Our temps through the weekend will be above zero. Saturday the high will be 16 and on Sunday it will be 10. The nights are still in the single digits. With our cold spell it has firmed up our swamps and wet spots. They are calling for a couple of inches of snow tonight with snow in the forecast for the weekend.

The Gogebic Range Trail Authority – Reports trail 2 from Bessemer to Ironwood is in good shape. TRAIL 2 EAST OF WAKEFIELD AT THE JUNCTION OF TRAIL 2 AND 8 TO GREAT LAKES RD. IS CLOSED DUE TO LOGGING. THIS IS TEMPORARY AND SHOULD BE OPEN MIDWEEK NEXT WEEK. WE WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED. All our wet spots are firming up things are looking good. Trail 8 is groomed with a good base. The groomers are hoping to groom trail 11N this weekend. Trail 160 is being groomed today. We have gotten word from the DNR trail 11S will be closed due to logging this winter. Remember while you will find some good conditions it is still early season riding.

The Lake Gogebic groomer’s report: Groomers have been out where it is possible to groom. The good news is the wets spots are firming up with all the cold weather. Trails are ride able but remember it is early season riding. Watch for a possible reroute on Trail 102 due to logging. Also watch for signs posted on the bridge out on Trail 8, east of Bergland, it will be rerouted over the dam at the north end of the lake. This is marked so use caution in this area.

The Watersmeet groomer’s report: The groomers will not go out until we get more snow. There is nothing more they can do until more snow comes. All trails are hard packed. Trails 2 west and 2 east are in good condition. Trail 3 north to Bond Falls is good and trail 3 south to Land O Lakes is also in good condition. Trail 13 south to Cisco Lake has been groomed; there are wet spots where 2 & 13 meet so please use caution. Remember it is still early riding season.

Please keep in mind the groomers are out both day and night, so watch for them, Please pull over or at least slow down and wait for the operator to signal you by whenever you see them.

Come Explore the Western U.P. Adventure Awaits in Michigan’s Wild West!

RATED #1 SNOWMOBILE DESTINATION BY READERS OF AMERICAN SNOWMOBILER!

Each Western U.P. snowmobiling adventure is unique and exciting, as there are over 2000 miles groomed trails, unplowed logging roads, secluded National Forest trails throughout our area. Explore a Western U.P. winter and share the experience of a Western U.P. snowmobiling vacation with your family and friends. This is what snowmobiling is all about. Because when natural beauty, brilliant exhilaration and good times come together, the sensation is Pure Michigan. Big Snow Country is a Snowmobiler’s Paradise. This heavy snowfall gives you, the rider, the very best conditions and trails.

Our new website is www.explorewesternup.com We moved to a new location 405N Lake St. Ironwood, MI 49938.

We have continued to pick up snow since my last posting but it’s still the light powder that is fun for sledding but it isn’t resting on a snow packed base that would make it ideal.

Temperatures have been too cold to give us the packy snow conditions that we need to build a solid trail base. Our groomers are not running yet.

DECEMBER 10

Just got a snow conditions report from some sledders who have been riding north of M55 today. They report finding anywhere from 6-12 inches on the trail. The snow remains very fluffy and isn’t packing as temperatures have been pretty cold resulting in lots of blowing and drifting snow. There seems to be an ice base under the snow so be extra careful especially on the corners. Conditions vary throughout the system with 6-7 inches on the eastern portion of the system and up to 12 inches on the central and northern portions of the network.

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To better access the forest trails, you’ll want to use one of the Staging Areas below:

33 Rd Staging Area–S of M-55–approx.. 3 miles west of Cadillac on M-55 (watch for signs)

Caberfae Staging Area–approx.. 12 miles west of Cadillac on M-55 (watch for signs)

Boon Staging Area–park in plowed area south of Boon Grocery

Note: The porta-a-johns were removed from our staging areas today as our contracts on them expired 3-15-13.

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VIA CADILLAC WINTER PROMOTIONS
http://www.cadillacwinterpromotions.org/trailconditions.html