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Trail Reports
Hi, I'm Smitty from the Walleye Lodge & Motel located on the North shore of Lake Gogebic one mile West of Bergland and in the heart of BIG SNOW COUNTRY. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. We have a very large trail system in the Western UP and conditions change sometimes by the hour so always check with your host to get the latest conditions. We try to stay in touch with the groomers so we can bring our guests the latest info. These reports will be general for our area.
March 8, 2008
This is it the last report for this winter season, a season very different from most years. We had, and still have, the best trails in all the years we have been here, but over all it was a slow year. Trails remain in very good to excellent condition with riders way below normal for our area. We have a few rooms open for the weekend. We close the place up on Monday the 10th, with the income falling further behind our expenses, it’s a good time for a much needed vacation, (you think you got a heating bill???) Florida here we come!! Thanks again to all who share your winter with us, it was a fun winter and never have we had so many happy guests enjoying these awesome trails. They were great all winter. We will be back for the Walleye Opener May 15th so come check out this beautiful place this summer. Great fishing, Porcupine Mountains, 150 waterfalls and all the hiking you can handle are here waiting for you. We take the phones and books with us on vacation so give us a call and we will make your summer vacation a great time. Hope you are enjoying this snowy winter, ride safe.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
February 29, 2008
Was staring a new report and it would be the same as the last one. Trail traffic is way below normal and we have excellent conditions. Ton’s of snow and more on the way, and rooms open. What a great week of riding for our guests & this one looks just as good. More fresh snow again today, I can’t remember the last day I didn’t plow. All trail reports are a big thumbs, up so conditions remain excellent. Our last day open this season will be Sunday March 9th. This is another of those crazy weeks where we still have several rooms open for this weekend, so please give us a call and come up and enjoy this winter paradise. This is as good as it gets in Big Snow Country very rarely has it been so beautiful and at the same time the trails so empty. Snowmobiling is the only way to see this beautiful land, the many wet lands, creeks and rivers make it inaccessible any other time of year. We will do our best to make your stay fun for your life long memories. Thanks again to all of you who took the time to come see us this winter, we appreciate your friendship and letting us be a part of your winter. We are now booking for the spring and summer and will be back in full swing for the Walleye Opener May 15th see ya soon. We have trail permits on hand for your convenience. Hope you are enjoying this snowy winter, ride safe.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
February 19, 2008
What a great week of riding for our guests & this one looks just as good. More fresh snow again today, I can’t remember the last day I didn’t plow. All trail reports are a big thumbs, up so conditions remain excellent. Our last day open this season will be Sunday March 9th, we hope to work a boat show in on our way south for a much needed vacation. This is one of those crazy weeks where we still have several rooms open for this weekend, so please give us a call and come up and enjoy this winter paradise. This is as good as it gets in Big Snow Country very rarely has it been so beautiful and at the same time the trails so empty. Snowmobiling is the only way to see this beautiful land, the many wet lands, creeks and rivers make it inaccessible any other time of year. We will do our best to make your stay fun for your life long memories. Thanks again to all of you who took the time to come see us this winter, we appreciate your friendship and letting us be a part of your winter. We are now booking for the spring and summer and will be back in full swing for the Walleye Opener May 15th see ya soon. We have trail permits on hand for your convenience. Hope you are enjoying this snowy winter, ride safe.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
February 4, 2008
We had a Tony the Tiger weekend and it was GRRRRREEEAT, riders reports were all good. Just talked with the groomer garage and all (3) of the groomers are running in all four directions, Just enough fresh snow to make it pretty so we should have an excellent week. The book looks a little crazy this week we had a few rooms open up so give us a call, they open up a little more on Saturday and early next week. Get out and enjoy these beautiful trails, ride safe. Hope to see you soon!!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
January 31, 2008
Plenty of fresh snow is making it a must to plow every day. Not sure of the total I don’t know how to measure snow in a fifty mile an hour wind. Riders report trails are great, Groomers are out, temps are back up so everyone is happy. High winds kept the snow off the lake so even the fishermen are happy. Should be a great weekend, trail traffic should be OK with all the new snow in our area. Two rooms have opened up for the weekend so give us a call. Give us a call anyway we would like to meet you and introduce you to our great trail system and our large clean rooms. Hope to see you soon!!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
January 28, 2008
