SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association – 01/24
Update 1/24 Good evening!
A few things going on around here today.
1st, we had a brand new volunteer start today, welcome Jeff! He went on a ride along in the Kinross area with groomer Dave. Unfortunately, we had a track failure (NOT due to either of the operators) so the run was short lived. Heck of a first day, eh? This particular machine already had one track replaced with a spare earlier this season and this is another failure. We had given a track to Seney last year so we’re out of spares now. We have had tracks on order for some time with no ETA. Fortunately, our buddy Rex with Chippewa Snowchasers got word of our troubles and enlisted the help of DNR trail specialist PJ to track one down. Big thanks to Rex, PJ, and Grand Marais Sno-Trails Assoc. for helping us out! Tom and Mike will be on their way to Grand Marais in the AM to get the track.
Meanwhile, several other of our volunteers are working this evening to unhook the drag on #8 that is down, get it back to the Soo barn, and get the old #7 groomer down to Kinross until we can get #8 fixed up. Both will have to go via flatbed since trail 49 is still impassible via groomer south of the Soo all the way to Kinross. We appologize if 472, 480, 49 south of Gaines Hwy and 494 are a little rough until we can make the swap and get them groomed.
Additionally, we’ve made arrangements with a local farmer to pick up some straw to fill in our trouble spot water holes along 472 near 480 in the coming days. We’ll have volunteers out placing the straw and using the groomer to cover them with snow. I’ll share pics and update how it goes. Never had to do this before but we have seen Les Cheneaux have success with it.
Otherwise, trails are really in great shape. 8 from the Soo all the way through Raco, 480, 889, and the city trail system are all holding up really well. We got a little snow last night, a little more today, and temps are about to drop for an extended period of time…finally! With some luck, maybe we can get 49 all the way open in a couple of weeks.
Race week begins next week so it’ll be a fun and exciting time to be in the Soo and surrounding area!
Thanks again to our fellow clubs for helping us out!
We really are all in it together, all for the love of the sport and what it brings to our local economy.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Expect a few light lake effect snow showers in the NW wind snowbelts through this morning with minimal additional accumulations. Warmer weather is in store for midweek with highs in the 20s and even into the low 30s in the far west. Two rounds of light snow are expected from Thursday to Friday morning. A strong front will bring falling temperatures on Friday along with windy conditions and blowing snow, especially near Lake Superior. #miweather #keweenaw#westernup#marquette#munising #seney #newberry #soo#straitsareaExpect a few light lake effect snow showers in the NW wind snowbelts through this morning with minimal additional accumulations. Warmer weather is in store for midweek with highs in the 20s and even into the low 30s in the far west. Two rounds of light snow are expected from Thursday to Friday morning. A strong front will bring falling temperatures on Friday along with windy conditions and blowing snow, especially near Lake Superior. ... See MoreSee Less
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 2/4/26 Good morning everyone! Holding steady at 28” of snow in the Soo currently. The Pisten Bully thay does the Raco and Bay Mills areas has the day off today feo some maintenance. We do still have one machine down, and our schedule has been adjusted to make sure we can still cover all areas. Here’s what I know- ❄️ Trail 8- Soo to Raco- excellent ❄️ City Trails - part of 49, 449, 497, and the I500 trail- good, seeing extra traffic for race week. ❄️ Trail 49- Soo to Kinross- good. All water holes are non existent 🙌🏼. May have some drifts in open areas. ❄️ Trail 49 south of M80 and the 494 loop- excellent ❄️ Trail 472 to 480 to the Raco gate- good - Go slow by the new bridge on 480 as there is still some exposed stone there that will be snow covered in time. ❄️ Trail 480 from the Spile Dam turnaround to the Raco Powerline ( trail 8 ) - good ❄️ Raco Powerline- good ❄️ Trail 889 The Mission Hill Loop- excellent Remember, we are on Groomer Tracker! Ride safe everyone! ***to join or donate, please visit www.sootrails.org***#soo#soo0204 #snowphotos... