Dont LOOK Now

[Admin]

I just finished updating the snowcover maps for today (sorry, a bit late today) and much of the Northwoods appears to be filling up with snow. Some good amounts in portions of northern lower MI yesterday and the cover across northern WI has been growing the past 5-6 days and MN and the UP just keep getting deeper and deeper.

Not that I see any thaw coming or that I want to steer folks away from areas like ours that have plenty of snow, but would hate to see folks miss some good riding in areas perhaps a bit closer to home and areas that have struggled a bit not just this year, but in previous years.

Snowmobiling is a lot about getting out when the getting is good and to me it looks like the getting is almost as good as it has been in years for the Northwoods as a whole.

-John

 

[goofy600]

Amen, thanks for all the work you do for us shedheads!!!!!

 

[packerlandrider]

Completely agree John. When most of Wisconsin has adequate snow cover, there are places in the central part of the state that you can still see groomer marks Saturday afternoon that were made the night before. Very little traffic in these areas and the clubs do an outstanding job, just no one wanting/willing to try them. A nicely kept secret for those who do know about them though...

 

[xcr440]

John, I get the impression with some of your posts recently about OTHER riding areas, that you'd like to see a little less traffic in the UP??

I completely understand.

 

[Admin]

John, I get the impression with some of your posts recently about OTHER riding areas, that you'd like to see a little less traffic in the UP??

That's a completely reasonable conclusion and I thought some would think that when I typed it, but actually I have always thought of this site as more than a site for the Keweenaw or even more than the UP. I have always thought of it as a site for the Midwest, with some reaches to the Rockies and northeast as well.

So I honestly just thought that after doing the snow cover maps that things were looking pretty good and it seems like when they are like this, folks just sit around and look at it and then the thaw comes and lots of folks start complaining that they could not get out and ride. So the theme of the post was really to just get out while the getting is good. The season is short and things are good in many areas and I just wanted to remind everyone of that. I just would like to see the current conditions in much of the Northwoods lead to a financial shot in the arm to all of the businesses that cater to snowmobilers in the Northwoods. There are some businesses out there that are probably hanging on by a thread and some folks visiting them now could mean the difference in them continuing in business or otherwise.

Honestly, it has not seemed to be too busy up here this season. Steady, but not swamped. I have yet to see anyone else in the back country on all of my rides, but have seen tracks. Any trail riding I have done has not been on crowded trails, but I have passed sleds coming the other way. So I never want to see this area get slow, but a nice steady pace like we have had so far this season would be perfect.

-John

 

[trailshredder]

I know exactly what John is saying...he's bragging (why wouldn't he be). All of Northern Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnissota has snow....ridable snow. We don't get to see this every year...so needless to say get out there and enjoy the northwoods where ever you are located and have some fun. Most of the time we are chasing snow all over the country but right now it is available in more places than not. Everyone be careful and have fun!!!

 

[slimcake]

I travel from farm to farm for a living. It is absolutly amazing how many snowmobiles I see sitting in yards that I have never seen before. Sleds in front yards in town, sleds sitting by the front door at farm homes ect.... People brushed the dust off them for this winter. This is a year to remember. Starts early and hopefully, God willing it ends late. I am glad, John that you dont see a thaw. Cause even after the new year thaw the trails are awesome here!!!!!!

 

[whitedust]

Yep been putting on 100+ miles between 1 & 5PM after lunch & luvin it. Feeling pretty much the same way sense of urgency to ride while the riding is good. Snirtin up more & more each day so ride them while we can next week could be different. May be peaking who knows?

 

[skiroule]

John,

Your advice has considerable merit.

Two years ago the snow was very good in northern MN. This year it is over the top. Pick a spot: the swamps, the abandoned logging roads, even the ditches - it's all good. I'm sure you have the technical explanation for it, but the snow up there is a completely different animal than what I have typically experienced in the U.P. It isn't as light but it doesn't really settle that much and it is pure sugar all the way to the ground. Throw in some slough grass or some reeds and you have a fight on your hands, but what a blast.

This year I will probably forgo at least one of my U.P. snowmobiling trips for a northern MN trip but not to worry, I will replace it with a ski trip or a trip in the summer for mountain biking and fishing - have to love that Lac La Belle in the summer (sorry but I had to post just one fall shot of LLB).

 

[jojo69]

Local snow cover helps with the wallet staying a little thicker. That still doesn't mean a good trip up north with the boys is out of the question.

 

[arcticgeorge]

riding to be done

Glad to hear it John, my brother in law says trails are pretty good in the Tomahawk area. .......And come on up for the radar runs/races in St. Germain this weekend! (i get the drift

 

[Rudydoo]

What a great winter...

John,
Thanks for your website... Meet a lot of cool people every year in Michigan and N MN. Snowmobiling isn't just about the snow, it is more about the experience you have w/ buddies and family. It is great to experiance different areas and meet differant people w/ the same common thread of snowmobiling and appreciating what we have for the day on the trails or stuck in powder... It is always a great day, as long as everyone keeps the track on the ground and safe!!