Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Reports
2008-2009 Season (Archived)
Houghton Lake Michigan has over 200 miles of snowmobile trails.
Michigan snowmobiling season begins most winters by December and continues through March. This website is dedicated to Michigan snowmobiling and strives to give accurate snowmobile trail reports with pictures. Michigan snowmobiling relies on the efforts of volunteers to help maintain and improve the trail conditions. Check out the webcam page to see current conditions for Michigan Snowmobiling in Houghton Lake. We are avid snowmobiling fans ourselves, and volunteer every year for trail maintenance and grooming. Please support the clubs in the area where you ride by volunteering or donating. Michigan snowmobiling is a sport to be enjoyed by the entire family.
We are members of
LAST SEVERAL YEARS REPORTS ARE HERE
SCROLL DOWN FOR CURRENT CONDITIONS
CHECK OUT THE LIVE WEBCAM BY CLICKING ON PICTURE OF RESORT (ABOVE LEFT)
A couple Webcam's near us. One at the Mackinaw bridge and here at the Resort.
This site is dedicated to Houghton Lake Michigan snowmobiling and Michigan Snowmobiling conditions
Another snowmobile season is upon us and the Road Commission says they will do what the can to work with us on the areas that snowmobiles and vehicles have to share. Lets give them a chance and see what happens this year. If you see signs of teamwork from their organization helping the community, give them a friendly thank you.
Come up and join us for Michigan's Largest winter Festival
Tip-Up-Town has been re-vamped this year to bring more fun for the entire family. Please support TUT 2009 and bring the entire family. Click the writing above to be directed to the official TUT 2009 website at the Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Please donate to keep the cam running (or become a guest).
THANK'S TO ALL OF THE CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS SITE
2006-2007 Supporters
Lawrence George, Terry Fraser, Richard Fraser, Scott Rodgers, Lawrence Bennett, Mark Williams, Rebecca Moses, Douglas Gyomory, Keven Hurley, James Van Vonderen, Robert Ring, Tammy & Mike Holbrook, Marc Wolney, Tim Noonan, Steve Lawrence, Randy Abbott, JASON STEMPLE, Evan Hansen, Catherine Willuweit, Steve Krim, Sled Solutions. Thomas Griffin, jeffrey allen, Charlann Haener,Jeff King, Terry Sizemore, Scott Muller, Dennis Matson, Tracy Bostwick, Alan Reich, Ryan Jacobs, Robert Brehmer Jr, Sherry Nanivich (Snowmobile Fanatics Goods), Maysum Haddad, Robert Vogel, Charles Stoia, David Witucki, Edward Marsh, Greg Burks.
Also any guests of the resort are supporting it just by staying with us. So if you are a guest this season, e-mail us for a password.
2007-2009 Supporters
Thank's to the 15 or so people that donated to keep the webcams running. We have to replace them this year, beacause they don't work so well with vista. The minimum donation for the webcam will be 20.00 for non-guests of the resort. Some people have paid more, and we REALLY apreciate it.
Cabin and Chalet Rentals Available
All cabins are two bedrooms, and have sofa sleepers in the living room. They accomodate up to six guest.
Cabin number 6. (888) 863-1262
Chalet number 19. (888) 863-1262
SNOWMOBILE RENTAL (888) 863-1262
Singles Prices
weekday 8 hour $175.00 excluding Fridays
24 hour day: $225.00
No single Days Friday-Sunday
Weekend (Friday 6:00 - Sunday 5:00) $375.00
Two Up Prices
weekday (9:00 - 4:30): $200.00 excluding Fridays
24 hour day: $250.00
No single Days Friday-Sunday
Weekend (Friday 6:00 - Sunday 5:00) $450.00
late fee of $100.00 after 2 hours 24 hour day charge.
Damage Deposit on Machine Rental is $500.00 per machine. (cash or credit card)
Machines will be full of gas and oil and are to be returned the same way.
If not there will be a $50.00 charge.
For further questions please call Toll free 1-888-863-1262
Snowmobile For Sale
2004 Yamaha, Click the picture for more information.
SNOWMOBILE REPAIR & STUDDING
Please donate to this website if you find it useful. We added a paypal link so you can donate using your paypal account.
We have some specials on studding, as well as pre-season prep. Stainless steel Woody's studs installed for $2.50 per stud, 24 hour turnaround. Many styles of backers available. Tunnel protectors extra if required.
