Snowmobile Conditions
Michigan is known by snowmobilers nationwide for its unique combination of abundant and dependable snow, exciting terrain and extensive trail network. More than 6,200 miles of designated snowmobile trails are located throughout the state of Michigan forests, three national forests and many acres of privately owned lands. Michigan is one of only three states that offer a large system of interconnected snowmobile trails. Approximately 50% of the snowmobile trail system is located on private lands; 20% Federal; 25% State; and 5% other public. More than 150 grooming tractors are used by more than 65 grant program sponsors to groom the trail system.
Updated March 8, 2012
The West Michigan Snow Report is updated on Wednesdays through the winter season.
Northern Trails
| Snow Report | Features | Contact | Website |
| Houghton Lake | |||
|
As of 3/8/12 Snow Base: 4" New Snow: 0" Last Grooming: 3/5/12 Trail Conditions: Poor |
200 miles of groomed trails |
Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce 800-248-5253 |
www.houghtonlakechamber.org |
| Gaylord | |||
|
As of 3/8/12 Snow Base: 6” New Snow: 0” Last Grooming: 3/6/12 Trail Conditions: Poor |
To Cheboygan: 44 miles To Mackinaw: 58 miles To Indian River: 28 miles |
Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau 800-345-8621 |
www.gaylordmichigan.net |
| Indian River | |||
|
As of 3/8/12 Snow Base: 4“ New Snow: 0” Last Grooming: 3/5/12 Trail Conditions: Fair |
56 miles of groomed trails |
Indian River Tourist Bureau 800-EXIT-310 |
www.irtourism.com |
| Harbor Springs | |||
|
As of 3/5/12 Snow Base: 12” New Snow: 1” Last Grooming: 3/4/12 Trail Conditions: Good to Excellent |
Over 100 miles of groomed trails
Note: City residents with snowmobiles are allowed to use city streets to drive in and out of town using the most direct route while visitors cannot do the same. |
Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce 231-526-7999 |
www.harborspringschamber.com |
| Petoskey | |||
|
As of 1/25/12 Snow Base: 4” New Snow: 2” Last Grooming: 1/22/12 Trail Conditions: Good |
68 miles of groomed trails
Note: no snowmobiles are allowed on city streets. |
Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau 800-845-2828 |
www.petoskeyarea.com |
| Grand Traverse | |||
|
As of 3/8/12 Snow Base: 4” New Snow: 0” Last Grooming: 2/28/12 Trail Conditions: Fair |
100 miles of groomed trails |
Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau 800-TRAVERSE |
www.traversecity.com |
| Benzie/Manistee | |||
|
As of 3/7/12 Snow Base: 0” New Snow: 0” Last Grooming: 1/30/12 Trail Conditions: Poor |
Benzie: 135 miles of groomed, marked trails
Manistee: 125 miles of groomed, marked trails |
Benzie Area Visitors Bureau 800-882-5801
Manistee County Convention & Visitors Bureau |
www.visitbenzie.com
www.visitmanistee.com |
| Cadillac | |||
|
As of 3/8/12 Snow Base: 0” New Snow: 0” Last Grooming: Not Grooming Trail Conditions: Poor |
200 miles of groomed, marked trails |
Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau 800-22-LAKES |
www.cadillacmichigan.com |
| Irons | |||
|
As of 3/2/12 Snow Base: 0” New Snow: 1” Last Grooming: 2/25/12 Trail Conditions: Poor |
160 miles of groomed, marked trails |
Irons Area Tourist Association 231-266-8101 |
www.ironsarea.com
|
| Reed City | |||
|
As of 3/6/12 Snow Base: 3” New Snow: 0” Last Grooming: 3/3/12 Trail Conditions: Poor |
130 miles of groomed, marked trails |
Reed City Chamber of Commerce 877-832-7332 |
www.reedcitycrossroads.com |
Central Trails
| Snow Report | Features | Contact | Website |
| Muskegon | |||
|
As of: 1/11/12 Snow Base: 0” New Snow: 0” Last Grooming: 2011 Trail Conditions: Closed |
135 miles of marked, groomed trails |
Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau 800-250-9283
White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce |
www.visitmuskegon.org
www.whitelake.org |
Southern Trails
| Snow Report | Features | Contact | Website |
| Allegan | |||
|
As of: 3/2/2012 Snow Base: 0” New Snow: 0” Last Grooming: 3/2/12 Trail Conditions: Closed |
200 miles of trails |
Allegan County Parks, Recreation & Tourism 888-4-ALLEGAN |
www.visitallegancounty.com |
| Gobles | |||
|
As of: 2/27/12 Snow Base: 2” New Snow: 0” Last Grooming: 1/21/12 Trail Conditions: Poor |
60 miles of groomed trails |
Discover Kalamazoo 800-888-0509 |
www.discoverkalamazoo.com |
| Lawton | |||
|
As of: 3/7/12 Snow Base: 0” New Snow: 0” Last Grooming: 1/22/12 Trail Conditions: Closed |
Paw Paw Chamber of Commerce 269-657-5395 |
www.pawpawchamber.com | |
| Hartford/Coloma | |||
|
As of: 2/28/12 Snow Base: 0” New Snow: 0" Last Grooming: 1/14/12 Trail Conditions: Closed |
Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council 269-925-6301 |
www.swmichigan.org | |
| Niles | |||
|
As of: 1/30/12 Snow Base: 0” New Snow: 0” Last Grooming: 1/13/12 Trail Conditions: Closed |
Four Flags Area Council on Tourism 269-684-7444 |
www.fourflagsarea.org |
Snowmobile Permits
In addition to registration of a snowmobile in Michigan or from another state or province, a person who desires to operate a snowmobile in this state shall purchase a $35.00 snowmobile trail permit sticker. The snowmobile trail permit sticker shall be valid for a period of 1 year which begins October 1 and ends September 30 of the following year. Snowmobile trail permits are available from snowmobile dealers and many retail businesses located adjacent to or near the Michigan snowmobile trail system. These permits are also available through all DNR electronic license agents. Snowmobiles are exempt from the Trail Permit Sticker if they are:
Operated exclusively on lands owned or under the control of the owner, used entirely in a safety education program conducted by a certified snowmobile safety instructor, exclusively operated in a special event of limited duration which is conducted according to a prearranged schedule under a permit from the governmental unit having proper jurisdiction or a snowmobile used solely for transportation on the frozen surface of public waters for the purpose of ice fishing.
Display of Trail Permit Sticker: The trail permit sticker shall be permanently affixed to the forward half of the snowmobile directly above or below the headlight.
Safe Snowmobile Tips
- Always keep your machine in top mechanical condition.
- Always wear insulated boots and protective clothing including a helmet, gloves and eye protection.
- Never ride alone.
- Avoid, when possible, crossing frozen bodies of water.
- Never operate in a single file when crossing frozen bodies of water.
- Always be alert to avoid fences and low strung wires.
- Never operate on a street or highway.
- Always look for depressions in the snow.
- Keep headlights and tail lights on at all times.
- When approaching an intersection, come to a complete stop, raise off the seat and look for traffic.
- Always check the weather conditions before you depart.
Snowmobilers, please
- Slow Down - speed is a contributing factor in nearly all fatal accidents.
- Don't drink - alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction time. Make it 'none' for the trail.
- Live to Enjoy Michigan's Winter Wonderland!
For an even more detailed list of safety precautions and tips, follow this link to the Michigan DNR list.