Hello guys and gals. Updated snow conditions for some of the more “popular” trails on the Iron Range.
Let me know if you’re planning to pack up the sleds and ride up here (and where you’re planning to go)! Trails are in great shape and they are being groomed regularly!
Plus, it looks like we’re going to get a little bit more of the fluffy white stuff over the weekend, which promises to make the trails even more scenic and fun! (There’s nothing like a fresh coat of powder!)
UPDATED (by the DNR) 01-28-09
Arrowhead State Trail
Condition: Very Good
Groomed Miles: 128
Snow Depth: 16-22″
Trail Base: 2-6″
Groomed: Yes
The Arrowhead State Trails and local snowmobile trails are all being groomed regularly and are in good to excellent condition. Snow is plentiful and trail conditions are holding up well. The state trails are being groomed as needed depending on weather, trail conditions and traffic. As always, riders should beware that conditions can change and watch for hazards like rocks and stumps, slush and flowing water. Always stay to the right and slow down in the corners. Loggers are active and numerous trail segments are being used as haul roads. Where there is active logging, snowmobilers should stay on marked snowmobile trails only and stay off other roads plowed for logging. Use extra caution where “Trucks Hauling” signs are posted or where there is evidence of truck traffic on trails. Snowmobiles are no match for logging trucks. Lake conditions are gradually improving, but watch for slush, snow drifts and rough riding, especially if going off trail. Lake Vermilion and most Voyageurs National Park ice trails are signed and staked.
Taconite State Trail
Condition: Very Good
Groomed Miles: 165
Snow Depth: 16-20″
Trail Base: 2-6″
Groomed: Yes
The Taconite State Trail and local snowmobile trails are all being groomed regularly and are in good to excellent condition. Snow is plentiful and trail conditions are holding up well. The state trails are being groomed as needed depending on weather, trail conditions and traffic. As always, riders should beware that conditions can change and watch for hazards like rocks and stumps, slush and flowing water. Always stay to the right and slow down in the corners. Loggers are active and numerous trail segments are being used as haul roads. Where there is active logging, snowmobilers should stay on marked snowmobile trails only and stay off other roads plowed for logging. Use extra caution where “Trucks Hauling” signs are posted or where there is evidence of truck traffic on trails. Snowmobiles are no match for logging trucks. Lake conditions are gradually improving, but watch for slush, snow drifts and rough riding, especially if going off trail. Lake Vermilion and Ely area ice trails are all signed and staked.
Well, the bitter cold stuff is behind us, for a while anyway and likely well into next week.
I didn’t get out this last weekend as I attended the 15th Annual Pequot Lakes Antique Rally- it was cold there too but not nearly as cold as last year. Had a great time and I recommend attending these events becuase you easily forget where we came from and how far we’ve come. Plus those that like to ride these old buggies still like to whoop it up “after” the day’s ride.
The trails are in great shape, and with daylight getting longer I just love to get out there. And I’d love to run into some of you yet this week so I can giveaway some swag.
I am going to try and get some video this week so stay tuned.
Ride safe, ride right (to the right)
Ciao
David K.
Though the temps are scheduled to take a dive south this weekend, the trail conditions here on the Iron Range couldn’t be better. Thankfully, temps next week are looking a little better (especially toward the latter part of the week), with warmer riding conditions. So, make your lodging plans now and pack up your gear and make the short trek to the Iron Range. Trust me, it will be worth your while! (And, let me know when and where you are planning to ride…)
Arrowhead State Trail
Condition: Very Good to Excellent
Groomed Miles: 128
Snow Depth: 18-22″
Trail Base: 2-6″
Groomed: Yes
Taconite State Trail
Condition: Very Good to Excellent
Groomed Miles: 165
Snow Depth: 18-20″
Trail Base: 2-6″
Groomed: Yes
The Taconite & Arrowhead State Trails and local snowmobile trails are all being groomed regularly and are in good to excellent condition. Swamps and flowages have frozen enough so that all area trails are now passable by grooming machines. Snow is plentiful and trail conditions will continue to improve with more traffic and grooming passes, which will help firm up the base.