Pre season prep ($150.00) includes the following: 1. Check all fluids 2. chain-case oil changed 3. grease suspension and bearings 4. Charging system and all lighting check 5. Track tension adjustment 6. Engine compression test. 7. Wearbars check and slider replacement if necessary. 8. General inspection and bolt tightening. 9. Power wash and cleanup 10 Battery test. 11. Coolant system check 12 Belt inspection. Carbide replacement is 10.00 and carbides are approx 45.00/60.00/75.00/90.00 for 4/6/8/10" respectively for most sleds.
2008-2009 Season (Archived)
Update 3/16/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
9:01am It got to 51 yesterday and the snow is melting fast. They were still driving trucks on the lake yesterday, so theres plenty of ice left for ice fishing. I talked to some guys that rode the Blue Bear Saturday, at they figured it was there last ride there also.
Update 3/12/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
Late season weekday special, singles 175.00 24/Hrs 2-up 200.00 24/Hrs
2 Singles w/cabin 2 days 450.00 1-888-863-1262
9:01am No new snow last night, its 5 degrees right now so nothing has changed since yesterday. Todays high is 31 so things should remain pretty much the same, but from tomorrow on its looking to warm up. This may be the last ride you can get, so if you were waiting do it this weekend is the time. THINK SNOW!!!
Update 3/12/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
9:01pm The trails are still not bad, hard to believe. The cold temps have frozen up most of the slushy spots. I rode from Houghton Lake to Dingmans, then Starvation Lake. The lake has spotty snow, but enough to keep things lubed up. I got on at the resort, and off at CO Rd 300. The worst part was the stretch of road north of Mead Road. After that plenty of snow on the trail and in the woods for off trail riding. They groomed trail 76 South of M72 and it was a flat suprerhighway. So if you have a place here and want to squeeze in a last ride, it still possible. Considering its March it was a great ride. The lake is extremely flat and I saw a couple trucks on it from people ice fishing. THINK SNOW!!!
Update 3/9/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
12:01pm The trails are looking good, hard to believe. There are some sluchy spots under the snow, but considering its March it would be a great ride. the lake is extremely flat and this stuff was wet enough to stick and wont be blowing off. Some pictures are posted below. THINK SNOW!!!
11:41am We got a 3-4" inches of the strangest snow/sleet/ice pellets that I have ever seen. Enough to ride the lake once again and maybe squeeze in a ride in the woods. Off to the North they are saying 6-7" and some places reporting over a foot. I just went out and checked the lake and trails, and this stuff is the best we could have asked for for riding. Its hard packed base with fluff on top. I am going to take a trip on a sled and see what I can find and take a few pictures. A great time to get out and ride. THINK SNOW!!!
Update 3/9/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
10:41am We got a 3-4" inches of the strangest snow/sleet/ice pellets that I have ever seen. Enough to ride the lake once again and maybe squeeze in a ride in the woods. Off to the nothe they are saying 6-7" and some places reporting over a foot. I just went out and checked the lake and trails, and this stuff is the best we could have asked for for riding. Its hard packed base with fluff on top. I am going to take a trip on a sled and see what I can find and take a few pictures. A great time to get out and ride. THINK SNOW!!!
Update 3/1/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
11:41am Not much new to report, no new snow last night, just blistering cold temps. A couple friends rode down from Bear Lake to Houghton Lake yesterday, and they said the corners were getting icy, and the lake is so hard packed, the couple on the 2-up rev was having come cooling problems. The big four strokes are having the same issues, not enough powder on the lake if you dont have studs to spit it up. We are going for a ride today, so we will post some more pictures later. THINK SNOW!!!
Update 2/28/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
11:41am We rode to Starvation Lake yesterday from the Resort. Trail 6/7 going north was the absolute best I have ever seen it. North of M-72 the trails got a bit bumpier due to the traffic. If you were thinking of riding this weekend, but changed your mind because of the rain, you are missing out. The trails south need more snow, but after the extremely cold temps last night we may be able to take the groomer out on them and pull in the sides a bit. Its 2 degrees now and the low at the house was -6. THINK SNOW!!!
