Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

With groomers out on trails, snowmobiling caution advised

HURLEY - The 6 to 8 inches of heavy snow that fell on Friday on the Gogebic Range improved conditions for all outdoor activities.

Area motels and gas stations benefitted from the snow that also blanketed Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula.

The Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce said the White Thunder Riders had three snowmobile trail groomers running on Friday and two would operate overnight.

Trail conditions were fair to good in northern Iron County.

Trails 3 and 13 south, from the Hogsback east/south to 310 Road, were closed.

A high of 18 degrees forecast for today would be ideal for riding.

For downhill skiing, Whitecap Mountain Resort, near Upson, opened on Christmas day with a base of 6 to 20 inches. A total of 13 runs and three lifts were open before the latest snow arrived. Snowmobilers are now welcome at Whitecap via Trail 6, which extends right into the parking lot.

The Gogebic Range Trail Authority was grooming from Hurley to Wakefield Friday. Grooming was planned throughout the night.

Vilas County officially opened its snowmobile trails today at 9 a.m.

Caution was advised because of early season conditions and ice under snow cover.

'Please use caution as you may encounter rough areas in the trails that will require additional snow to improve conditions. Do not cross any area lakes unless the trail has been clearly marked crossing the ice. Stay on marked trails and enjoy our system responsibly,' said Dale Mayo, Vilas County Parks and Recreation Administrator.