Michigan Trail Report


Sault Ste. Marie Trail Report – 01/10

SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association – 01/10

Click the picture to see the snow and temp forecast for tomorrow and Thursday. Only a couple of inches of snow and the dreaded high 30s again😩

Definitely not ideal ahead of what will be a very busy holiday weekend. Let’s hope we get some northwest winds to turn on the lake effect machine.

We cannot groom when it’s above freezing but we will be out whenever possible. No doubt the trails will suffer and water holes will remain an issue but we will update as often as possible. Worst season start I have ever seen but we’re still making the most of it and doing our best to preserve what we have. Last weekend the trails were in great shape. Higher traffic, low snow, and higher temps will burn them down this weekend but conditions are still good as of today.
Snow and cold dances please!❄️🥶❄️🥶

Check out the Clarke Motel’s post from today for pics of current conditions👍🏼

<>

<>

Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Facebook Page

<>

Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Trail Report on MSA

<>

Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Friday December 12th, 2025 - 12:18 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A cold front will push through the area on Friday bringing a period of light snow across the U.P Friday afternoon and early evening. Lake effect snow will develop Friday night and continue into Saturday for the northwest wind snowbelts. Windy conditions and cold temperatures will result in wind chills in the -10s and -20s Friday night into Saturday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA cold front will push through the area on Friday bringing a period of light snow across the U.P Friday afternoon and early evening. Lake effect snow will develop Friday night and continue into Saturday for the northwest wind snowbelts. Windy conditions and cold temperatures will result in wind chills in the -10s and -20s Friday night into Saturday. ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A cold front will push through the area on Friday bringing a period of light snow across the U.P Friday afternoon and early evening. Lake effect snow will develop Friday night and continue into Saturday for the northwest wind snowbelts. Windy conditions and cold temperatures will result in wind chills in the -10s and -20s Friday night into Saturday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea

Friday December 12th, 2025 - 12:15 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Old Soo Line Grade Lodge >> 12/11/25
Last night added about 7” on the scale!
Let it keep snowing!
Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association #soo #snowphotos
... See MoreSee Less

SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Old Soo Line Grade Lodge >> 12/11/25
Last night added about 7” on the scale!
Let it keep snowing!
Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association #soo #snowphotosImage attachmentImage attachment

Friday December 12th, 2025 - 12:14 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via Meteorologist Brad Sugden >> SNOW TIME!!
Posted December 11th at 7pm.
This is for Friday night, AND Saturday, AND Sunday. Don't come at me Saturday morning and tell me I'm wrong. Read, please!
Lake effect kicks in after a weak clipper system Friday night into Saturday morning for those in the U.P. and Northern Lower. Lake effect goes most of Saturday in a west northwest wind.
Sunday, that wind is more north. That'll keep the lake effect coming off Lake Superior for the U.P., but confine it to the shoreline areas of the Lower Peninsula.
IT. WILL. BE. COLD. Therefore, we'll have some intense lake effect bands. Some of the smaller lake effect bands in between the bigger ones that develop won't make it very far inland in the cold, dry air. Highs on Saturday will be in the single digits in the West U.P. and 10s every where else. Wind chill will be sub-zero all day long.
Sunday will warm a tad, but still be cold and windy.
I'll post daily maps individually over the next 24hrs. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeySNOW TIME!!
Posted December 11th at 7pm.

This is for Friday night, AND Saturday, AND Sunday. Don't come at me Saturday morning and tell me I'm wrong. Read, please!

Lake effect kicks in after a weak clipper system Friday night into Saturday morning for those in the U.P. and Northern Lower. Lake effect goes most of Saturday in a west northwest wind.

Sunday, that wind is more north. That'll keep the lake effect coming off Lake Superior for the U.P., but confine it to the shoreline areas of the Lower Peninsula.

IT. WILL. BE. COLD. Therefore, we'll have some intense lake effect bands. Some of the smaller lake effect bands in between the bigger ones that develop won't make it very far inland in the cold, dry air. Highs on Saturday will be in the single digits in the West U.P. and 10s every where else. Wind chill will be sub-zero all day long.

Sunday will warm a tad, but still be cold and windy.

I'll post daily maps individually over the next 24hrs.

Please use my sponsor Generator Magic for parts if you need them! They are Michigan based and do nationwide shipping.