Update 2/27/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
11:41am The north trails seemed to hold up well. We spoke to some riders from the Grayling area that were goint to Gaylord and got turned around and headed South. They said the trails down to Houghton Lake were good. Trails to the south are not looking so hot. The Leota trails are pretty chewed up and dirty. I drove down to the trail crossing at Canoe Camp RD and US-127. There were two sleds riding there, but I wouldn't go until it firms up more. Maybe by later this evening. There were also sleds coming down Owens, again not completely melted down, but far from good. The best bet is to go North. THINK SNOW!!!
These are at Mead Rd, Just over US-127. Looking south, then north across the Muskegon river bridge.
Duck Lake Road, At Emery. Plenty of snow but watery underneath. Then 655 at Enery.
9:45am We got rain/snow/sleet last night, but since then the temps snapped and everything is freezing back up. Our trail system was double groomed this week, and going into yesterday everything was flat. We are going to go out and take a look and post some pictures. We will update this again in a couple hours. It is snowing a bit here, and a more on the north side of the lake. A couple people went out this morning and headed north so when they check in we will have another report. The rain went as far north as the bridge, so similar conditions exist everywhere. THINK SNOW!!!
Update 2/26/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
9:33am Nothing much happened yesterday or last night, the trails are good now, but no since taking any pictures as mother nature is on her way bringing something. They are still calling for anywhere from 3-5 or 4-8 depending on what you read. Also some sleet and freezing rain in the mix. Tomorrow morning will be when we know what the weekend has in store for us. THINK SNOW!!!
Update 2/25/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
9:33am The Houghton Lake area got a 1" today, instead of the rain they were callin for we got snow. They are calling for light snow or freezing rain tonight and tomorrow. John Dee has us in the middle of a 4-8" by Friday morning, so hopefully he is right. The next 24 hours will tell the story for the weekend. THINK SNOW!!!
Update 2/22/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
9:33am We have some great deals on Mid week cabin and snowmobile rentals!! Cabins as low as 50/nt, chalets 85/nt. The Houghton Lake area got a 6-8" last night. Going north just a few miles even more. We rode to Meredith today, plenty of snow all the way there. They are grooming right now and will continue thru the week. This week will have some great riding, so if you can sneak out during the week, you will have the trails to yourself. We will post some pictures after the grooming, but even before the groom, there is little chop out there. My daughter rode 45 miles today, her first time on her own sled. These trails are 75% better than the trails to the north, less traffic = better trails. If you live here or stay here, some of the best riding is out of here heading north before you hit the high traffic areas. THINK SNOW!!!
Update 2/21/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
9:33am The houghton Lake area got a small dusting last night. We rode the lake and headed North as lake effect snow was on the radar just north of Houghton Lake. We rode to starvation lake and the trails were in great shape. There was a LOT of sled traffic North of M72. A couple pictures are posted below. Eric groomed the 655 to Meredith yesterday and Steve groomed the west trail. We need more snow, and its coming right now. By the time anyone reads this the snow should be good everywhere. We passed the Rosco Higgins groomer aroun 8.30 last night heading West on 6/7. Right now its best to take the lake and go to the North. They are predicting 3-6 today, and 1-3 tonight. We will be grooming again today and tomorrow if this snow comes.
6/7 A couple miles north of the Higgings Lake Trailhead. The park at the Manistee River, the picnic table shows fresh snow.
Update 2/20/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
11:33am The houghton Lake area got a small dusting last night. We got a total of 3-4" of snow throught the week. I would consider the trails rideable. We are renting snowmobiles this week. I took some pics this morning, they are posted below.
Update 2/19/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
1:56pm The houghton Lake area did not recieve the amount of snow that was forecasted. We recieved about 1 1/2-2" of snow. The base on the trails is icy but they appear to be rideable. There appears to be 1-3" of snow on the trails. There is no dirt that I saw really but once again it is icy. I took some pics of 655, grass lake rd and waco rd. The deeper snow is on the side trails if you know your way around the well used trails are a little thin. I also posted the 5 day forecast by weather underground and the 4 day illustration by John Dee.
| Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday |
18° F |
9° F
|
22° F |
7° F
|
20° F |
9° F
|
25° F |
7° F
|
27° F |
7° F
|
| Snow Showers
80% chance of precipitation
|
Snow Showers
40% chance of precipitation
|
Chance of Snow
40% chance of precipitation
|
Chance of Snow
50% chance of precipitation
|
Update 2/18/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
12:01pm The houghton Lake area is recieving snow right now. We have gotten about 1" of snow fall this morning. We are supposed to recieve a total of 4-8" by thursday night. As soon as we get some more snow I will hit the trails and get some pics for the next update. Right now its looking good for the weekend.
