Well, as you likely know sledding on the trail system in most of northern Minnesota is over. You can still enjoy some of the lakes… like Vermillion and such, and you can still take in the waterskips up there each weekend. Its amazing how many people show to test their skipping skills and to spectate… and you also have the enterprising crew from the Vermilion Club up there supplying pizza on site. I know this type of sledding its not what most of us want but we have to take what we can get.
I took in the Giants Ridge Hill Cross this past weekend. It was good participation and some high flyin’ action. No sledding involved for me- just spectating as these young up and coming stars took the hill.
Now for the good news… there is plenty of snow up in the Gunflint area, there is also snow in the Finland area but some trees down from the ice storm that came thorugh a while back. A crew was just up in the Gunflint area on Sunday and said riding was excellent and should hold out for some time 1 - 2 weeks and even more if we don’t get a heat wave and/or a load of rain. So give that some consideration and head north for your final days of sledding in Minnesota.
Ride now…
David Karpik
BLADE Snowmobiles
Just a quick blog to let you know the Range got 12″ of new snow between Tuesday morning and this morning (Wednesday).
No update on the trails from the DNR just yet, maybe tomorrow…Regardless, I think I’ve still got a ride or two left in me.
Reminder, the WSA HillCross is at Giants Ridge this weekend. Season pass holders get in FREE, while there’s a really reasonable charge for two-day admission tickets.
Looks like I was right after all…I knew it wasn’t my last ride of the season!
In April ‘08 , we got dumped on with a ton of snow and it looks like ‘09 will be no exception. Six to 10″ of snow is expected to hit the Iron Range tonight and tomorrow!
I expect to see some sledheads (myself included) out on the trails in the next few days. Let me know if you are planning one last “hurrah” on the Iron Range trails, too.
Don’t forget about the WSA Hill Cross at Giants Ridge this coming weekend, too! Giants Ridge season pass holders get in FREE! For everyone else, there’s great two-day admission rates, too. Click here for details.
Now, let it snow!
Well, the warmer weather has wreaked a little havoc on the trails on the Iron Range. Here’s a little update for you. (Of course the meteorologists are predicting a little bit of rain mixed with snow prior to and after the weekend, so here’s hoping it’s all snow! (I’m not ready for the season to be done just yet….)
Arrowhead State Trail
Condition: Poor
Groomed Miles: 128
Snow Depth: 10-20″
Trail Base: 0-4″
Groomed: Yes
Taconite State Trail
Condition: Poor
Groomed Miles: 165
Snow Depth: 10-18″
Trail Base: 0-5″
Groomed: Yes
Due to the warm weather and forecast for more, grooming has likely ceased for this season. Trails remain open but are deteriorating rapidly.
McCarthy Beach State Park (3-11-09)
Condition: Fair
Groomed Snowmobile Trail Miles: 12
Snow Depth: 16″
Trail Base: 4″
Groomed: Yes
Ski trail conditions are changing daily due to the weather. Trails will be groomed on March 12. and will be in very good condition with the fresh snow. There’s still lots of snow on the ground, so enjoy it while winter lasts!
Snowmobile trails have maintained a base in most locations, and the riding is still good. Trails are hard packed and may be icy in some areas. Use extra caution on the lakes.
The west side of the Red Top trail is not being groomed for skiing, which makes it available for snowshoers this year. The Pickerel Lake area is also good for snowshoeing. Crust conditions make for great snowshoeing almost anywhere in the park. Backcountry skiers are exploring new paths on the top of the crust also.
Well, we rode yesterday and a fine day it was. Yes, it was a little wet here and there, minimum of clothing needed- NO gloves. Started out just northeast of Orr, MN at the VRT (Buyck, MN) and rode north towards the border (mostly lakes and rivers on the way up and back down on the trail system. Had lunch at the Voyagaire on Crane lake and dinner at DAM in Orr that night- the food was excellent at both places.
The trails were not groomed- however, all but one of the group had M-10 suspensions so when the the going gets rough- we get going. I would say 60% of the trails were bumpy and 98% of the trails were snow covered. I do not know how long this will last but I will be back up this week for more.
So if you’re a sledder still needing more sledding head north to the Range and if you like touch base I may be able to ride with you.
Remember, ride safe, ride right (to the right)
Regards,
David Karpik
BLADE Snowmobiles
Snowmobile trail conditions in northern Minnesota are very good; we were hit the other day with 6-14″ of fresh snow. Its absolutely a beautiful thing. Grooming is still happening so there shouldn’t be any issues.
Motels and restaurants are abundant. There should be a good guide on this site explaining rooms and dining. You can also find more information at RangeBuzz.com; this site will get you up to speed on all the above as well as entertainment when you’re off the trails.
Give us a call when you’re in the area we’ll be happy to give you a tour of where the BLADE snowmobile and the famed m-10 suspension are developed and built.
Ride safe, ride right (to the right)
Regards,
David Karpik
Your Iron Range Getway Guide
Here’s an update on the snow conditions, as I promised.
Let me know if you’re planning to ride!
WE’VE GOT GREAT SNOW CONDITIONS!
The Iron Range received 7-10″ of fresh snow making for great riding on the Iron Range! The DNR and local snowmobile clubs are out grooming and have listed the trails in VERY GOOD condition. Pack up the sleds and skis and head to the Iron Range for a weekend of winter fun!
