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Trail Report: Price County – Park Falls, Phillips & Prentice, Wisconsin – December 16, 2016

Trail Conditions: Early Season

Snow Cover: 6-8

Date of Report: December 16, 2016

Area Report:

Click Here to order a Price County Snowmobile Map

We currently have 6-8 inches of snow on the ground with 5-9 inches predicted for Friday (12/16/16) night. Most trails are officially open as of December 12; however, some gates may not be opened yet, and the trails cannot be groomed until they are cleared of downed trees / branches and the swamps freeze. Lake ice is NOT safe for snowmobile travel; for your safety please do not travel on the lakes until the club members have marked the lake trails. Highs are predicted to be well below freezing through Monday (12/19/16) which will help freeze the lakes and swamps. Trails should be in good condition for the Christmas and New Year holiday season.

Fifield Sno-Drovers (northeast Price County / Pike Lake area) – The gates are being opened this week.There are many trees down on the trail that need to be cleared before grooming can beginning. The current plan is to remove trees/brush on Friday and then groom the trails Friday night.

Northwoods Hi-Riders (northeast of Phillips / Solberg Lake area) – The trails are currently not open for riding; the gates may not be opened yet, swamps are not frozen, and a washout needs to be repaired along with other trail preparation.

Prentice Bushbenders (southeast Price County / Prentice-Ogema area) – The gates are being opened this week and the trails are being packed down. There are trees down on the trail and the swamps are not frozen. The trail condition will be determined after the weekend.

Catawba Driftsplitters (southwest Price County / Catawba-Kennan) – The swamps and creeks need to freeze before grooming can begin.

Lugerville Chasers (northwest Price County) – Extreme caution is advised at this time.  The gates are being opened this week, but the trails need to be cleared of fallen trees, the swamps are not frozen, and the ice on area lakes is not thick enough for snowmobile travel.

Trail Report: Eagle River, Wisconsin – December 16, 2016

Trail Conditions: Early Season

Snow Cover: Groomed/Panned base of 2 inches on trail

Date of Report: December 16, 2016

Area Report:

Sno-Eagles Trails Open
Fair Early Riding Condition

The clock struck 12 noon yesterday and I saw sleds on the trails!  Not a ton but hardy first day of the season riders!  As a friend posted on Facebook….“you can tell it winter because I saw my first snowmobile!”

Now the really good news.  SNOW & lots of it is in the forecast starting later this afternoon.  National Weather Service predicts 6-10 inches of SNOW. With potential of 12 inches in northern Vilas County.  Click here for the complete National Weather Service report

Here is today’s report from the Trail Boss, Brian Scheid:

Trails in Sno-Eagles Country are in FAIR Early Season Riding Condition & trails have a good start on the base.  As you ride you may find some areas of slush. He & other Club members have been out packing the trails with snowmobiles to help on the freeze down.  Plus out with the groomers panning.  Here are some trails conditions to watch for:

  • St. Germain Route – Trail 70W Groomed
  • Anvil Lake Route – Trail 10E Groomed
  • Conover Route – Trail 10W Groomed
  • Sayner Route – 13N & W Groomed
  • Town Route – Some areas not Groomed.  Packed with snowmobile
  • Town Route North – 17N Groomed
  • Town Route South – 17S Packed with snowmobile
  • Granpa/Grahm Trail – Club Trail off 10E Groomed
  • Nine Mile Trail – Club Trail off 10E Groomed
  • Manske Swamp(portion of Trl 3) & WI River Bridge(portion of 10/13) Open but not Groomed
  • Catfish Lake Loop & Eagle Lake Trails MARKED CLOSED

Grooming Schedule – Saturday & Sunday

Please Report Trail Issues to Trail Boss Brian Scheid
715.891.2332 snoeaglesclub@gmail.com

Keep THINKING COLD and Doin’ The Snow Dance!

Finally we get to ride!  Did you remember to register your sled & buy trail passes?

See Ya On The Trails Real Soon!

Holly Tomlanovich
Communications Chair
Sno-Eagles, Inc.
PROUD GROOMERS OF THE SNOWMOBILE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD® – Eagle River
Phone Trail Updates 715.479.5185

News and Reports:

MONTHLY MEETINGS 6:30pm Snacks – Meeting at 7pm – All Welcome!

  • January 19 – Eagle River Inn (3 west of Eagle River near the 70W bridge)
  • February 16 – Eddie B’s White Spruce (Hwy 45N at the bridge)
  • March 16 – Eagle Waters (Hwy 70E to Rangeline Rd-follow the signs)
  • April 20 – Gordo’s (Hwy 45N across from Holiday North Gas Station)

BOARD MEETINGS 7pm at the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (Hwy 45N next door to the World Championship Snowmobile Derby)

  • January-May the 1st Tuesday of the each month

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY TRAIL RIDES – Starting Wednesday, December 21!

  • Meet on Trail 13 (the Grade) in town between Historic Railroad Depot & Friendship House
  • 9am departure

RIDE WITH PRIDE RAFFLE TICKETS

  • $2 each or 3/$5 available from Sno-Eagles, Eagle River Chamber office & many businesses in Eagle River
  • Prizes – 1st prize SkiDoo MXZE 600 or CanAm Outlander 570. 2nd prize 55′ Flat panel TV or $500. 3rd prize Wkend at Eagle Waters Resort + dinner. 4th prize Wkend at Wild Eagle Lodge.

