Trail conditionsNOTE! Our Facebook page is updated as-it-happens.
For most recent updates, see https://www.facebook.com/VTSIGrooms |
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The Park has not yet officially opened any trails, and is closing the Black Bay portage on the (green) Kab West Trail. There is open water at the big beaver pond and dangerous conditions there now. It's early season - be careful out there while you enjoy the trails!
A huge Thank You! to all the hardy folks that came out in the chilly weather Saturday to help clear the trails. Your hard work is much appreciated. Shout-outs also go to Kec's Kove and the Echo Trail Tavern for some very tasty burgers!
Trails are not yet groomed, but if you do go out and can carefully try to help pack swampy areas it would be appreciated. Snow is in the forecast for next week - so here's hoping we're off to the start of a great snowmobiling season! At the last meeting elections were held. After many (many) years Tim Watson and Jim Janssen have retired as officers of VTSI. Please welcome our new Trail Administrator Chuck Bibeau, and our new officers and board members!
Officers
Mark your calendars. Get your gear ready (even if it's just gloves!). Questions? Contact Tim Watson for Kabetogama area, Nikki Johnson for Buyck, or Scott Sanborn for Crane Lake. See you then!
WARM temperatures have arrived here in Voyageur Country. The trails are taking a hit and snow levels have dropped significantly in the last two days. 50 degrees yesterday and right now 53 degrees.
Lakes surfaces have lots of water and slush, the trails are showing bare spots on corners and south faces slopes. The groomers are not running as of now. If it cools off and we get a little snow they may go again. We will see how it goes from here. For trail conditions in the park visit Alerts & Conditions - Voyageurs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) Several resorts and bar/restaurants have closed for the winter season. Call ahead to see who is open. A big thank you to all who visited our area this winter! Here we are mid March and trails are still in great shape and groomers are still running their regular trips. It still looks like the middle of winter and temps for the weekend will perfect for those still enjoying riding here in Voyageur Country. Get up here and enjoy the great opportunity!
Remember this Saturday is the Antique event is at Melgeorge’s on Elephant Lake. All of our areas are still open for business and looking forward to seeing you this weekend. As always, keep to the right on the trails, watch your speed and have a great weekend!!! Thanks for coming North. March riding is upon us! Warmer temperatures and still great snow conditions.
All the trails are still being groomed multiple times each week and remain in great shape. Daytime temps are now in the teens and 20's, plus we're enjoying longer days. It looks like conditions may allow for much more riding this year. Get up here and enjoy! All of the businesses from Big Falls, Littlefork, Int’l Falls and Rainy Lake, Kabetogama, Ash River, Crane Lake, Buyck, Elephant Lake and Orr are open and ready for your trip north. The Park Service is also grooming so portages, Chain of Lakes and Kettle Falls trails are all open and ready. Check the Park website for the latest updates on conditions in the Park. This is a bonus riding time as some years the season is already finished by now. Voyageur Country is open with great trails and (still) lots of snow. Get up here and enjoy this special time of year! Ride safe by staying on the right side & watch your speed. We look forward to seeing you up here! Saturday, March 5 is the Crane Lake Challenge and March 12th is the Antique event on Elephant Lake. Check them out as well! Wow! Presidents Weekend was amazing! Beautifully groomed trails, 8-9 inches of fresh snowfall, cold temps and lots of scenery to enjoy along the way!
Hats off to the groomers who continue to work the trails at least 2 times each week plus the extra grooming for and after this Presidents Weekend to keep trails in great shape. The current weather forecast points to continued great riding opportunities. Come on up to Voyageur Country and enjoy the trails and wonderful scenery that we offer! A few words of caution... Please stay on the trails (and on the right side of the trails). Pay attention to signage and STOP for the stop signs! Watch your speeds and let’s all be safe out there. Not sure where to stay, eat or get gas during your trip? Visit our Sponsors Page for area businesses that are here to provide lodging, food, gas and great hospitality for your trip. With the miles of beautiful backcountry trails in fantastic condition, that lead you to fun places to enjoy, now is the perfect time to head North and enjoy all that Voyageur Country has to offer. See you on the trails! Another week and the report is about the same. We have had more cold, more snow - about 6 inches since last week, and groomers are all out and working.
Trail traffic has picked up so watch for more sleds, keep to the right on trails, watch your speed. Stay safe and have fun! There are some pressure ridges on Kab - see Alerts & Conditions - Voyageurs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) - but trails are all open! Groomers will be running extra trips this weekend to keep things in great shape. Riding in Voyageur Country is great with many options. See the map at Trail Map - VTSI Trail Updates (snowmobilevacation.org) or pick one up at a local business. Speaking of those businesses, they are open and here to help you have a great trip. Check them out on the map or at Sponsors - VTSI Trail Updates (snowmobilevacation.org) Probably see you on the trails. Take care! This week'ss report is "Great Conditions throughout Voyageur Country". More snow has fallen, and even more is on the way. Now is the time to head North to enjoy exceptional riding conditions!
Groomers from International Falls south through Kabetogama/Ash River and on to Orr, Buyck and Crane Lake are on a regular schedule and the trails are ready. The State groomers have the Arrowhead trail from International Falls south, the Blue Ox trail to Littlefork and Big Falls all in great shape. The trail west to Birchdale is open but does have a couple rough spots and a re-route around a beaver dam. The Park has been grooming the lake trails and portages so things are pretty good there as well. With temperatures a little better and great snow conditions, don't wait to plan your trip north to Voyageur Country and experience some of the best riding in a several years! This is an awesome area to come and snowmobile. Check the trail map for all the businesses that are here to serve you. Come up north to Voyageur Country, have fun and stay safe!!! |