|
Rest of Today
Occasional snow and patchy drizzle early in the afternoon...then
occasional snow. Total daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 3 inches. Highs
in the lower 30s. West winds 5 to 15 mph.
|
 |
Tonight
Snow showers likely. Areas of blowing snow. Breezy. Total nighttime snow
accumulation of 1 to 3 inches. Lows around 14. Northwest winds 15 to 25
mph. Chance of snow 70 percent.
|
|
Thursday
Snow showers likely. Areas of blowing snow. Breezy... colder. Total
daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches. Highs in the lower 20s.
Northwest winds 20 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 70 percent.
|
Update 2/17/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
9:47am The houghton Lake area is holding some cool temps. It looks like we have a shot at getting a good winter blast this week. The weather channel and weather underground are calling for 4 inches of snow through wed. and Thu. John Dee is saying a possibility for 4inches. I am posting the weather report from weather underground and a pic of John Dees frost freeze line.
36° F |
25° F
|
31° F |
16° F
|
23° F |
9° F
|
20° F |
7° F
|
20° F |
9° F
|
| Mostly Cloudy | Snow
80% chance of precipitation
|
Snow
80% chance of precipitation
|
Chance of Snow
30% chance of precipitation
|
Chance of Snow
40% chance of precipitation
|
Update 2/14/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
10:00am The houghton Lake area recieved about 1-1/2 inches of snow this morning, and its still snowing. It has turned everything white again, and now you can ride the lake. The trails need more snow, it looks like early December. The pictures would look drastically different from yesterday, but there is not a lot of base.
Update 2/13/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
1:00pm The houghton Lake area recieved a substantial thaw this week. The warm weather and rain did not help the trails out. There is a layer of ice on the trails but there is no snow. I am posting the 5 day forecast below, I also took some pictures of trail conditions today. It looks there might be some snow coming this way on the ten day forecast, it should be coming Wed. and Thu.
| Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday |
|
30° F |
18° F
|
29° F |
11° F
|
29° F |
13° F
|
29° F |
16° F
|
31° F |
16° F
|
| Snow Showers
20% chance of precipitation
|
Chance of Snow
40% chance of precipitation
|
Partly Cloudy | Partly Cloudy | Partly Cloudy |
Update 1/28/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
4:07pm We recieved about 2 inches of snow last night the groomers have been running this week and trail conditions are good.
Update 1/18/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
3:18pm We recieved a fresh 6 inches of snow yesterday and we are getting a good amount right now. Things are settling down so we can get out and groom now. We have a lot of snow but it was relatively busy this weekend with TUT.
Update 1/08/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
10:00am We totaled about 4 inches of snow yesterday we are going to groom later i willl try to snag some pics. Trails should be pretty nice now. I will update later.
Update 1/07/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
9:41am We recieved 2-3 inches of snow last night we may get another inch yet tonight. Below is the for cast for the rest of the week. Trail conditions haven't changed much corners are a little icy but trails are still ridable.