Trail Report: Cable, Wisconsin – December 16, 2016

Trail Conditions: Not Ridable

Snow Cover: 4-5″

Date of Report: December 16, 2016

Area Report:

Winter is off to a very promising start! The Bayfield County trails are not yet open as they are still waiting for more snowfall and need the swamps to freeze deeper before grooming equipment can go out. We currently have a solid 5 inches of snow cover. The lakes have frozen over but it will take some time to get ice depths safe enough to ride over the deep parts of the lakes where many of the trails go. We are anticipating significant snowfall today and Saturday with as much as 10” expected. Be sure to check back in early next week for an update!

News and Reports:

*Bar-stool Races – February 18th, 2017

*Worlds Longest Weenie Roast – March 4-5, 2017

Snowmobile Information:

Wisconsin Trail Passes – every sled on our trails must display a WI pass, no exceptions. Visit the AWSC website for more information, and PLAN AHEAD.

ALL WI-registered sleds’ trail passes WILL BE MAILED VIA USPS.

Trail Report: Presque Isle, Wisconsin – December 16, 2016

Trail Conditions: Early Season

Snow Cover: 12-15″

Date of Report: December 16, 2016

Area Report:

Vilas County trails opened yesterday at 12pm!! Reports are fair (to good); there are high spots with sticks coming through yet and some of the swamps still need to freeze so ride-arounds are necessary. With that in mind, you can still find some nice early-season riding and with the storm predicted this afternoon and into tomorrow, conditions should only improve.

Ride safe, and have fun! Note that most lakes are not yet safe.

Consider supporting our SnoBunnies and join the Club. SnoBunnies.com. WI Trail passes are only $10 for those that join.

Trail Report: Kane County, Illinois – December 15, 2016

Trail Conditions: Early Season

Snow Cover: 7-10 inches

Date of Report: December 15, 2016

Area Report:

ILLINOIS SNOWMOBILE TRAILS ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN!

Many riders have been out on the trails already and the reviews are mixed. Some areas are great and then some areas (especially in open cornfields) are not so great. With the very cold temps the snow is sticking around, but many cornfield are rough riding conditions due to blowing snow and the hard dirt underneath.

Panned the great western trail and it looks to be in very good condition. Out near Sycamore and Virgil the groomer had been out and the trail looks great! Remember the speed limit on the GWT is 35MPH.

ALSO BEWARE: The Kane county forest preserve police are out and stopping sleds to check for registration and insurance. I was stopped by them myself and was told they are out on sleds and by vehicles. Failure to have registration or insurance will result in some hefty fines, so please make sure you are carirying them.

There is the possibility of another winter storm this Friday-Saturday. As of now, they are talking about the possibility of 3-5 inches, however the storm could produce more or less depending on if there is a transition of freezing rain or not. I will keep you updated of any changes that may happen. Keep doing the snow dance!

TRAILS ARE OPEN FROM DECEMBER 15TH THRU MARCH 15TH WITH FROZEN GROUND AND 4″ OF SNOW, OR 6″ OF SNOW AND UNFROZEN GROUND.

PLEASE REMEMBER THE Rules of the Trail:

No Snowmobiling without sufficient snow 4″ frozen, 6″ unfrozen ground.
Stay on marked trails.
Keep off open fields (farmers plant winter crops!)
Do not trespass.
Do not liter.
Stay away from private buildings.
Keep the noise level down.
Never remove or cut down fences.
Avoid small trees and shrubbery, etc.

SEE YOU ON THE TRAILS!

 

News and Reports:

Snowmobile Safety Classes

1/7/17
Kane County Forest Preserve
1996 S. Kirk Rd., Geneva
8:00am-4:30pm
Ron 847-464-4145

1/7/17
Lake County Forest Preserve Operations and Public Safety building
19808 W Grand Ave, Lindenhurst
8:00am-5:00pm
Registration link: www.lcfpd.org/events/snowmobile-safety-class-20170107

1/7/17
McHenry County Government Center
McHenry County Sheriff’s Office
2200 North Seminary Ave, Woodstock
Please pre-register with Cathy Hardt at (815)334-4739 or cdhardt@co.mchenry.il.us

2/19/17
McHenry County Government Center
McHenry County Sheriff’s Office
2200 North Seminary Ave, Woodstock
Please pre-register with Cathy Hardt at (815)334-4739 or cdhardt@co.mchenry.il.us

Snowmobile Information:

Trail Report: Minocqua, Wisconsin – December 15, 2016

Trail Conditions: Open

Snow Cover: 8 to 10

Date of Report: December 15, 2016

Area Report: 

Trails are open as of noon today!! Very early season conditions! Please do not cross any lake until clearly marked! More snow and cold on the way Fri. and Sat.