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Expect scattered light lake effect snow showers in the NW wind snowbelts tonight with less than an inch of accumulation. Warmer weather is in store for midweek with highs in the 20s and even into the low 30s in the far west. Two round of light snow is expected on Thursday into Friday morning. A strong front will bring falling temperatures on Friday along with windy conditions and blowing snow, especially near Lake Superior. #miweather #keweenaw#westernup#marquette#munising #seney #newberry #soo#straitsareaExpect scattered light lake effect snow showers in the NW wind snowbelts tonight with less than an inch of accumulation. Warmer weather is in store for midweek with highs in the 20s and even into the low 30s in the far west. Two round of light snow is expected on Thursday into Friday morning. A strong front will bring falling temperatures on Friday along with windy conditions and blowing snow, especially near Lake Superior. ... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Mostly light northwest wind lake effect continues through today, although we may see some half inch per hour rates at times over the east from time to time before it tapers off tonight. On Wednesday, expect partly cloudy skies and maybe some light snow showers hanging around the east with highs in the upper teens to mid 20s. #miweather #keweenaw#westernup#marquette#munising #seney #newberry #soo#straitsareaMostly light northwest wind lake effect continues through today, although we may see some half inch per hour rates at times over the east from time to time before it tapers off tonight. On Wednesday, expect partly cloudy skies and maybe some light snow showers hanging around the east with highs in the upper teens to mid 20s. #906wx #miwx ... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Mostly light northwest wind lake effect continues tonight through Tuesday, although we may see some half inch per hour rates at times over the east from time to time. #miweather #keweenaw#westernup#marquette#munising #seney #newberry #soo#straitsareaMostly light northwest wind lake effect continues tonight through Tuesday, although we may see some half inch per hour rates at times over the east from time to time. #906wx #miwx ... See MoreSee Less
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 2/2/26 The city trails are back in shape after Bryan and Logan hit them tonight. Big thanks to groomer Pete for doing the brake job on this machine (the oldest in our fleet) and to Bryan for helping him finish the job tonight before the run. Looking great guys! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo#soo0202 #snowphotos... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Expect mostly clear skies across much of the UP tonight, with cold temperatures giving way to another day of highs in the 20s to near 30 degrees on Sunday. Clouds spread back into the area from west to east on Sunday ahead of the next system, along with light snow in the west during the afternoon. #miweather #keweenaw#westernup#marquette#munising #seney #newberry #soo#straitsareaExpect mostly clear skies across much of the UP tonight, with cold temperatures giving way to another day of highs in the 20s to near 30 degrees on Sunday. Clouds spread back into the area from west to east on Sunday ahead of the next system, along with light snow in the west during the afternoon. ... See MoreSee Less
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/31/26 If you rode 889 today, I don’t have to tell you how amazing it was, but for those that didn’t, here’s what you missed. Thank you Turbo and Diane! It was fantastic today! Beautiful photos of the moon before it set, and the sunrise. ❄️❄️❄️ #soo#soo0201 #snowphotos... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> High pressure will bring drier, sunnier weather back to the U.P. this weekend as temperatures finally return closer to normal with daytime highs in the 20s. A weak system will bring another round of light snow Sunday night into Monday, but high temperatures look to remain in the 20s for much of the next week. #miweather #keweenaw#westernup#marquette#munising #seney #newberry #soo#straitsareaHigh pressure will bring drier, sunnier weather back to the U.P. this weekend as temperatures finally return closer to normal with daytime highs in the 20s. A weak system will bring another round of light snow Sunday night into Monday, but high temperatures look to remain in the 20s for much of the next week. ... See MoreSee Less
We received about 5 inches of fresh snow last week, which left a nice cover over the trails. There’s not quite enough for grooming, however, the ground is white again and that’s a great start! Some panning has been done to smooth the trails where they were able to. The extended forecast shows a possibility for snow showers throughout the week. Looking ahead, there are a few winter storms heading into Michigan this month. Keep your fingers crossed that they find their way to Gaylord!
As always, check back with us for updates and weather reports.
