GRAND MARAIS AREA UPDATE via Grand Marais Sno-Trails Assoc. – 02/21
Trail update: I talked with 4 different groups of sledders today and it sounds like the majority of the crazy 8 trails are still decent riding. There are a few dirt spots in the hilly/curvy sections and other thin spots throughout. Two of them stated that they had been riding some ungroomed logging trails and unplowed trails with plenty of snow on those they rode.
We did not groom the last two shifts due to high temps. We are watching the temps, and if it gets cold enough, early enough, we may groom limited sections overnight, tonight. If not, Thursday night/Friday morning is forecast colder, longer with chance of lake effect snow Friday. We will continue to do our best with what mother nature gives us, to keep the trails rideable.
If you want to find snow to ride, it is out there. Definitely more snow on the non-groomed trails than the groomed ones, but still snow and rideable snow, at that. That is not to say there is perfect snow and no dirt. If you want to find dirt you can!!! The trail into GM is really thin, bare in some places, and rough. There is not enough base for us to groom it. A few commented that slow is the best policy for now!!!
We appreciate the positive feedback and all the thanks we are receiving. We also appreciate all those that come up to our communities and support local businesses. Ride safe everyone.
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via Trails End Lodging >> Another beautiful day in Windy Corners ❄️☀️ Here’s a current look at Trail 498 — looking smooth and ready to ride! Fresh snow, great conditions, and plenty of miles to explore. 🏁 Where are you riding this weekend? Drop it below 👇 #newberry #snowphotos... See MoreSee Less
GRAND MARAIS AREA UPDATE via Grand Marais Outfitters Michigan >> ❄❄We are mostly dug out from our Monday night dumping. ☃ Many, many inches. We don't always stop to count we just push the snow out of the way and keep moving! Stay warm and see you soon.❄❄ 🏠N14277 Lake Ave., Grand Marais MI 49839 💻grandmaraisoutfitters.com – the online store! 📲(906) 494-3333 ⏰ open Mon-Wed 10-3; Thurs 10-6; Fri 10-7; Sat 9-7; Sun 9-2 #grandmarais #newberry #snowphotos... See MoreSee Less
SENEY AREA UPDATE via Seney Snowmobile Association >> Trails are all in great shape the fresh snow we got sure helped. The last pic was when our groomer got back to the barn last night. The northern lights were on full display last night. Enjoy the ride and remember to ride right stay safe out there. #seney #newberry #snowphotos... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Coldest air so far this winter season is expected to overspread the upper Great Lakes Thursday night and Friday. Bitter cold will continue through the weekend…with wind chills below zero through Sunday morning. High temperatures Friday likely to remain below zero across the Upper Peninsula. #miweather #keweenaw#westernup#marquette#munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaColdest air so far this winter season is expected to overspread the upper Great Lakes Thursday night and Friday. Bitter cold will continue through the weekend…with wind chills below zero through Sunday morning. High temperatures Friday likely to remain below zero across the Upper Peninsula. ... See MoreSee Less
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via TASA Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association >> Sup with that? Not waiting on a soul tonight ? 🤔 4⁰ 7:59PM Those of you dedicated 🤪😜 to riding tonight, our talented with a blade (and many other things 😁) leader Chad came out earlier with the Pisten Bully to do some magic to all the corners between Newberry and Pine Stump making my life the easiest its been since we panned the second time in December 🥰😍😍😍😍 BUT! Im still going to dig deep in some areas leaving an edge that'll be blended in on the way back, so heads up about that. Guess that it for now, gotta go, but I'll bet back. 2:27AM Posted a rant, a compliment, some pics..... no idea where it went.. happens time to time, anyway, WOW you're going to be GEEKED if you get out here tomorrow, 🥰😍😍 #newberry #snowphotos... See MoreSee Less
GRAND MARAIS AREA UPDATE via Grand Marais Sno-Trails Assoc. >> Holy Guacamole did we get a dump of snow last night!!! At least a foot on top of the 7-8 inches we got yesterday. It's going to take a bit to get all the new white gold groomed into submission. #grandmarais #newberry ... See MoreSee Less