The trails will be groomed as needed depending on weather, trail conditions and traffic. As always, riders should beware that conditions can change and watch for hazards like rocks and stumps, slush and flowing water. Always stay to the right and slow down in the corners. Logging activity is in full swing and numerous trail segments are being used as haul roads. Where there is active logging, snowmobilers should stay on marked snowmobile trails only and stay off other roads plowed for logging. Use extra caution where “Trucks Hauling” signs are posted or where there is evidence of truck traffic on trails. Snowmobiles are no match for logging trucks. Watch for slush, snow drifts and rough riding on lakes, especially if going off trail. Lake Vermilion ice trails are all staked.
The local PBS station will air a special about snowmobiles (old and new), including the Blade, produced here at TEAM FAST.
Here are the details…be sure to check it out.
Venture North Snowmobile Special!
Airs January 22, 2009 (Replays January 25, 2009)
Hayward, Eveleth, Tamarack: Make tracks with Venture North for a show about snowmobiles. Race down the ice of Lake Hayward on a snowmobile speeding at over 100 miles an hour. Get in on the beginnings of a revolutionary new snowmobile designed and tested here in the Northland. We’ll travel to FAST, Inc’s proving grounds for a test ride on the Blade. And take in the 10th Annual Vintage Trail Ride put on by the Tamarack Snowflyers.
Here’s the latest report on trail conditions on the Iron Range:
UPDATED (by the DNR) 01-08-09
Arrowhead State Trail
Condition: Good to Excellent
Groomed Miles: 128
Snow Depth: 18-22″
Trail Base: 2-6″
Groomed: Yes
The Arrowhead State Trail is in good to excellent condition. Swamps and flowages have frozen enough so that almost all area trails are entirely passable by grooming machines. Snow is plentiful and trail conditions will continue to improve with more traffic and grooming passes, which will help pack the light and dry snow into a firm base. The state trails will be groomed twice a week or as needed based on conditions and traffic. As always, riders should beware of constantly changing conditions and hazards like rocks and stumps, slush and flowing water. Stay to the right and slow down in the corners. Watch for slush and snow drifts when lake riding. Lake Vermilion ice trails are staked on both the Cook and Tower ends. Logging activity is in full swing and numerous area trail segments are being used as haul roads. Where there is active logging, snowmobilers should stay on marked snowmobile trails only and stay off other roads plowed for logging. Use extra caution where “Trucks Hauling” signs are posted or where there is evidence of truck traffic on trails. Snowmobiles are no match for logging trucks.
Taconite State Trail
Condition: Good to Excellent
Groomed Miles: 165
Snow Depth: 18-20″
Trail Base: 2-4″
Groomed: Partially
The Taconite State Trail is in good to excellent condition. Swamps and flowages have frozen enough so that almost all area trails are entirely passable by grooming machines. Snow is plentiful and trail conditions will continue to improve with more traffic and grooming passes, which will help pack the light and dry snow into a firm base. The state trails will be groomed twice a week or as needed based on conditions and traffic. As always, riders should beware of constantly changing conditions and hazards like rocks and stumps, slush and flowing water. Stay to the right and slow down in the corners. Watch for slush and snow drifts when lake riding. Lake Vermilion ice trails are staked on both the Cook and Tower ends. Logging activity is in full swing and numerous area trail segments are being used as haul roads. Where there is active logging, snowmobilers should stay on marked snowmobile trails only and stay off other roads plowed for logging. Use extra caution where “Trucks Hauling” signs are posted or where there is evidence of truck traffic on trails. Snowmobiles are no match for logging trucks.
McCarthy Beach State Park (1-07-09)
Condition: Good
Groomed Snowmobile Trail Miles: 12
Snow Depth: 19″
Trail Base: 7″
Groomed: Yes
It’s time to ski. Good skiing is available on the trails. The Big Hole Trail and portions of the Red Top were well packed and groomed as of 12/30/08(approximately 9 km). The next grooming will be on 1/7 or 1/8 of 2009. The woods is decorated with snow. Snowshoers are exploring the woods. Follow their lead or make your own trail. The snowmobile groomer was out on the Taconite State Trail 1/6/09 and reports good conditions. Both Side Lake and Big Sturgeon have some slush, so be cautious if venturing onto the lakes.
Be sure to bookmark my blog for the up-to-date snowmobiling conditions for the 2008-2009 season!