Lastly, please use a reaction to this post to help the Facebook algorithm distribute it into more feeds. This is a way we can combat the AI and other snow JUNK on the platform. A simple like from you will spread the real forecast far and wide! Thank you!!!
... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via Meteorologist Brad Sugden >> SNOW TIME!! 
Posted December 11th at 7pm. 
This is for Friday night, AND Saturday, AND Sunday. Dont come at me Saturday morning and tell me Im wrong. Read, please! 
Lake effect kicks in after a weak clipper system Friday night into Saturday morning for those in the U.P. and Northern Lower. Lake effect goes most of Saturday in a west northwest wind. 
Sunday, that wind is more north. Thatll keep the lake effect coming off Lake Superior for the U.P., but confine it to the shoreline areas of the Lower Peninsula. 
IT. WILL. BE. COLD. Therefore, well have some intense lake effect bands. Some of the smaller lake effect bands in between the bigger ones that develop wont make it very far inland in the cold, dry air. Highs on Saturday will be in the single digits in the West U.P. and 10s every where else. Wind chill will be sub-zero all day long. 
Sunday will warm a tad, but still be cold and windy. 
Ill post daily maps individually over the next 24hrs. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey

Thursday December 11th, 2025 - 3:52 pm

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/11/25
Groomer Ken got out to play off trail in the Raco area today on the forest service roads. He said there’s lots of fluff and to be mindful off trail for stumps and rocks as the base on the off trail roads and 2 tracks is still building. Love when our volunteers get to get out and play a bit!
Thanks for sharing, Ken! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo #snowphotos
... See MoreSee Less

SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/11/25
Groomer Ken got out to play off trail in the Raco area today on the forest service roads. He said there’s lots of fluff and to be mindful off trail for stumps and rocks as the base on the off trail roads and 2 tracks is still building. Love when our volunteers get to get out and play a bit! 
Thanks for sharing, Ken! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo #snowphotosImage attachment

Thursday December 11th, 2025 - 3:34 pm

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Lake effect snow showers slowly confine to the Lake Michigan shoreline and the Whitefish Bay area tonight, with some additional accumulation potential. Looking ahead, most areas start dry with just some light lake effect snow. A clipper passes through Friday evening / overnight, opening the door for a sharply colder and snowier weekend. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryLake effect snow showers slowly confine to the Lake Michigan shoreline and the Whitefish Bay area tonight, with some additional accumulation potential. Looking ahead, most areas start dry with just some light lake effect snow. A clipper passes through Friday evening / overnight, opening the door for a sharply colder and snowier weekend. #MIwx ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Lake effect snow showers slowly confine to the Lake Michigan shoreline and the Whitefish Bay area tonight, with some additional accumulation potential. Looking ahead, most areas start dry with just some light lake effect snow. A clipper passes through Friday evening / overnight, opening the door for a sharply colder and snowier weekend. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberry

Thursday December 11th, 2025 - 3:18 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow weakens today, though a couple of inches of fluffy snow is still possible over the east today. The next system to bring widespread snow arrives Friday, with snow totals near 3 inches of the east and for the Copper Country with totals around an inch elsewhere before NW wind lake effect snow resumes. Look for low temps to fall to near 0 in the interior west Friday night! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLake effect snow weakens today, though a couple of inches of fluffy snow is still possible over the east today. The next system to bring widespread snow arrives Friday, with snow totals near 3 inches of the east and for the Copper Country with totals around an inch elsewhere before NW wind lake effect snow resumes. Look for low temps to fall to near 0 in the interior west Friday night! ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow weakens today, though a couple of inches of fluffy snow is still possible over the east today. The next system to bring widespread snow arrives Friday, with snow totals near 3 inches of the east and for the Copper Country with totals around an inch elsewhere before NW wind lake effect snow resumes. Look for low temps to fall to near 0 in the interior west Friday night! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea

Thursday December 11th, 2025 - 3:14 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/10/25
Hello everyone!
‼️ Important trail notice!!! ‼️
You may have seen us talk about the construction on trails 472 & 480 in the Spile Dam area between Raco, Rudyard, and Kinross.
There is MAJOR construction in there to build a brand new bridge, as well as build up the road (from sand/dirt to gravel). There is a ton of equipment in there.
While we do not have authority to close the trail, we are strongly advising that you avoid this area until further notice. The gate on the Raco end remains closed.
We cannot groom from Tilson road on 472 all the way to just the other side of the Raco gate on 480.
I wanted to share a visual on the map of where we are talking about. The green area in the rectangle is where we are asking you to avoid, for your own safety, and the safety of the contractors.
Expected completion is sometime in January, weather depending. We will update as we learn more.
I’ll pin this post so that it’s easy to reference.
Thanks all! #soo12/10/25

Hello everyone!