|
29° F |
18° F
|
23° F |
13° F
|
22° F |
18° F
|
23° F |
9° F
|
20° F |
7° F
|
| Snow
100% chance of precipitation
|
Snow Showers
50% chance of precipitation
|
Snow
60% chance of precipitation
|
Chance of Snow
50% chance of precipitation
|
Partly Cloudy |
Update 1/06/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
12:55pm Eric did 654 and 6 to the 6/7 split. We will be running again tonight keeping things flat. Snow is in the forecast every day for the rest of the week. We have a lot of ice so get up and enjoy some do some fishing to be ready to with the contest at TUT 2009. Don't forget about the TUT poker run both Saturdays of the festival from 12:00 till 4:00pm. Its free to join and Spicers Boat City has sponsored all of the prizes. THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 1/05/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
8:55pm Big Joe went out and did 654 and 6 to the Leota 6/7 split and 655 North of Waco last night. Chris went out and cleaned 655 north of Waco and Eric is running 654 to 6 then to the 6'7 split tonight because Big Joe said it needed more work. Still plenty of base 6-8+ but the snow keeps getting pushed out in the corners. THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 1/04/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
8:55am We checked the trails yesterday, and most everything but 655 to Meredith was flat, so I ran to Meredith and Chris came back. 655 is getting a lot of traffic, maybe because of the washout on 6 just north of Grass Lake. You can still cross is but be careful, its getting wider. Corners are a bit icy, but we keep covering them up. We got some freezing rain this morning, when we go out on the trail we will report again. THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 1/03/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
11:55am Eric ran last night and did 655 to Meredith. One of the blades had a weld break so he couldn't dig so much but he finished anyways. We will be back out today, Doug from All About Welding came out first thing this morning and got it fixed. There were about 15 or so other welds that were cracked so he got them all for us. Its a bit icy in some corners but we are trying to keep them covered. If you were planning on riding this weekend, things are looking good. THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 1/02/09 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
9:00am Chris was out all day yesterday, he groomed 654, and 6 to the split at the 6/7 split. then my cousin Mark joined him and they went up 6/7 on the West Trail to break up the hard snow and ice with 2 tractors. Chris also groomed duck Lake and 655 to Waco. We will try and hit 655 to Meredit again today. We got a 1" dusting last nigfht, better than nothing. If you were planning on riding this weekend, things are looking good. THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/31/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
4:00am We got the ok to groom. We double groomed 655 to county line and picked up 35 or so trees, we passed some sleds and they said there were numerous trees down on 6 and it was impassible because the trees were laying across the trail and a swamp area was on both sides. So we turned around and went back up 655 to 6, then 6 to Waco. I couldnt believe how nice they were grooming out, but it took both tractors to bust the hard ice out of the corners. Trail 6 has a water hazard, a small amount of water was washing over the road. The lake has 3-4 inches of fresh snow so you can ride it once again. If you were planning on riding this weekend, things are looking good. THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/30/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
9:00am We are waiting on the ok to groom from the DNR. There are a few people out riding, but we had to wait until the snow and water froze back up to take the tractors out. There is a bit of snow we can pull in from the sides and its supposed to snow today. If we go the groomer cam will be on.THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/29/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
9:00am The rain did a lot of damage, hard to imagine all that snow that was out in the woods has melted so much. There is still a fair amount of snow on the ground, but its under a hard ice layer. It has been below freezing now and we will see if we can take the groomers out and bust up this hard snow. They are calling for a storm by Wed. THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/26/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
7:00am We are going to groom to Meredith and the webcam will be on, got 2" of snow overnight. The weather looks to turn for the worse, so this will be short and we will update with pictures again after the storm rolls thru. We rode to Bear Lake last night, and there was more snow than I have ever seen this time of year, what happens over the next 48 hours will determine when we will be able to ride again. If you can ride today, get out and do it. THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/21/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
7:00am We are going to groom to Meredith and the webcam will be on, got a dusting of snow overnight, but it snowed on and off all day yeaterday. The wind was blowing so we have a lot of snow on the sides of the trails that we can pull in to add to the base. The lake has good snow on it for riding and the ice in front of the resort is now 12"+. THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/21/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
7:00pm We got another 3" of new snow overnight. Big Joe did Trail 6 to the 6/7 split and 654, Steve went 655 to Meredith and back. The trails are in great shape a 6"+ base. THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/20/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
7:00pm We got about 8" of new snow, Steve and Mike double groomed the west trail, so everything got double groomed after the rain last week. The trails are in great shape, with the most base I have seen in 8 years. THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/19/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
7:00am We are in the middle of the snowstorm now, we have a couple inches already and its a whiteout. They are calling for a storm total by tomorrow morning of 8-11 inches. The trails are in awesome shape. Take advantage of our snowmobile rental packages or if you need a place to stay, stay and support the groomers...
