Western U.P. Snowmobile Lodging Guide with Interactive Map
According to my handy yardstick, at 5:00 this a.m. we had 21″ of fresh snow outside my back door in Bessemer and it was still coming down,though lightly. Suffice it to say, we have lots.
Both the Gogebic Range Trail Authority and Gogebic Area Groomers are out-either prepping or grooming, depending on what they encounter-still dealing with wet areas, but cold temps for the next two days should help firm them up. Expecting word from Watersmeet later today, so will add them to tomorrows report. Keep in mind, although MI trails are open as of December 1st, they may or may not be groomed. WI Trails will open December 14th, snow and weather permitting.
Check out web cams throughout the area to see the snow amounts for yourself. Find links on our website at westernup.info
Here is the view from the webcam at Porcupine Lodge located in White Pine - a few miles south of Porcupine Mountains State Park.
Click Here To View & Control The Live Webcam!
Visit Porcupine Lodge Website >>>>
Western U.P. Trail Reports
Categories: Featured, Trail Reports
Western U.P. - Trail Report - 03/16
Base 10 inches — Weekend was extremely mild, and contrary to the forecast, overnight lows did NOT go down into the 20’s, thus trails unable to be groomed. All slush and mud anyway, so altho the song isn’t over, for sure the Fat Lady is singing. Upcoming week forecast is for more of the same mild temps-the legendary St. Patrick’s Day Storm is out of the picture for this year and unless something unforeseen happens, (which it has been known to) this could be all she wrote.
CURRENT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
I will be getting in touch with all the grooming clubs today just to get their official take-I’m sure there’s still some riding in select areas, but they would require trailering in and wouldn’t really offer what we call the Big Snow Country experience. In other words, most likely not worth it.
Will let you know what we find out ASAP.
We’ve just been enformed there is now gas available in White Pine at the Konteka so you shouldn’t run into a problem if you’re heading for the Porkies…For those who haven’t been here yet this year, the gas station in Silver City is closed.
You can take a look at web cams throughout the area to check out the snow for yourself. Find links on our website at westernup.info
Should we get a dumping of snow and cold, the season officially ends on March 31st.
The Gogebic Range Trail Authority (GRTA) is based in the Western Upper Peninsula town of Bessemer, MI where average annual snowfall exceeds 200″.
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to the maintenance and improvement of 112 miles of snowmobile trails in and around Bessemer, Ironwood and Wakefield. Our trails are groomed entirely by volunteers. Funding for our work is provided partly by snowmobile permit funds which are distributed by the Michigan DNR and partly by contributions from snowmobile enthusiasts and local businesses.
Snowmobile trail grooming is our primary focus (and a full time effort) in the winter. The winter of ‘07/’08 had us working the trails from December 1st through April 4th (DNR extended season) with little weather related down time.
But, the other 3 seasons involve a lot of work that is less visible. The GRTA is responsible for signing all trails to the requirements of the DNR. We repair bridges, brush the trails, negotiate easements, maintain the equipment, grade the trails and apply for State funding for trail improvement projects.
Visit Gogebic Range Trail Authority Website >>>>