Trail Report: Three Lakes – Brule River, Wisconsin – December 15, 2016

Trail Conditions: Closed

Snow Cover: 4-5″

Date of Report: December 15, 2016

Area Report:

Our trails are currently closed.  With the cold weather that we are having and the snow in the forecast, we are hoping to be able to open soon.  This all depends on our swamps freezing and the lakes freezing.  Our volunteers are out working every day to clear brush and sign the trails.  Stay tuned for updates.

Snowmobile Information:

The Three Lakes – Brule River trails are the destination that is sure to satisfy the most discerning snowmobiler.  Our trail system encompasses 186 miles of state and locally funded trails.

The trail system traverses the most scenic country that Wisconsin has to offer.  The Kimball Creek trail (both upper and lower) will take you through the pristine Nicolet National Forest and provides you with connection to Vilas, Forest, and Oneida Counties.  Our southern trails will lead you to Rhinelander, Monico, Pelican Lake, and Crandon areas.  Trails to the west and north will take you to Sugar Camp, St. Germain, and Eagle River.

Everyday is sure to bring you a new and different snowmobiling experience.  Don’t forget to visit Downtown Three Lakes via our trail system and take advantage of the great amenities it has to offer.  Once there, you’ll experience the old fashioned charm of the Wisconsin Northwoods.  Our main street is lit by antique lampposts, and lined with very unique gift shops, restaurants, taverns, and other small businesses, including a winery.

The community’s greatest natural resource is the largest chain of freshwater lakes in the world, 28 interconnected lakes stretching northward to Eagle River, Wisconsin.  Stay on the marked trails and you will be rewarded with the scenic beauty of the Three Lakes Chain.

Then, venture to the northeast and discover the remote beauty of the Brule River trails.  Be sure to stop and sample the warmth and hospitality to be found at the local taverns and eating establishments.

Our trail system is professionally maintained and groomed by Three Lakes – Brule River trails, primarily a volunteer organization .  Grooming and trail maintenance is performed  utilizing a 2012 and 2010 New Holland tracked tractor, a 2004 Tucker Snowcat, a 2006 Fendt tractor, a 2015 Piston Bully, a 2014 John Deere Gator, and a 2016 Arctic Cat Bearcat Snowmobile.

The Northern Lights Snowmobile Club provides extensive financial support the Three Lakes – Brule River Trails organization.  Throughout the season, club events include dinners, fundraisers and weekly rides.  Those interested in joining the club may visit their website at http://www.northernlightsclub.com.

We would also encourage you to visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Threelakestrails/ and our website at http://www.threelakestrails.com

Trail Report: Watersmeet, Michigan – December 15, 2016

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: 6-8″ with more on the way Friday and Saturday

Date of Report: December 15, 2016

Area Report:

Just a quick note to let everyone know that we haven’t had an update from the groomers today.  The only information I have is that they were going out yesterday to pan, flatten, and assess the trail system.  Really cold weather continues which is great, and now they have upped the snowfall predictions for Friday and Saturday here as 9 to 12″ coming.  Sounds absolutely great!!!  I saw a large snowmobile trailer heading to Watersmeet this afternoon coming down Highway 45.  Riding should be very early season right now, but if we get a dumper tomorrow and Saturday, they may have a great sledding experience.

Please don’t venture out on any of the lakes yet.  Thousand Island Lake on the Cisco Chain just froze up on December 10 followed by Black Oak on Highway B in Land O’ Lakes the following day.  The ice will be building well with this cold, but it is better to be safe than sorry yet.

We are very close!  Polish up those sleds and get your gear ready.  :o)

Carole Yakel at The Arrows

News and Reports:

For a live snowmobile trail report, call Caryl at the Watersmeet Chamber of Commerce number, 906-358-9961.  You can also send me an email at visit@watersmeet.org.  We try to give you the best and most honest information on trails.  We want you to totally enjoy our U. P. Thunder Riders snowmobile trails.

If you would like to receive a Watersmeet brochure, any specific area information, and/or a WUPCVB Snowmobile Map, just email your name and address.  We will also be happy to put your information on the inquiry list that goes out to the area accommodation places for further information.  If you have dates and number of people, it also helps to let you know what might be available.

We always invite you to “stay where you play” and hope you’ll give our area accommodation places a try.  There’s something for everyone in every price range.  Enjoy a lake-side cottage or vacation home, a ma and pa motel, an historic hotel, or a large casino hotel.  It’s great to have choices and we are very proud of all the accommodations we have here.

We have two snowmobile sales and service places right here.  One right in town on Highway 45 and one on the Michigan/Wisconsin border on Highway 45 and Highway B.  There are also two other snowmobile repair services here as well.  We’ve got you covered if you should have any issues with your sleds!

Snowmobile Information:

Michigan snowmobile permits are required on all Michigan trails.  They are available at many of the area businesses here.

Once grooming gets under way, our trails are most always groomed at least once a day or night.  Please be careful out there and make way for the groomers.  Our groomers are extremely well maintained, but it’s not good for anyone if one is forced off the trail!

Please be careful out there and have a wonderful and safe sledding trip to the Watersmeet area.  Our area businesses are here to help you in any way.  We have great people here that are more than willing to go the extra mile for you.

Thanks so much.  We hope to see you soon.

Carole