New Snow? Maybe, Maybe Not, So far today on tuesday its almost noon in downtown Frederic with snow falling and we are up to about a quarter inch of fluffy flakes. Weather this morning said 3 inches possible and I will believe that when I see it. If we get a little snow each day in the next 48 hours it might help us out. Thats the best I have for today. Thanks for checking in. Pete
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Feb 4, 2026, 3am…Nuisance flurries hang on today, but the clipper parade returns starting Thursday, with a reinforcing shot of arctic air Friday that will result in some travel impacts as temperatures fall from near freezing early to the teens by afternoon with more snow showers and blustery conditions. Colder Saturday, with a few flurries around again, and then, you guessed it, more snow chances going into early next week…though signals point toward a warming trend during this period as well. #miweather #gaylord#cadillac#benzie#traversecity#petoskeyFeb 4, 2026, 3am…Nuisance flurries hang on today, but the clipper parade returns starting Thursday, with a reinforcing shot of arctic air Friday that will result in some travel impacts as temperatures fall from near freezing early to the teens by afternoon with more snow showers and blustery conditions. Colder Saturday, with a few flurries around again, and then, you guessed it, more snow chances going into early next week…though signals point toward a warming trend during this period as well. ... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> 2/3/26, 3am...A cooler day today with lingering north flow lake effect snow showers, especially near and west of Traverse City. Highs struggle to escape the teens. A quiet and warmer day Wednesday…before the next system approaches for Thursday, bringing a return of snow. Then, a more potent cold front looks to drop in early Friday, bringing much colder temperatures Friday afternoon and into the weekend. #miweather #gaylord#cadillac#benzie#traversecity#petoskey2/3/26, 3am...A cooler day today with lingering north flow lake effect snow showers, especially near and west of Traverse City. Highs struggle to escape the teens. A quiet and warmer day Wednesday…before the next system approaches for Thursday, bringing a return of snow. Then, a more potent cold front looks to drop in early Friday, bringing much colder temperatures Friday afternoon and into the weekend. ... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Light snow continues across NW Lower and E Upper through tonight with generally an additional 1-2” expected by Tuesday morning. Temperatures will cool to the low teens and 20s Tuesday with a slight modification through Thursday, and then another cool down heading into the weekend with temperatures dropping through the day Friday. #miweather #gaylord#cadillac#benzie#traversecity#petoskeyLight snow continues across NW Lower and E Upper through tonight with generally an additional 1-2” expected by Tuesday morning. Temperatures will cool to the low teens and 20s Tuesday with a slight modification through Thursday, and then another cool down heading into the weekend with temperatures dropping through the day Friday. #MIwx ... See MoreSee Less
JORDAN VALLEY AREA UPDATE via Jordan Valley Trails Council >> Monday update: Pisten Bully is still down on trail 4/76. NDA ordered Wednesday showed up Saturday afternoon. Crew got out there Sunday but found more damage and parts were ordered today. If you happen to find this boogie wheel between Alba and trail 76 north of Elmira please notify us, we need to get our hands on it. New part is on order and scheduled to be in tomorrow. If all goes as planned trails will be back in shape by end of the week. Huge thank you to Mike, Kevin, Phil, Rich and Craig for trying to get repairs made in timely fashion. Nothing our volunteers can do about shipping delays or parts availability. #jordanvalley#gaylord#petoskey... See MoreSee Less
FREDERIC -GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Sledheads of Frederic , Michigan Snowmobiling >> Just a dusting of new. snow overnight in Frederic, nice temp at 22 degrees. Sled traffic was slow around Frederic on sunday but people having a good time. Supposed to be a little warmer all week but turn colder next weekend. Sorry I dont even have any pics from yesterday. Thanks for checking in. I am hoping to go for a nice ride this week. Thanks for checking in. Pete #frederic #gaylord... See MoreSee Less
Just a dusting of new. snow overnight in Frederic, nice temp at 22 degrees. Sled traffic was slow around Frederic on sunday but people having a good time. Supposed to be a little warmer all week bu…
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> After a chilly start to the morning, temperatures will climb decently on this Sunday. Skies will be partly to mostly sunny. Clouds increase tonight, and snow is likely late tonight into Monday morning. Accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are likely in eastern upper and northwest lower Michigan, with an inch or less in northern lower Michigan. The midweek period looks quiet again, though with colder temperatures, especially Tuesday. #miweather #gaylord#cadillac#benzie#traversecity#petoskeyAfter a chilly start to the morning, temperatures will climb decently on this Sunday. Skies will be partly to mostly sunny. Clouds increase tonight, and snow is likely late tonight into Monday morning. Accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are likely in eastern upper and northwest lower Michigan, with an inch or less in northern lower Michigan. The midweek period looks quiet again, though with colder temperatures, especially Tuesday. ... See MoreSee Less
