Western U.P. Trail Conditions

[MerganserBreath]

This is my first patrol report of the year for the trails in the western end of the Upper Peninsula.... went out Saturday 1/3/09 around Marenisco and Lake Gogebic. Covered almost 100 miles in five hours and only saw 115 sleds. (mid-morning to mid-afternoon). Low numbers of sleds is no doubt due to the great snowfall all over the mid-west so far this winter.

Trails were in good condition overall with some being fair and other being excellent. Straight trails like #2 (old RR Grade) are in the best shape, as you already could figure out, and on any trails with curves, the corners were getting iced up.

Picked up 6 inches of snow in Bessemer overnight, not sure about the Lake Gogebic area.

Don't forget to pick up a Michigan Trail Permit in addition to your registration. The money from the permits is what funds the grooming done by the clubs, and if you get caught without one it will cost you big bucks ! Be safe and slow down on the corners

[snowgoose]

Keep the UP reports coming.

Headed to Lake Gogebic a week from tomorrow. Can't wait to eat up some Michigan snow.

[MerganserBreath]

Good news for the Western U.P........10 inches of fresh lake effect today around Bessemer/Ironwood..8 inches over by Watersmeet, MI, and almost nobody out on the trails where I was today over by Watersmeet and Bond Falls. At 1 PM we were the first tracks on a freshly groomed trail. great trail conditions and riding. Be safe, already have a bunch of fatalities in Michigan and Wisconsin.

[MNexpoler]

How much does a trail pass cost up there now?

[snowgoose]

$25.00 for a trail pass this year.

Sounds like they are going to raise it to $35.00 next year.

Well worth the price of admission.

[perchking]

I live in Ironwood, and we have a ton of snow. Be careful, on the trails we have already had 6-8 deaths within a 50 mile radius. I think all were speed and alcohol related...

[MerganserBreath]

A Trail Permit will cost you $25. You can get them at many places including snowmobile dealers, Holiday gas staions, etc.