‼️ Important trail notice!!! ‼️

You may have seen us talk about the construction on trails 472 & 480 in the Spile Dam area between Raco, Rudyard, and Kinross.

There is MAJOR construction in there to build a brand new bridge, as well as build up the road (from sand/dirt to gravel). There is a ton of equipment in there.

While we do not have authority to close the trail, we are strongly advising that you avoid this area until further notice. The gate on the Raco end remains closed.

We cannot groom from Tilson road on 472 all the way to just the other side of the Raco gate on 480.

I wanted to share a visual on the map of where we are talking about. The green area in the rectangle is where we are asking you to avoid, for your own safety, and the safety of the contractors.

Expected completion is sometime in January, weather depending. We will update as we learn more.

I’ll pin this post so that it’s easy to reference.

Thanks all!
... See MoreSee Less

SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/10/25 
Hello everyone! 
‼️ Important trail notice!!! ‼️ 
You may have seen us talk about the construction on trails 472 & 480 in the Spile Dam area between Raco, Rudyard, and Kinross. 
There is MAJOR construction in there to build a brand new bridge, as well as build up the road (from sand/dirt to gravel). There is a ton of equipment in there. 
While we do not have authority to close the trail, we are strongly advising that you avoid this area until further notice. The gate on the Raco end remains closed. 
We cannot groom from Tilson road on 472 all the way to just the other side of the Raco gate on 480. 
I wanted to share a visual on the map of where we are talking about. The green area in the rectangle is where we are asking you to avoid, for your own safety, and the safety of the contractors. 
Expected completion is sometime in January, weather depending. We will update as we learn more. 
I’ll pin this post so that it’s easy to reference. 
Thanks all! #soo

Wednesday December 10th, 2025 - 5:06 pm

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Northwest lake effect snow showers continue, mainly over the eastern U.P. through Thursday night. Cold temperatures persist with lows in the single digits to low 20s, coldest interior west, and highs on Thursday in the 20s. Expect single digit wind chills during the overnight periods. The next round of widespread light snowfall arrives on Friday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaNorthwest lake effect snow showers continue, mainly over the eastern U.P. through Thursday night. Cold temperatures persist with lows in the single digits to low 20s, coldest interior west, and highs on Thursday in the 20s. Expect single digit wind chills during the overnight periods. The next round of widespread light snowfall arrives on Friday. ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Northwest lake effect snow showers continue, mainly over the eastern U.P. through Thursday night. Cold temperatures persist with lows in the single digits to low 20s, coldest interior west, and highs on Thursday in the 20s. Expect single digit wind chills during the overnight periods. The next round of widespread light snowfall arrives on Friday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea

Wednesday December 10th, 2025 - 10:16 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Northwest winds kick in later today, allowing for lake effect snow to return primarily for the areas drenched in shades of blue. A couple locations will pick up 1-3" or greater within the most intense bands. We are monitoring the Kalkaska county region the closest for potential upgrades, but this should be a good base forecast to get you through the end of the day on Thursday, December 11th. This forecast starts at 5 pm EST this evening when the advisories end for the system, while the lake effect bands begin coming on shore. A couple of squalls may produce blowing snow, reduced visibilities under half a mile, and a very miniscule chance for thundersnow. Areas without a color designation are not anticipated to benefit from the lake effect snow this time around.
We are watching for more snow chances Friday into Saturday. More details either later today, or first thing tomorrow. Keep it tuned in here at MSC! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyNorthwest winds kick in later today, allowing for lake effect snow to return primarily for the areas drenched in shades of blue. A couple locations will pick up 1-3" or greater within the most intense bands. We are monitoring the Kalkaska county region the closest for potential upgrades, but this should be a good base forecast to get you through the end of the day on Thursday, December 11th. This forecast starts at 5 pm EST this evening when the advisories end for the system, while the lake effect bands begin coming on shore. A couple of squalls may produce blowing snow, reduced visibilities under half a mile, and a very miniscule chance for thundersnow. Areas without a color designation are not anticipated to benefit from the lake effect snow this time around.

We are watching for more snow chances Friday into Saturday. More details either later today, or first thing tomorrow. Keep it tuned in here at MSC!

