groomers are able to roll out in other areas.
As a reminder- trail 472 from Tilson Rd all the way to the Raco gate on 480 has lots of heavy equipment and a partially plowed road in there with exposed rocks due to bridge construction. We are advising that you stay out of there for now please. We cannot groom it either. See the pinned post for more info and for the exact location.
Also see the post from yesterday for the trouble spots on trail 49.
All other trails have good coveage and a solid base. This new snow will only help.
As always, we will keep you posted! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo
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.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain may result in slippery roadways and isolated power outages tonight into Friday morning. Those with travel plans should leave extra time for travel! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
FROM Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/25/25
We hope you’re having a great Christmas! Trails are pretty hard packed and icy in spots, and we definitely need snow.
Big thanks to rider Chuck for sending us these pics. These are the worst of the worst spots on our trail system right now. This is trail 49 south of the Soo, north of Kinross. He said that overall the trail is pretty fair with the exception of these spots.
These are the usual trouble spots in the early season. However, we normally can’t even groom this trail until mid January so we are pleased to be ahead of the game.
If we get the new snow that’s forecasted, these areas will easily be filled in.
Always important to share the bad spots too, so we appreciate the pics Chuck!
We’ll keep you updated as snow returns tomorrow into the weekend. ❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo2 #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Expect a wintery mix to develop across the U.P. tonight and continue into Friday morning, ending west to east through the day. Mainly snow is expected for the far north and east with mainly freezing rain near the MI/WI stateline. Those with travel plans should leave extra time for travel as roads could be slippery. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect tonight into Friday for the entire U.P.
For more information, visit the full briefing packet here :https://www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
Can we expect any significant lake effect between now and New Year's?
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> Merry Christmas everyone! Santa looks to be bringing us some snow! Have a wonderful day with family and friends🎄❄️❤️ #sooMerry Christmas everyone! Santa looks to be bringing us some snow! Have a wonderful day with family and friends🎄❄️❤️
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