FREDERIC - GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Sledheads of Frederic , Michigan Snowmobiling >> Another perfect day for riding in northern michigan. Temp has made it to 25 and sled traffic has been steady. The Swamp has been busy all day and its saturday and that makes me think about Frederic Inn prime rib. Went down to Houghton Lake last night for the second friday night at Tip Up Town. I havent been down there in 30 years or probably more. Once a year the State Police come thru Frederic on the train to catch riders doing rail road trespass which can be as simple as being to close to the tracks so the moral of the story is STAY AWAY FROM THE TRACKS. Usually the train has a MSP sign on it but it did not today but I did see a sheriff car following along on old 27. They have been thru twice this afternoon and it was just 2 engines which never happens any other time. Not to much else to say. Thanks for checking in. Pete #gaylord#snowphotos... See MoreSee Less
Another perfect day for riding in northern michigan. Temp has made it to 25 and sled traffic has been steady. The Swamp has been busy all day and its saturday and that makes me think about Frederic…
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Northern Michigan will see a quiet weekend, with temperatures gradually recovering out of the recent deep freeze. Our next good chance for snow arrives Sunday night into Monday; this may impact the forecast you get from your local groundhog. Quiet but somewhat cooler weather returns for Tuesday. #miweather #gaylord#cadillac#benzie#traversecity#petoskeyNorthern Michigan will see a quiet weekend, with temperatures gradually recovering out of the recent deep freeze. Our next good chance for snow arrives Sunday night into Monday; this may impact the forecast you get from your local groundhog. Quiet but somewhat cooler weather returns for Tuesday. #miwx ... See MoreSee Less
Pine Cone Accommodations – “Check-In and Ride” Snowmobile Lodging – Gaylord WINTER SPECIALS: Contact our office today to Book Your Stay! (866) 731-1887 The Gaylord Area boasts countless recreational opportunities, be it golf, skiing, hiking, fly fishing, canoeing, or snowmobiling. When you visit our beautiful north country, why not treat yourself to the comfort and relaxation of one of our vacation rental properties. Pine Cone […] more...
The Waters Inn – Gaylord Area Just off I-75 at Exit 270 on Old US-27, the Waters Inn is The Peaceful Alternative, with access to everything the Gaylord area has to offer, without the traffic, noise and neon. On the snowmobile trail, and a nine iron from dozens of lakes and golf courses.Ten Exclusive Themed Rooms, with in room phones, refrigerators, […] more...
DerMiner’s Parkside Resort – On Snowmobile Trail #7 in Gaylord A wonderful getaway awaits you at DerMiner’s Parkside Resort in Gaylord. Located on a private road are four (4) beautifully renovated two bedroom cabins nestled between Otsego Lake and snowmobile trail #7. Cabins comfortably sleep 6 – Full size bed, twin bunk beds and a full size sleep sofa. No need to hassle with lugging […] more...
Treetops Resort 5 miles east of Gaylord – 243 newly renovated accommodations, including standard rooms, deluxe suites, condominiums and resort homes. Two indoor / two outdoor pools with spas, two restaurants, sports bar, weekend prime rib buffets, over 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet space, 81 holes of championship golf including designs by Robert Trent Jones, […] more...
DerMiner’s Parkside Market Snowmobile Rentals Snowmobile Rental for the Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan at DerMiners Parkside Market in Gaylord, Michigan. F 5 LXR Liquid Cooled – Single person snowmobile. ARCTIC CAT T570, 2-Person Snowmobile. Complete Snowmobile Outfitter – Rental helmets, snowmobile suits, and trailers are also available Try the awesome F-5 LXR Liquid Cooled snowmobile or the ARCTIC CAT T- […] more...
Snow Photos From Gaylord – Ray’s Retreat Snow and more snow! Woke up this morning to another 4-5 inches of fresh snow. Snow continued thru the day, at least another 6 inches of new stop. It just doesn’t stop! At least a foot and a half or more of snow. The Winter Storm Warning is now continued thru Friday evening. Lake Effect […] more...
American Alpine Lodge – Gaylord The Alpine Lodge is within minutes of all the best Northern Michigan has to offer: sprawling forests teeming with wildlife, challenging slopes for the avid skier, and a multitude of clear lakes and streams for swimming, boating or fishing. The 24 beautifully sculpted courses in the area invite both beginning and seasoned golfers to their […] more...
Hampton Inn – Gaylord Area I-75 Exit 282 south on Dickerson Rd. – brand new accommodations in Gaylord – 83 rooms – whirlpool rooms – meeting facility – complimentary continental buffet – indoor pool / whirlpool – exercise/game room – guest laundry – in room movies, coffee maker & blow dryer – access to snowmobile trails – customized golf and […] more...
Timberly Motel – Gaylord Area Make Timberly Motel your home away from home. Our 30 clean comfortable rooms offer King & queen size beds * Color Cable TV with HBO * Full bathrooms with tub showers * Air conditioning * Individually controlled electric heat * Direct dial phones * Fax service available * Private outside entrances * Smoking and non-smoking […] more...