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via Pine Stump >> 1-20-26 Snowed good in the night again! There’s alot of snow and we keep getting more. The clubs are grooming in full force this is a great time to be up riding!! #newberry #snowphotos... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow showers will continue in the northwest to west-northwest wind snowbelts though tonight resulting in difficult travel, with visibility below 1/2 mile at times. Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in effect. #miweather #keweenaw#westernup#marquette#munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLake effect snow showers will continue in the northwest to west-northwest wind snowbelts though tonight resulting in difficult travel, with visibility below 1/2 mile at times. Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in effect. ... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Coldest air so far this winter season is expected to overspread the upper Great Lakes Thursday night and Friday. Bitter cold will continue through the weekend…with wind chills below zero through Sunday morning. High temperatures Friday likely to remain below zero across the Upper Peninsula. #miweather #keweenaw#westernup#marquette#munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaColdest air so far this winter season is expected to overspread the upper Great Lakes Thursday night and Friday. Bitter cold will continue through the weekend…with wind chills below zero through Sunday morning. High temperatures Friday likely to remain below zero across the Upper Peninsula. ... See MoreSee Less
GRAND MARAIS UPDATE via Grand Marais Outfitters Michigan >> ❄☃North wind's blowing, but there's still fun to be had - we have layers and acessories, maps for the xc ski trails and snowshoe rental. Plastic sleds for the kids. See you soon!☃❄ 🏠N14277 Lake Ave., Grand Marais MI 49839 💻grandmaraisoutfitters.com – the online store! 📲(906) 494-3333 ⏰ open Mon-Wed 10-3; Thurs 10-6; Fri 10-7; Sat 9-7; Sun 9-2 #grandmarais #newberry #snowphotos... See MoreSee Less
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via Pine Stump >> 1-19-26 Cleaning up snow from the weekend. It’s snowing now so we will see how much we get! It’s going to be a cold week but it would be great riding with low traffic!! #newberry #snowphotos... See MoreSee Less
SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association – 02/21
2/21 5:30 PM update. Ok guys, sun is going down and it’s cooling off a bit but we for sure lost a lot of snow cover today. I plan to drive and look down the trails, and I’ll report what I see. For those that are already here, or are coming no matter what, these are my suggestions on where to stage at to avoid a ton of road riding, or thin trails.
Option 1- Wild Bluff Golf Course at Bay Mills Resort and Casino. The trail is just to the north of the lot, maybe a 1/4 to 1/2 mile. It’ll be a little rough along the road, but it’s a short stretch to the trail. From there, you can hit the 889 loop, be sure to stop and take in the amazing view at Mission Hill Overlook. There are a ton of forest service roads all back in there and all the way through Raco and Strongs. Be sure to stop in to Sacy’s Restaurant for an excellent breakfast or dinner, and also Back Bay Grill and Games for lunch or dinner. It’s a quick walk right across the street from Wild Bluff.
Option 2- Park at Waboose Ski Trail head off of Ranger Rd, 2.5 miles north of M28. This is where the ORV route comes in, and again, tons of two tracks and forest service roads all back in there.
Option 3- there is a small parking area on the north side of M28, east of Strongs Corner. That is right on trail 47 which I have heard is not good (rocks mixed with snirt) but again, the forest service roads are also right there. There’s a place a little further down on M28 where you can cross over to south of M28 and hit all of those forest service roads too.
For maps, you’re on your own. You can see most of them on the Polaris Ride Command app. I’m sure also on VV Mapping, or similar. Also the Hiawatha National Forest website. This is the Sault Ste Marie sector.
Cell service can be spotty out there. Please download the what3words app and start it before you head out. Doing so should allow you to still pull up the 3 words that are assigned to your location in the event of an emergency. You can also text 911 with very little signal.
Please be mindful of signs that say no snomobiles or private property, and don’t trespass. Also be mindful of forest plantations.
