Ontonagon Trail Report – 01/08
Trail #11, South Boundary Road (aka snowmobile super highway) and Trail #1 to Lake of the Clouds are in fantastic condition! Over 2′ of fresh snow. <> <> Visit North Country Snowmobile Club – UP Website >>>> <> Visit North Country Snowmobile Club – UP on Facebook >>>> <> WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> It will be warmer today with highs in the upper 20s to mid 30s. Light snow is possible south of an Iron Mountain to Escanaba line but any accumulation will be very light. There is a chance (20-30%) for light snow across the central and eastern U.P tonight but little in the way of accumulation is expected. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaIt will be warmer today with highs in the upper 20s to mid 30s. Light snow is possible south of an Iron Mountain to Escanaba line but any accumulation will be very light. There is a chance (20-30%) for light snow across the central and eastern U.P tonight but little in the way of accumulation is expected. ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins >> ❄️ Snowmobile Trail Update ❄️ BESSEMER - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Trails-North Powersports LLC >> 🥰 Dina and I made a 200 mile loop yesterday from Bessemer to Sidnaw to Rockland back to Bessemer trying to get our ole butts in shape 😂😂 for our ride with Snowball Cancer in February 🤟❤️ We are so blessed to have great trails this early to allow us to condition 💯 Hats off to all of the Clubs in those regions for getting the trails in such great shape after the storm 💯💯 45 days and we will be riding to help families who are fighting cancer 💯 Please click this link donate.snowballcancer.org/... to find Matt and Dina Shinabery 's rider profiles to help them achieve their minimum needed goals to ride 🤟🌬️❄️❄️❄️ Thank you!! ❤️ #westernup #snowphotos ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> Mac's run to the Lake of the Clouds today. Along Lake Superior the snow runs from a trace to 5-6". Up top, it's closer to 2 feet and the road up is in great shape. #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Bergland Area Groomer's report for 12-21-25.. ❄️❄️❄️ ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> Good afternoon, Sledheads: SIDNAW - WESTERN U.P. via Sno Valley Riders Snowmobile Club >> ❄️🌒 Happy Winter Solstice! 🌒❄️ LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Bergland Outfitters Bait Shop & Motel >> Dec 21 trail report.. WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow showers will continue in the northwest wind snowbelts this morning and then begin to shift north and offshore this afternoon into the evening as winds become southwesterly. Additional snowfall of up to an inch in the west and 1 to 3 inches in the east can be expected. A round of light snow is possible on Monday into Monday night with temperatures moderating through mid-week. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLake effect snow showers will continue in the northwest wind snowbelts this morning and then begin to shift north and offshore this afternoon into the evening as winds become southwesterly. Additional snowfall of up to an inch in the west and 1 to 3 inches in the east can be expected. A round of light snow is possible on Monday into Monday night with temperatures moderating through mid-week. LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Bergland Area Groomer's update for 12-20-25. Gosh, I wish we got that kind of snow here in Southern lower Michigan. How deep is the snow there right now ? SIDNAW - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Sno Valley Riders Snowmobile Club >> Groomer Report: WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Here is our last call for ongoing system snow and lake effect snow from now through Sunday evening at 6 pm EST, December 20th & 21st, 2025. A snow squall. Maybe that’s what we had going on in Wakefield today. It was nuts! WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> The first round of snow continues through mid-morning before most get a brief dry period into this afternoon; snow showers persist in the Keweenaw. Then a transition over to lake effect snow over the west to northwest wind snowbelts. 3 to 7 inches of snowfall over the east tonight into Sunday morning. LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Update from the Marenisco section of GAG. Warm temperatures and rain on Thursday turned into snow last night and colder weather today. Crews out grooming trails and continuing to make improvements. Finally groomed the last leg of Trail 1 to PI and it was a challenge! A lot of work went into clearing all the downfall on the trail a short while back, but there was still quite a bit of wood buried in the snow that popped up once running the drag through. The return trip consisted of frequent stops to get all of it off the trail. Got everything smoothed out for the most part but there’s still some messy areas where trees were down and removed. SIDNAW - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Sno Valley Riders Snowmobile Club >> We would like to thank EVERYONE that helped us clean the trails from the Thanksgiving storm. We finally got Trail 3 north out of Bruce Crossing fully cleared and groomed today - this was the last section of our trail system that needed to be cleared. #westernup #snowphotosWe would like to thank EVERYONE that helped us clean the trails from the Thanksgiving storm. We finally got Trail 3 north out of Bruce Crossing fully cleared and groomed today - this was the last section of our trail system that needed to be cleared. WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Another system brings a quick round of light to moderate snowfall late tonight into early Saturday. A widespread 1-3 inches of snow is expected, possibly locally higher up to 3-4in in the eastern UP. A change over to lake effect snow is expected in the NW wind snow belts Saturday afternoon, lingering into Sunday. Winds turn gusty for Saturday, with gusts as high as 40-45mph possible over the Keweenaw, where a Wind Advisory is in effect Saturday afternoon and evening. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaAnother system brings a quick round of light to moderate snowfall late tonight into early Saturday. A widespread 1-3 inches of snow is expected, possibly locally higher up to 3-4in in the eastern UP. A change over to lake effect snow is expected in the NW wind snow belts Saturday afternoon, lingering into Sunday. Winds turn gusty for Saturday, with gusts as high as 40-45mph possible over the Keweenaw, where a Wind Advisory is in effect Saturday afternoon and evening. <> Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links <>Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
We picked up 8–10 inches of fresh snow this weekend here in Ontonagon and it was just what the trails needed! This snowfall helped freshen things up and improve overall riding conditions across the area.