Beaver Creek Resort – Gaylord Area Beaver Creek Resort opened in 1986 and is one of the highest rated outdoor resorts. Vacationing families enjoy its wooded seclusion, natural terrain and abundance of amenities. Our modern log cabins can facilitate parties of two to ten people; and there is never a dull moment with a 200 foot waterslide, adventure golf course, heated […] more...
The Chalet on Lake Louise – Gaylord Area This beautiful three bedroom, one-and-a-half bath chalet overlooks Lake Louise in Johannesburg, Michigan with 70 feet of its own private beach frontage. Enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, or just relaxing during the summer months. We have the ability to accomodate up to ten people comfortably. And with thousands of acres of State Land and easy access […] more...
Little Bear Beach Cottage – Gaylord Area Enjoy an old-fashioned getaway in this private beachfront A-frame cottage on Little Bear Lake in Johannesburg, Michigan, just 30 minutes from Gaylord. This cozy three-bedroom cottage that sleeps eight is clean, modern and comfortable. The master bedroom has a queen size bed, bedroom #2 has a queen size futon, bedroom #3 has two twins and […] more...
La Senorita Mexican Restaurant – Gaylord Area La Senorita is the place to go for authentic Mexican food in Gaylord. Enjoy La Senorita1s Famous Sizzling Fajitas and thirst-quenching, ice-cold Jumbo Margaritas along with delicioso Mexican favorites including burritos, enchiladas, chimi chungas, and tacos. American fare is also available for those who prefer food from North-of-the Border. La Senorita is a great family […] more...
Treetops Resort – Gaylord 5 miles east of Gaylord – 243 luxurious accommodations, including standard rooms, deluxe suites, condominuims and resort homes. Two indoor / two outdoor pools with spas, two restaurants, sports bar, over 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet space, 81 holes of championship golf including designs by Robert Trent Jones, Tom Fazio, and Rick Smith, […] more...
Castle Pines on Otsego Lake “Castle Pines” is an unbelievable 3400 sq. ft. vacation home located on 150 ft. of sandy beach on Otsego Lake, an All-Sports Lake, featuring great fishing year round. This lakefront home has four private suites, each with a full bath and ceiling fan, plus 2 extra bedrooms for additional guests. Air conditioned with an enclosed […] more...
The Lake House Cottage Escape to the Lake House Cottage on Otsego Lake! This cottage located on the east side of Otsego Lake features 50’ of sandy beach, an enclosed sun porch overlooking the water, dock available for your use and wonderful views of many sunsets. Your summer vacation made easy with this rental. During the winter months, there’s […] more...
Pleasant View on Otsego Lake – Gaylord Come and enjoy this wonderful 2 bedroom, 1½ bath, 1350 square foot home with family room, den, kitchen and eating area. Home is located directly on the snowmobile trail with plenty of room to park your cars and trailers. Home features 80 feet of sandy water frontage, dock, hi-speed internet access, expanded HD cable TV, […] more...
The Wood Shed on Otsego Lake Relax on the deck or wooden swing and enjoy spectacular sunsets from 50 feet of sandy frontage on Otsego Lake. There is a dock available. Boat is not available for rental. This year-round home features a modern kitchen with dishwasher. The living room is cozy with a gas fireplace and great views of Otsego Lake. […] more...
Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse At Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse, we offer a casual family dining experience with quality food and award-winning brews. Our menu has something for everyone. Start your meal off with a tasty appetizer, like the Buffalo Chicken Tenders or the Portabella Bruschetta. In addition to our wide selection of premium steaks, our chefs offer a […] more...
Sugar Bowl Restaurant Welcome to the Sugar Bowl, Gaylord’s Landmark Restaurant located in the heart of the Alpine Village since 1919. The Family Room at the Sugar Bowl features a casual atmosphere, serving breakfast from 7 AM and throughout the day. Lunch is served from 11AM to 4PM, featuring super sandwiches, light lunches and homemade desserts. Nightly dinner […] more...
Alpine Oven Great Food, Fast in downtown Gaylord. Counter Service Restaurant with carryout & in house seating. Specializing in Goumet Pizza, chicken, fish, sandwiches, salads, beef briskets and homemade sundaes and pies. Great Alpine Theme – WiFi – Flat Screen TV – Watch all the games – many original recipes.Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Alpine Oven 20 […] more...
Gaylord Area Snowmobile Photos – January 25, 2011 Gaylord – January 25 – With so few riders, we enjoyed a break about halfway thru and just listening to the winter quiet in the woods. – Photo courtesy of Rays Retreat Country Inn more...