SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 01/11
1/11/26
Last one for the day, I think.
Lane went out scouting on 49 today, and there’s definitely some wet spots showing now south of 11 mile. He said it definitely needs cold, but it’s flat and nice with the new snow. Sleds will pack it in, and cold later this week will really seal it up.
I went out with a group to the west after checking on 480 (please see video from earlier), and we had a fantastic day. We went to Trout Lake and hit many forest service roads as we made our way back to the Soo. Chippewa Snowchasers has 472 from west of Rudyard to Trout Lake in amazing condition!
On our return to the Soo, 8 from Brimley east had the typical chatter bumps after a weekend day. We need a bit more snow, another groom, and it’ll be much better.
Couple of low 30s days ahead, then temps nosedive. Based on the images I’ve seen from clubs all over the UP, we all definitely welcome a deep freeze for the swamps.
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 01/11
1/11/26
Good evening all!
Groomer Pete was out tonight on the city trails, and here’s what he had to say-
“I went out for my scheduled Sunday night of the city trails.
The Good:
The base we do have is pretty thick and flat. The Ashmun Bay access trail ( Trail 8 )is in fine shape all the way to the staging area. Trail 49 from the tracks into town is in good shape, and the hills between the tunnel and the airport are good! The rest of 49 is in good shape as well all the way to 3 Mile.
The Bad:
The warm temps and amount of rain last week definitely hampered our trail building efforts. 449 is pretty good most of the way. There are definitely some soft wet areas approaching Seymour and going to Kewadin. I stayed on the drier side of the trail and avoided opening up any water holes, but riders beware that the water and slush is there! The trails are very icy with a little fluffy powder on top. The sugary snow and powder don’t really setup well, so use caution on turns.
The Ugly:
497, the trail to the High School, is a mess. Tons of water. I made it a couple hundred yards in, and it was a mess. I did a 30 point turn and went back out. I could see significant water holes and nastiness inside the tree line and decided not to make it worse. Plus I was worried about getting stuck, with water hole depth unknown. That trail should be avoided for a couple days until the very cold returns and we get some heavy snow. I would not expect this trail to be groomed again for a few days. Picture is provided to show the conditions.
We survived last weeks warmup and rain, but we have some recovering to do for sure. Do your snow dances and fingers crossed that the cold returns later this week.
-Groomer Pete”
Thanks Pete!
I’ll follow up with a couple more reports from the day in a bit.
497 to the high school pictured
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