Update 12/19/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
3:36am Steve and I double groomed 654 to 6, then 6 to the 6/7 split heading to Leota or the West Trail. I groomed 655 to Meredith and back after that. Double grooming is doing the trick to bust up the hard snow, then the trails are perfect. Some corners still need more work to pull the snow from the high side down into them. I poked a hole in the ice yeaterday, there was 10" of ice in front of the resort 50 yards out. We have some some special cabin/snowmobile packages during the week. Call 888-863-1262 for more information. Use caution if you go out on the lake..... THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/18/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
4:36pm I groomed 655 to Meredith, it took 8.5 hours to get down there and 4 to get back. I cleared 14 trees on the way down. The trails are grooming nicely, this fresh snow has done wonders. Its taking a while because of the hard packed snow and the rain sunday, but there is a 6+ base in most areas. Some corners still need more work to pull the snow from the high side down into them. I poked a hole in the ice yeaterday, there was 10" of ice in front of the resort 50 yards out. We have some some special cabin/snowmobile packages during the week. Call 888-863-1262 for more information. Use caution if you go out on the lake..... THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/17/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
4:36pm Use caution when riding there are some blowdowns in the area there are about a dozen trees down on some hills on 655 near Meredith. We have some some special cabin/snowmobile packages during the week. Call 888-863-1262 for more information. Use caution if you go out on the lake..... THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/17/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
8:30am We got about 3" of snow last night, enough to make the lake rideable once again. We are waiting on the DNR to tell us if we can groom. Temps were around 7 last night, its 11 now. More snow is in the forecast for Thursday, and well as flurries throughout the day today. The Houghton Lake groomer does NOT run any further East than duck Lake road, which is about 2 miles West of M-18. We are getting a lot of complaints on this section of trail, and it's not that I am saying the snowpackers are doing a bad job, but that section of trail has orvs on it in the summer so the corners get blown out pretty bad and the dirt base is full on mogules. Add us to your yahoo Houghton_Lake_Groomer. You can send us messages if you see signs down, bad trails or a hazard that needs attention.We have some some special cabin/snowmobile packages during the week. Call 888-863-1262 for more information. Use caution if you go out on the lake..... THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/15/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
1:30pm I took the groomer out for a trial. I could cut thru the hard snow, but there is a lot of water underneath. The tires were breaking thru making a mess and doing more harm than good. There is still a fair bit of snow on the trails 6+ base except for sharp corners. It is just very hard snow. I will try it again after it freezes up a bit more. The Houghton Lake groomer does NOT run any further East than duck Lake road, which is about 2 miles West of M-18. The snowpackers from St Helen meet us there. Add us to your yahoo Houghton_Lake_Groomer. You can send us messages if you see signs down, bad trails or a hazard that needs attention.We have some some special cabin/snowmobile packages during the week. Call 888-863-1262 for more information. Use caution if you go out on the lake..... THINK SNOW!!!!
10:30am Nothing good to report today, mother nature again threw us a curve. We got a lot of rain last night, so much so that the lake doesn't have any snow on it, and it had over a foot. I drove out to the trailhead, and its and icy mess. There is still some snow on it so I am going to try and take the groomer and see if we can break it up. Its bitter cold, and the wind is gusting to almost 40MPH. I'm sure when the next day or two is over, the lake will have a lot more ice on it. I scanned a lot of trail report pages this morning and everyone is quiet or not really saying waht happened. Well the truth is this was a bad blow and after I try the groomer, we will know just how bad. Snow is in the forecast, but beware wherever you ride in lowere Mi there is going to be a lot of ice. The heavy rain hit Cadillac and Kalkaska well before ur due to the storm tracking NE at about a 45 degree angle from Chicago. The Houghton Lake groomer does NOT run any further East than duck Lake road, which is about 2 miles West of M-18. The snowpackers from St Helen meet us there. Add us to your yahoo Houghton_Lake_Groomer. You can send us messages if you see signs down, bad trails or a hazard that needs attention.We have some some special cabin/snowmobile packages during the week. Call 888-863-1262 for more information. Use caution if you go out on the lake..... THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/14/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
10:30am Chris and I double groomed the west trail from the parking lot on Owens all the way to the Bridge over 27 on the north shore. We had to go around the swamp because its not frozen enough to carry the weight of the groomer, but sleds have been running across it. Chris also groomed 654. We wanted to get everything packed tight before todays warm up, but by 9.30 last night it was too warm to continue. We didnt get to 655 to Meredith. The temp is 34 right now, but the good news is little or no precipitation is coming down. We just need to get thru today and we will be back at it. The temps are supposed to go to the 20's tonight. The Houghton Lake groomer does NOT run any further East than duck Lake road, which is about 2 miles West of M-18. The snowpackers from St Helen meet us there. Add us to your yahoo Houghton_Lake_Groomer. You can send us messages if you see signs down, bad trails or a hazard that needs attention.We have some some special cabin/snowmobile packages during the week. Call 888-863-1262 for more information. Use caution if you go out on the lake..... THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/13/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
2:30pm I wanted to thank Big Joe of Joes Small Engine (989) 422-6508 for laying down a nice highway for us on our way back from Leota last night. I see the pan a lot, but dont often get to ride on something freshly groomed like that. Big Joe does small engine repair, snowmobiles, dirt bikes and quads, so give him a call if you need something fixed. We have both tractors from Houghton Lake out now, and the groomer cam will be on. Add us to your yahoo Houghton_Lake_Groomer. You can send us messages if you see signs down, bad trails or a hazard that needs attention.We have some some special cabin/snowmobile packages during the week. Call 888-863-1262 for more information. Use caution if you go out on the lake..... THINK SNOW!!!!
