Wet, wet, wet…pretty much sums up our trail conditions right now and the groomers are off the trails until conditions change. The forecast is calling for a return to normal conditions for this time of year once we get past Monday. On the bright side, this actually may be a good thing for setting the trails up for better conditions for the rest of the season. The trails are packed down so they’ll freeze once the temperature drops and then we’re expected to get more snow through next week. But for now the trail conditions are very poor. I will keep you updated as soon as conditions change so keep checking back.

For any who are planning to spend Christmas day up here be aware that not all of the restaurants will be open so it’s best to call ahead. Also, by law, all bars must close Christmas Eve by 9:00et/8:00ct.

You can legally ride any county road that does not get plowed, but check with the Forest Service for a map to these roads. They have a waterproof one for $10.00. Call 906-932-1330 or go to www.fs.usda.gov/ottawa for more info.

The new snowmobile maps are out and available at most local businesses. Please remember that only money put into the wooden map money boxes with the photo of the groomers on it goes towards the trails – so please be aware of this and watch for this.

That’s all for now from Carolyn at the Hoop! We can’t wait to see you all back up again enjoying our beautiful area. For additional information about the Lake Gogebic area please visit the chamber website at www.LakeGogebicArea.com or call them at 1-888-464-3242 (888-GOGEBIC). Have a great day and a great ride.

Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce – 03/29/2014

<>

March 29th, 2014 – Last report of the season!

Trails over the Gogebic Area Grooming area are still in excellent condition with another 7-inches of snow that fell over Thursday night. Even with temps expected to top into the 40’s over this weekend we’re expecting more winter next week with snow predicted on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday! The winter that wouldn’t die! Although grooming will only continue through to March 31st trails can still be ridden through April as long as conditions allow. So don’t put your snowmobiles away just yet…you’ve just got to come up and enjoy a late season ride in our beautiful northwoods! One word of caution; watch for water running over a portion of trail #1 South, between Hwy. 2 (that runs south of Lake Gogebic) and the Gogebic Lodge (about halfway up the lake on the west shore). This area has been signed and it is still possible to ride around the wet area.

Please be aware that the deer are moving around more and more on the snowmobile trails due to the extremely deep snow, so keep an eye open for them. We’ve had several reports from snowmobilers in the area about this. Never run behind them as they don’t have the lungs for long, fast running. Come to a stop and enjoy watching them for a bit. If they don’t immediately move off just try slowly approaching them, that’ll usually do the trick.

*Keep in mind that some businesses have begun their seasonal schedule so be sure to call ahead to make sure your favorite stop is open for business as usual.

Be sure to pick up a copy of the newest edition of the Gogebic Times, put out by the Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce, which can be found at most local businesses. Not only will you find a snowmobile map and a lake map but there are some really great articles about snowmobile riding in our beautiful area. Not to mention some really great articles about the Lake Gogebic area and lots of great information for year round fun. Take one or two home with you, there free of cost to all.

That’s all for now from Carolyn at the Hoop. For additional information about the Lake Gogebic area we invite you to visit the only official website of the Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce at www.LakeGogebicArea.com or call us at 1-888-464-3242 (888-GOGEBIC). From everyone here at Lake Gogebic we’d like to thank all who came up this winter to enjoy our beautiful area and would like to extend an invitation to return again this summer. If you think it’s beautiful up here in the winter you must come and try us out in the summer! This huge lake of ours never gets crowded…so come and try out some fishing, boating, water skiing, kayaking, etc. Then there are all the trails to hike, the waterfalls to enjoy, ORV trails to explore…endless fun. Keep your eye on our calendar of events section to see what’s coming to our area this summer.

Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce – 03/29/2014

<>