Last but certainly not least, before or after you ride, please stop in and support the local businesses that have been here for all of us, snow or no snow. Who knows if this is the end of the season or not, but it’s been a very, very tough winter for area businesses.
Please be safe! It’s spring conditions for sure as of today, mixed with early season little to no base on the trails.
Let us know if you have questions and we’ll try to help.
Oh and if you appreciate what we do, we’d be so grateful for a donation! You can do so at www.sootrails.org. We are all unpaid volunteers. Thanks guys!
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2/21 mid afternoon update- it’s 45 degrees and sunny today. Boo! I’m not out riding so I can’t tell you what the trails look like, but I would bet they are getting soft and burning down in the thin areas. The icicles on my house are rapidly melting. I still show 9” of snow here at my house (down from 14” on Sunday) If you’re out riding our area today, please comment on this post or message us so that we can help others know what’s going on out there. Thanks!
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2/21 – good morning all! This is from yesterday, but I just got it. Our newest groomer recently retired after he sold his John Deere dealership in Ohio, so his nickname is Tractor Tim😉 He headed out yesterday on the power lines, also 889, and part of 480. Here’s what he had to say-
“Yesterday, we groomed 480 to the Spile Dam turnaround , 8 from Brimley turn off to Ranger rd (the power lines), & the Mission Hill loop (889) down to Bay Mills resort. The power lines are thin but very rideable . All of the other trails are good to very good . Big Thanks to Trainer Raco Dave , Turbo and my wife Melissa for riding shotgun”
Thanks for your time Tim! We are happy to have you aboard!
Videos in the comments.
I will update you all later. Grooming has been suspended until further notice, as things are about as good as they can get with the minimal snow we have and warmer temps today.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Coldest air so far this winter season is expected to overspread the upper Great Lakes Thursday night and Friday. Bitter cold will continue through the weekend…with wind chills below zero through Sunday morning. High temperatures Friday likely to remain below zero across the Upper Peninsula. #miweather #keweenaw#westernup#marquette#munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaColdest air so far this winter season is expected to overspread the upper Great Lakes Thursday night and Friday. Bitter cold will continue through the weekend…with wind chills below zero through Sunday morning. High temperatures Friday likely to remain below zero across the Upper Peninsula. ... See MoreSee Less
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/20/26 Good evening! Brimley Bill brought the Pisten Bully in to the Soo barn from Raco via trail 8 and groomed along the way. After 6”+ of new snow yesterday, the berms at the road crossings needed to be cleared. He did a great job and the trail is flat, wide, and beautiful tonight! The Bully is in for a thaw and an oil change and it’ll be back out to Raco tomorrow night. Thanks Bill! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0120b#snowphotos... See MoreSee Less
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/20/26 Lane was out on 49 from Kinross north to 8 mile tonight. We’ve changed this route some, and our Kinross crew is running north to 8 mile, and the Soo crew is running south to 8 mile. Looking great! No water holes! 🙌🏼 Thank you Lane!❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0120#snowphotos... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow showers will continue in the northwest to west-northwest wind snowbelts though tonight resulting in difficult travel, with visibility below 1/2 mile at times. Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in effect. #miweather #keweenaw#westernup#marquette#munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLake effect snow showers will continue in the northwest to west-northwest wind snowbelts though tonight resulting in difficult travel, with visibility below 1/2 mile at times. Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in effect. ... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Coldest air so far this winter season is expected to overspread the upper Great Lakes Thursday night and Friday. Bitter cold will continue through the weekend…with wind chills below zero through Sunday morning. High temperatures Friday likely to remain below zero across the Upper Peninsula. #miweather #keweenaw#westernup#marquette#munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaColdest air so far this winter season is expected to overspread the upper Great Lakes Thursday night and Friday. Bitter cold will continue through the weekend…with wind chills below zero through Sunday morning. High temperatures Friday likely to remain below zero across the Upper Peninsula. ... See MoreSee Less