It’s still early season riding, so expect some thinner spots, wet areas and changing conditions, but the good news is all trails are open and rideable — and there are even some really good stretches out there already.
A big thank-you to the groomers and volunteers who have been putting in the time to make this happen. Ride smart, ride within your limits, and enjoy the fresh snow! 🛷❄️ #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos❄️ Snowmobile Trail Update ❄️
We picked up 8–10 inches of fresh snow this weekend here in Ontonagon and it was just what the trails needed! This snowfall helped freshen things up and improve overall riding conditions across the area.
It’s still early season riding, so expect some thinner spots, wet areas and changing conditions, but the good news is all trails are open and rideable — and there are even some really good stretches out there already.
A big thank-you to the groomers and volunteers who have been putting in the time to make this happen. Ride smart, ride within your limits, and enjoy the fresh snow! 🛷❄️
Current Temp 10°. Overnight we received another 4". So approximately 8" over the past 2 day's.
Our Trails..
Everything has been opened up. You are going to encounter twiggy, narrow, thin and wet but also excellent condition's. Ride with caution but everything should be 💯 passable without taking a slush bath.
The Timberline access trail was opened today use caution in the low areas for water spots. AJ's was attempted but not passable with a groomer but sleds have been getting through. We currently have a machine running 8w to Wakefield and then 1n to White Pine. That's our update for this Sunday evening. Enjoy and be safe!! Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
We got out to groom last night covering Trail 13 - Trail 101 - Trail 137 and Trail 12 from 101 to White Pine. We still have wet spots due to the recent warm-up last week, and have not yet been able to build ramps at the elevated driveways along Hwy 64 so ride with caution.
Yesterday, Mac & Rick took down the "widowmaker" over Trail 1 in the woods just North of the junction of Trail 1 and Trail 102. The high winds keep blowing the fresh fluffy snow off Trail 1 along Lake Superior, so we are still not grooming that section. Mac will be out this afternoon grooming the road section of Trail 1 north of the ski hill to Lake of the Clouds. #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotosGood afternoon, Sledheads:
We got out to groom last night covering Trail 13 - Trail 101 - Trail 137 and Trail 12 from 101 to White Pine. Thanks to Mike C for making the run out of Hamilton's North Coast Adventures! We still have wet spots due to the recent warm-up last week, and have not yet been able to build ramps at the elevated driveways along Hwy 64 so ride with caution.
Yesterday, Mac & Rick took down the "widowmaker" over Trail 1 in the woods just North of the junction of Trail 1 and Trail 11. The high winds keep blowing the fresh fluffy snow off Trail 1 along Lake Superior, so we are still not grooming that section. Mac will be out this afternoon grooming the road section of Trail 1 north of the ski hill to Lake of the Clouds.
Today marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year — and the slow return of longer, brighter days.
For snowmobilers, that means one thing…
➡️ We’re officially sliding into the heart of winter!
More snow, more rides, and more time on the trails are just around the corner.
Wherever you are today, we hope you find a little light, warmth, and maybe even a fresh dusting of snow.
Stay safe, ride smart, and remember: Ride Right, Lead Right — and the groomer always has the right of way! ❄️🚜
— Sno Valley Riders – Western U.P. #sidnaw #westernup❄️🌒 Happy Winter Solstice! 🌒❄️
Today marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year — and the slow return of longer, brighter days.
For snowmobilers, that means one thing…
➡️ We’re officially sliding into the heart of winter!