6:30am We only got an inch or snow in the past 24 hours. We groomed everything Thursday but the west trail, and we rode to Meredith and Leota and the trails were great. Trail 6 was tore up a bit and we are going to fix it today. The sad news is someone drove down there last nigh and took their own life in their car. We saw the State Police down there and the tow truck removing the car. We have some some special cabin/snowmobile packages during the week. Call 888-863-1262 for more information. Use caution if you go out on the lake..... THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/11/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
6:30am We only got an inch or snow in the past 24 hours. The 8100 won't start, so we didn't run it last night. We have lots of snow on the trails we need to finish getting it straightened out. Mike J is going to do the West Trail today, and hopefully we can get the 8100 going and finish up the local loops. and trail 6 towards Leota. Reports from riders say going out of Houghton Lake in every direction trails are great. We have some some special cabin/snowmobile packages during the week. Call 888-863-1262 for more information. Use caution if you go out on the lake..... THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/10/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
6:30pm I groomed 655 last night from Owens Rd parking lot to Meredith and back. All this snow made it an 8 hour trip. A good 20 minutes was spent crawling my way out when I slid off the trail. The trail was perfect after I went thru with a 6-8 inch base in most areas. There was a lot of snow to pull in off the sides where it drifted, enough to get stuck several times. I took a few pictures, and I will post them later. Got up this morning as was fixing lights etc, crawled the tractor over the new pile of snow the road comission made in my parking lot...and boom, the read tire tube blew out. It had some bark stuck in it from and earlier skiff with a tree, and I think it got to the tube. 300.00 later we have a fresh tube. I dont pay attention to the DNR reinbursement rate, but last year I think it was 4.61 per mile. So 8 hours in the tractor=50 miles<$250.00, and thats not counting the fuel. donate to your local club, we need the money. I'm thinking of going again tonight, but I would rather ride....We have some some special cabin/snowmobile packages during the week. Call 888-863-1262 for more information. Use caution if you go out on the lake..... THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/09/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
10:10pm We got about 10-12 inches total, and its still snowing. This will be short, I just fired up the groomer. The trails have a lot of snow on them, now we need to pack it down. I rode to Meredith, and it was a great ride busting a new trail. The lake has very deep snow on it, and right now you need a sled with some power to get moving at a decent rate. The groomer cam will be on in a few minutes, add houghton_Lake_Groomer to your yahoo, or guests have another method to connect. We have some some special cabin/snowmobile packages during the week. Call 888-863-1262 for more information. Use caution if you go out on the lake..... THINK SNOW!!!!
9:00am We got about 5-6 inches last night, and its supposed to snow until 1am on Wed. morning. another 4-5 is in the forecast. It's 25 right now. Big Joe went out last night and was going to do 654 and Steve was finishing up the West trail. The trails are in excellent shape, with the most snow we have seen this early in years. We have some some special cabin/snowmobile packages during the week. Call 888-863-1262 for more information. Use caution if you go out on the lake..... THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/08/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
10:15am We got a couple inches last night, and the temps dipped into the teens. It's 17 right now. Chris Was out Saturday working 655, Duck Lake. Steve was out on the West Higgins Trail last night. I groomed to Meredith on 655 and then 6 across to the Leota/West Higgins split last night as well. There is a storm in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow so hopefully that will dump some more snow on us. The trails are in great shape for this early in the season, and they get better after each groom. Use caution if you go out on the lake..... THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/06/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
10:23am We got a dusting last night, but the temps dipped into the teens. We rode the shoreline on the lake last night from the resort on Jefferson St down to Devonshire then got off and went across M-55 to Owens. We rode down to Elbow lake, and it was a great flat ride. There were a few sleds out, but not many. It's a great time to get some early season riding in. THINK SNOW!!!! P.S. WE ARE GETTING SOME SNOW RIGHT NOW!