SNOWMOBILE TRAIL CONDITIONS
UPDATED (by the DNR) 3-11-09
Arrowhead State Trail
Condition: Very Good
Groomed Miles: 128
Snow Depth: 16-21″
Trail Base: 2-8″
Groomed: Yes
Taconite State Trail
Condition: Very Good
Groomed Miles: 165
Snow Depth: 16-22″
Trail Base: 2-10″
Groomed: Yes
Seven inches of fresh snow as of Wednesday morning greatly improved trail conditions, which suffered from last week’s warm temps. Groomers will be out starting Wednesday and both the Taconite & Arrowhead trails should be in excellent shape for the weekend. Riders should beware there are icy patches hidden under the fresh snow, especially on hills, corners and open areas. Beware that late-season conditions can change day to day. Stay to the right and slow down in the corners. Some trail segments are being used as logging roads. Trail conditions may be poor where there is active logging. Use extra caution if you see logging activity. Lake riding conditions are variable. High winds drifted the recent snow and there may be frozen ruts and other hazards hidden under the fresh snow.
McCarthy Beach State Park
Condition: Fair
Groomed Snowmobile Trail Miles: 12
Snow Depth: 16″
Trail Base: 4″
Groomed: Yes
Ski trail conditions are changing daily due to the weather. Trails will be groomed on March 11. and will be in very good condition with the fresh snow. There’s still lots of snow on the ground, so enjoy it while winter lasts!
Snowmobile trails have maintained a base in most locations, and the riding is still good. Trails are hard packed and may be icy in some areas. Use extra caution on the lakes.
The west side of the Red Top trail is not being groomed for skiing, which makes it available for snowshoers this year. The Pickerel Lake area is also good for snowshoeing. Crust conditions make for great snowshoeing almost anywhere in the park. Back country skiers are exploring new paths on the top of the crust also.
Well, folks, I was right. Like every other year, we tend to get some measurable snowfall in March, here on the Iron Range. It’s like winter isn’t ready to give up just yet. Which of course, benefits the sled heads like myself! Check out this forecast! Up to a foot of snow (maybe more) is on it’s way to the Iron Range now!
The meteorologists are predicting that up to a foot of snow will fall on the Iron Range over the course of the next few days. (They’re even talking blizzard-like conditions between Tuesday and Wednesday! Yikes!) I know many of you are ready for the snow to melt, but March makes for some really great riding! The trails are packed and groomed from past snowfalls, melting, grooming, etc., and when you add a fresh coat of the white stuff, it can make for some really great “Spring” riding! Plus, temps tend to warm up a bit (they’re forecasting temps to be in the 30s again by next weekend)!
Now is the time to plan for a mid-week or weekend getaway to the Range! Be one of the first to take advantage of the new powder! Make your lodging reservations (and lodging specials) early this week and be sure to stay tuned for updated trail conditions throughout the course of the week.
Ciao.
Remember, ride safe. Ride right (to the right).
David K.
BLADE snowmobiles
Date of Report: March 6, 2009
Trail Conditions: Good
Snow Depth: 13-18 inches
Arrowhead State Trail
Condition: Good
Groomed Miles: 128
Snow Depth: 14-18″
Trail Base: 0-4″
Groomed: Yes
Taconite State Trail
Condition: Good
Groomed Miles: 165
Snow Depth: 14-18″
Trail Base: 0-4″
Groomed: Yes
Trail conditions have been very good, but over 60 continuous hours of above-freezing temps have deteriorated snow conditions and put a temporary halt to grooming. Groomers will be back out as soon as temperatures fall. Riders can expect to encounter some bare and icy spots, especially on hills, corners and open areas. Beware that late-season conditions can change day to day. Stay to the right and slow down in the corners. Lakes are still snow covered but watch for frozen ruts.
A portion of the Taconite Trail between Ely and Tower has been plowed this week for use as a logging road. Beware of poor conditions, ice and logging trucks in the area near the Murray Spur Road.
McCarthy Beach State Park (Updated 3/4/09)
Condition: Good
Groomed Snowmobile Trail Miles: 12
Snow Depth: 13″
Trail Base: 4″
Groomed: Yes
Snowmobile trails have maintained a good base with the exception of some corners. The riding is still quite good. Trails are hard packed and may be icy in some areas. Use extra caution on the lakes.
Like most of the Midwest we’re getting hit with fresh snow. My comrades tell me it’s been clear sledding all the way up to the border all week. Trails are groom and a good solid base has been re-established.
Just an FYI: The weekend (Saturday) we have United Way Winter Blast Ride. Starts out at Fortune Bay Casino & Resort and if you depart from Eveleth/Virginia and it makes for an exciting and full day of riding. There will be a few of us from BLADE and TeamFAST up at the Landing (on west end Lake Vermilion) Restaurant cooking up the famous Brats and Polish from Paul’s Market (Eveleth)- so come join the event or just stop by and test ride some of the latest snowmobile products we offer.
Another fun thing we have coming up is PUCK Days in Eveleth, MN on March 14th. Along with the other happenings in Eveleth we have the 2nd Annual Antique, Vintage and Unique Snowmobile Parade and Show. We have some truly unique vehicles lined up for this year’s event so put that in your plans.
There’s a fresh 3-4″ on the surface as of today that added to the snow from last week. I should be out testing some sleds tomorrow and hope to be back in time for a full report on the trails.
Remember… ride safe, ride right (to the right)
David K.
BLADE Snowmobiles
PS. Any of you guys and gals remember Game 7, probably the greatest Game 7 of all time and Twins came on top (1-0 in the tenth inning) behind ACE Jack Morris. Well, he was up on Vermilion sledding earlier this week and I bumped into him at the Sawmill Restaurant in Virginia, MN. I’m twisting his arm to come participate this weekend on the United Way Ride. Snowmobiling attracts all walks of life… one of those rare forms of fun and camaraderie where the Lumberjack and the Billionaire come together and are equals…. so, so cool.