-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Mike Hayes Roofing & Siding | 810-984-4564, call today for all your roofing and siding needs in Sanilac and St. Clair counties!
... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Northwest winds kick in later today, allowing for lake effect snow to return primarily for the areas drenched in shades of blue. A couple locations will pick up 1-3 or greater within the most intense bands. We are monitoring the Kalkaska county region the closest for potential upgrades, but this should be a good base forecast to get you through the end of the day on Thursday, December 11th. This forecast starts at 5 pm EST this evening when the advisories end for the system, while the lake effect bands begin coming on shore. A couple of squalls may produce blowing snow, reduced visibilities under half a mile, and a very miniscule chance for thundersnow. Areas without a color designation are not anticipated to benefit from the lake effect snow this time around.
We are watching for more snow chances Friday into Saturday. More details either later today, or first thing tomorrow. Keep it tuned in here at MSC! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey

Wednesday December 10th, 2025 - 8:26 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow returns to the UP today through tomorrow for the north to northwest wind snowbelts. The greatest accumulations are expected east of Marquette. Gusty north to northwest winds may create areas of low visibility and blowing snow at times. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLake effect snow returns to the UP today through tomorrow for the north to northwest wind snowbelts. The greatest accumulations are expected east of Marquette. Gusty north to northwest winds may create areas of low visibility and blowing snow at times. ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow returns to the UP today through tomorrow for the north to northwest wind snowbelts. The greatest accumulations are expected east of Marquette. Gusty north to northwest winds may create areas of low visibility and blowing snow at times. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea

Wednesday December 10th, 2025 - 2:37 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A quick batch of snowfall is expected tonight into Wednesday as a clipper system tracks to the south. Mainly 1 to 3 inches are expected area-wide. Light lake effect snow lingers in the north, then northwest wind belts Wednesday and Thursday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA quick batch of snowfall is expected tonight into Wednesday as a clipper system tracks to the south. Mainly 1 to 3 inches are expected area-wide. Light lake effect snow lingers in the north, then northwest wind belts Wednesday and Thursday. ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A quick batch of snowfall is expected tonight into Wednesday as a clipper system tracks to the south. Mainly 1 to 3 inches are expected area-wide. Light lake effect snow lingers in the north, then northwest wind belts Wednesday and Thursday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea

Wednesday December 10th, 2025 - 2:24 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/9/25
Last update for today- we’ve been busy for a Tuesday!
Bryan and his son (future operator) Logan headed out for the first pass of the season on the remaining city trails.
Here’s what Bryan had to say-
“Logan and I headed out to groom town tonight. We skipped the tunnel and through to the airport to let the water hole north of the tunnel freeze up. Most of town looks really good, but there are several water/mud spots to use extra caution around. Hopefully all will be set up nicely by morning.”
Thank you guys! Great work!
❄️❄️join or donate today at www.sootrails.org❄️❄️ #soo #snowphotos
... See MoreSee Less

Tuesday December 9th, 2025 - 12:40 pm

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Ongoing snowfall will taper off through this morning before a second clipper takes aim at the Great Lakes tonight through Wednesday morning. Uncertainty in the track of the clipper system could impact snowfall amounts. At this time, the highest snowfall amounts are expected across WI up to the UP border counties. Light lake effect snow will linger for the N to NW wind snowbelts Wednesday.
Find the full weather briefing here: www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Ongoing snowfall will taper off through this morning before a second clipper takes aim at the Great Lakes tonight through Wednesday morning. Uncertainty in the track of the clipper system could impact snowfall amounts. At this time, the highest snowfall amounts are expected across WI up to the UP border counties. Light lake effect snow will linger for the N to NW wind snowbelts Wednesday.
Find the full weather briefing here: https://www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaImage attachment

Tuesday December 9th, 2025 - 12:37 pm

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via Meteorologist Brad Sugden >> Timing post!!
Most of us got that quick burst of 1-2" (locally 3") earlier, and we're already onto the next system - later today!! Fast!
Notice we'll have a distinct rain/ snow line to the south.
Models have all come together nicely. That's a great thing because it lines up with my forecast quite nice. My snow map was posted earlier! Scroll my page!
Some areas are looking at up to 6"of snow.
Rain falling into cold snow pack roads will cause some very slick conditions. Dirt roads, I'm talking to you! You know this already, though haha.
Most treated roads to the south will be ok, though. Anywhere all snow all the time (north of I-96) will be very slow going!
Want a home with a fireplace and big windows to watch the snow!? (I dream of this) #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
... See MoreSee Less

Load more

<>

Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links

<>

Northern Michigan Snowmobile - Snowmobiling in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula - produced by North Guide Internet.