More snow, more rides, and more time on the trails are just around the corner.
Wherever you are today, we hope you find a little light, warmth, and maybe even a fresh dusting of snow.
Stay safe, ride smart, and remember: Ride Right, Lead Right — and the groomer always has the right of way! ❄️🚜
— Sno Valley Riders – Western U.P.
8 e of bergland thin but that's typical then went 13n you're going to get slapped with limbs overall 13n to potato farm Rd excellent from there I went to lp Walsh Rd ..
Trails overall are great a few thin spots in a few corners 9 out of 10 for riding.. Thank again to our local groomer clubs A+ job for what you guys started with ..
Lake Gogebic report.
Yes people are fishing ice ranges from 5-9 inches. I will just say use your own judgement I won't tell you it's safe ..
Have a great evening.. #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
Groomer's out there killing it!
13 from the 8e and 13n junction at East shore Rd. to the Root Cellar was set and groomed today. In poor condition but 💯 passable.
Video is of 13 north of M28 to our turn around at 101.. Current Temp's around 9° with whiteout conditions. Happy Saturday! Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
Trail Condition: Fair
Last Groomed: December 19th, 2025
All of our trials are open and groomed.
We would like the give a big THANK YOU to the DNR for helping us on trail 3 from Bruce Crossing to Rockland, they were insturmental in getting this trail open!
It is still early season riding in many areas, watch out for wet spots and some thin snow areas.
Overall I am calling our trails FAIR, there are some areas that are excellent and some that are not great but all are rideable.
Please ride on the RIGHT side of the trail and STOP at the stop signs!
Stay on the trail, if you don’t we could lose trail permissions on private property.
Groomers have the right of way on the trails, pull over and stop to let them safely pass!
We now have Groomer Tracker installed in our groomers.
We groom every day that the weather conditions and equipment allow. Unforeseen circumstances may prevent us from going out, like a major blizzard and being snowed in at our homes or equipment breakdowns. #westernup
Uncertainty exists primarily in our trace-1" category which extends from Frankfort and Alpena south to I-96/I-69. The clipper moving through today may produce a quick squall of rain & snow with minimal accumulation some time beyond 1 pm EST, but models haven't determined if this band will solidify or not. If it does, the chance for a rain/snow mix exists in areas highlighted in the pink dashed box. This rain/snow mix would only be today. Any snow on Sunday will be lake effect off of Lake Superior, hence why our highest totals of 4-8" are located east of Munising over to Paradise. Not too impactful of a system in terms of Michigander standards, but do take it slow if you encounter any snow squalls and/or visibly slick roads. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyHere is our last call for ongoing system snow and lake effect snow from now through Sunday evening at 6 pm EST, December 20th & 21st, 2025.
Uncertainty exists primarily in our trace-1" category which extends from Frankfort and Alpena south to I-96/I-69. The clipper moving through today may produce a quick squall of rain & snow with minimal accumulation some time beyond 1 pm EST, but models haven't determined if this band will solidify or not. If it does, the chance for a rain/snow mix exists in areas highlighted in the pink dashed box. This rain/snow mix would only be today. Any snow on Sunday will be lake effect off of Lake Superior, hence why our highest totals of 4-8" are located east of Munising over to Paradise. Not too impactful of a system in terms of Michigander standards, but do take it slow if you encounter any snow squalls and/or visibly slick roads.
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Windy conditions are expected this afternoon into tonight behind a cold front. Widespread westerly wind gusts are expected between 25 to 35 mph; up to 45 mph near Lake Superior and in the Keweenaw. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
Here’s the rundown on the trails in our area:
Trail 1: Groomed and in good shape from Marenisco north to Trail 100. Closed beyond that temporarily. South from Marenisco is groomed to PI. There are still some rough sections with quite a few whips/low branches yet.
Trail 2: Groomed and smooth through Marenisco to the Trail 1 intersection.
Trail 13: Rerouted at Trail 100 to the north and then heads east at Camp 6 Rd where it connects back into the old section. It’s panned all the way to the Trail 2/13 intersection but still lots of water and rough sections. Use caution!
Trail 100: Groomed from Trail 1 to M64 with some wet and rough spots. Panned from M64 to Trail 13 with some rough sections.
Overall, the trails are in decent shape with some nice sections and also some not so nice. Again, use caution when riding. We appreciate the help from those riders taking down some of the whips and low branches. It’s slowly getting better but there are still quite a few out there so if anyone feels inclined, pack a shears and take some more out. Thank you!! #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos