December 7, 2006
Depending on where you live, trails may already be open for the season. But is there enough snow, and are they really open?
Hurley, Wis.
Snow, but trails closed

Hurley reports that its recieved 28.9 inches of snow since December 1 and 53 inches to date, with a fresh 10 inches last night. Groomers have been out packing, but trails are closed and gates are up due to a special deer hunt. Gates will open on December 11, just in time for Hurley’s famous Red Light Rally. Be sure to attend this event, because rumor is it will be the last. For more information on Hurley, the Red Light Rally and trail conditions, view www.hurleywi.com.
Ironwood, Mich.
Trails open, but low snow

Pre-season/low-snow conditions exist here, but grooming has begun. Trail 2 to Marenisco has been given the once-over, though snow thins near Marenisco. Trail 11 South to Winchester and 11N to the Porcupine Mountains will be groomed by the weekend. Gravel is showing up on Trail 2 between Ironwood and Wakefied.
Other parts of Wisconsin
No trails are reported open

For more information on trail conditions and openings, click here.
Arrowhead region, Minn.
Trails closed or in poor conditions

Trails in this area have an estimated base of 3 to 5 inches, and nothing has been groomed. Areas with a reported “poor” conditions include the Taconite Trail, Tettegouche State Park, Scenic State Park, the North Shore Trail, Bear Island, Cascade River and the Arrowhead State Trail. Other trails are either closed, or in unknown condition.
Northwestern Minnesota
Hayes Lake State Park reports “good” conditions, while Lake Bronson State Park reports “fair” with 8 inches of snow. Trails at Lake Bronson have a 2-inch base. Beltrami Island State Forest also reports fair conditions with a 5-inch base. Groomers have not yet been out.
For more information on Minnesota trail conditions, click here.
Keweenaw Peninsula, Mich.
This are is getting its usual amount of snow in the hot pockets. There’s more than a foot in several places from Houghton on up to Copper Harbor, which reports 14 inches. According to the Keweenaw Convention and Visitors Bureau, the trails from Twin Lakes to Copper Harbor are open, and groomers have begun packing and opening the trails. The trails are covered, but early-season conditions (and hazards) still apply. The mat on the Houghton/Hancock bridge will be in place in mid-December. For more information, view www.keweenaw.info.
Eastern UP, Mich.
St. Ignace

The St. Ignace Visitor’s Bureau reports 12 to 16 inches of lake effect snow, which packs down to 2 to 4 inches on the trail. The groomers have been out packing, but beware of exposed stumps and other low-snow hazards. www.straitsareasnowmobileclub.com.
Paradise
The Town Trail is open.

Don’t forget to double-check trail conditions before you go. For additional trail updates (or to post conditions in your area), go to our message board here.

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