Update 12/05/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
11:37am There has not been a significant snow fall since the last update. Trail conditions are pretty good. I cant wait to see what the rest of the season brings, with the start that we already have. Temperatures have fallen and winter has really kicked in. The lake has about five inches of ice and could be used with caution. Dont try to venture across it but you could ride sleds and there are eager icefisherman fishing near shore. I bored a hole this mourning below are some pics and weather forecast. THINK SNOW!!!! P.S. WE ARE GETTING SOME SNOW RIGHT NOW!
FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY
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14° F
-7° C | -10° C |
25° F |
13° F
-4° C | -11° C |
20° F |
-3° F
-7° C | -19° C |
22° F |
16° F
-6° C | -9° C |
29° F |
13° F
-2° C | -11° C |
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30% chance of precipitation
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Snow
90% chance of precipitation
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Chance of Snow
50% chance of precipitation
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Chance of Snow
30% chance of precipitation
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Chance of Snow
30% chance of precipitation
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Update 12/04/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
2:30am I just got back from grooming. I groomed 655 from the parking lot on Owens to Meredith and back. I also groomed across Grass lake where it meets 655, all the way to where it splits to go to Leota or West Higgins (Trail 6) and back. Then I groomed Duck Lake Rd down to 6, and then 6 all the way around to 654, then back up to the 655 & 654 split, I turned around and went 654 to 6 to Duck Lake. I groomed every trail in our system twice but the West Trail, Steve was working on that.(17 hours and a half tank of fuel). I pulled up some dirt, but covered most of it on the way back. We are widening all of our trails. The ground is NOT frozen yet, doesn't seem to have even started. A few pictures are below, wish I wasn't so tired, I would be riding.... The lake looks great but it is very dangerous, check it carefully before you go out on it. THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/03/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
9:00am We got a bit of snow yesterday, but the good news is the DNR gave us the ok to groom this morning. I fired up the 8100 and Steve is going to take the New Holland. The guys in Leota will be on the 7810 heading towards us. The webcam in the groomer should be operating, on yahoo look for Houghton_Lake_Groomer and add us as your friend, you can watch us work. We need to cut the trails wide so there is a good chance we will be pulling in a bit of dirt, but it has to be done to establish the trail. We are supposed to get more snow today so that should cover up anything we uncover. I will post pictures later today . The lake looks great but it is very dangerous, check it carefully before you go out on it. THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/02/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
9:15am We got another 2-3 inches since yesterday morning. This was wet snow so its settling quite a bit. The groomer is ready, and Steve has been working on the other one. We are waiting on the ok to go from the DNR. Its snowing now and the temp is 24. The temps are supposed to drop even further so that should help the lake. There is more snow in the forecast, and possibly another storm Wed. The lake looks great but it is very dangerous, check it carefully before you go out on it. THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 12/01/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
10:54am We got 5-6 inches last night. Some areas in our trail section got a bit more. big Joe and steve were out yesterday doing some final grading, and we have the 8100 here and are fixing lights and flipping all the blades on the drag over because they are severely worn. Some pictures will be posted today. The lake looks great but it is very dangerous, check it carefully before you go out on it. THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 11/28/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
10:54am We got 3-4 inches over the last couple days, and it seems like its here to stay. We will get some pictures of the lake and trails and post them today. I will also try and get some ice thicknesses ans see how the lake is doing. There is snow in the forecast every ney for the next 7 days. THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 11/24/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
10:54am We have 3-4 inches in the forecast for today, and 2-3 tonight. They have been working on brushing and signing and it sounds like they are almost done. Mike J, Steve and Big Joe have been grading and removing stumps. We have the ok to go out and start grooming Dec 1. There are limited hours you can ride before rifle season is over. Everyone gets their time in the woods so THINK SNOW!!!!
Update 11/22/08 : Houghton Lake Michigan Snowmobiling Trail Report and Conditions
10:41am Winter is back, and the lake is iced over already. We have had snow on the ground for a few days now, and it seems to be staying. If this is any indication of how the winter is going to be, we are off to a great start. THINK SNOW!!!!
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