Warm weather today has brought out a few wet spots and heavier traffic has some corners icy so use a little extra care. We are under a winter storm watch for tonight and tomorrow and the temps are right for a big one which we don’t need, a foot is plenty. We have a high of thirty tomorrow and in the single digits by Wednesday so winter is back. I talked with the groomer garage a few minutes ago and we are grooming. We have two groomers down; one will be back tomorrow and the other on Wednesday. There are only a few riders up today and trails are very good to fair depending on when they were last groomed. With the new snow, lower temps and repaired groomers we should be back to very good to excellent by Wednesday. Early week has been the best riding, but weekend traffic is also down. Give us a call we would like to meet you and introduce you to our great trail system and our large clean rooms. Hope to see you soon!!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
January 22, 2008
Snow every day, the best trail conditions I have seen in ten years, guest report excellent trails and lite traffic. Warmer weather (20’s), lite trail traffic, it doesn't get any better than this. I don’t know what else to tell you, it’s defiantly worth the drive and we unbelievably have rooms open. Sorry to those of you who tried to come up last weekend, it’s been feast or famine one week full & turning guests and friends away, the next half empty and nobody calling? Just caught the weather more snow tonight and it looks like a great weekend. Groomers are out daily so trails should remain in excellent conditions. Ride safe and enjoy the great out of doors. Hope to see you soon!!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
January 18, 2008
Fresh snow every day, cold weather, lite traffic and excellent trails are the word from here. Temps this weekend will firm up any water spots left as the high is going to be below zero. Heavy snow warnings again tonight and I’m running out of places to put it. We have a lot of snow. I talked with the groomer driver and he said they are all running and the trails are excellent. This is confirmed by our guests, many regulars saying the best they have ever seen. We have some rooms open so, if you have never ridden the best trails in the Midwest now’s your chance. Hope you are having a good New Year, if you know any fishermen tell them the bite is good right now or bring a tip up of your own and see how you do. Hope to see you soon!!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
January 14, 2008
Four plus inches of new snow greeted me this morning and I can’t see half way across the lake it’s snowing so hard as I write this. Snow is wide spread and we are in a winter storm warring for most of the day. Riders report trails are in excellent condition, groomers are out so it’s a big GO from here. One group went up to the tip of the Keweenaw and said trails were excellent up and back, that’s about a 305 mile ride from the Walleye. Trail pressure remains lite. We are full for the 18th & 19th we have a few room up till then and some rooms open up on the 20th. Call early so we can help get the room that best fit’s your needs. You will have the best riding in the mid west, remember the Walleye Lodge has seven major trails in three miles, there’s no need to ride the same trail twenty plus miles every day to get to the good riding. Hope you are having a good New Year, if you know any fishermen tell them the bite in good right now or bring a tip up of your own and see how you do. Hope to see you soon!!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
January 11, 2008
Not a lot of input from riders yet but things look good. Just talked with the groomer garage and all three groomers are grooming both day and night so be careful around groomers and give them a lot of room. We never received the snow that was predicted, we have a little on the ground this a.m. but not enough to help. Trails are smooth but icy so make sure your carbides are in good shape and slow down for the corners. North trails are better than the south according to our groomers, though there are a few wet spots to watch out for. Fresh snow would make it excellent but I will say they are very good in our area for the North trails and fair for the south. Snow is in the forecast but as we learned last week that might not help?? Sled traffic has been really down drastically, which means the trails have not been beaten up at all from traffic. Traffic should remain lite so it’s an excellent time to check out our trails system. Hope you are having a good new year, if you know any fishermen tell them the bite in very good right now or bring a tip up of your own and see how you do. Smitty & D. From the Walleye Lodge. Have a Happy, Happy New Years see you in ’08!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
January 7, 2008
One more day and we are headed back to winter. We never got the rain, while at the same time the snow has been holding up, so with some fresh snow and the cooler weather in our future we should be back in business. The forecast looks good & has the temps dropping every day with snow. Little to no traffic should keep our base. Talked with the groomer garage just now, the groomers are not going out till the cooler weather moves in. I'm guessing Tuesday night or Wednesday. Hope you are having a good new year and see ya soon.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
January 3, 2008
The weather outside is frightful is the song we are singing this weekend. Predictions, by both local and national weather stations, are giving us temps in the low forties with rain for the weekend. We have an excellent base and lots of snow but not sure how it will fair four days of warm weather. We have no control over the weather but feel it’s our duty to let you know what’s up; many of our report readers are friends & customers. Walleye Lodge will not enforce our cancellation policy this week, and we will try and contact our scheduled guests. If you have reservations please call and tell us your plans, we don’t want you to waste your time or gas money when the riding will be questionable. It’s been a slower than normal season with the wide spread snow, but you play the cards you are dealt. Hope to bring you a better report next time and will let you know how we fair the warm weather. Football on the new big screen, beer, D, more beer & maybe an ice fishing trip are my plans. Have a great weekend. Have a Happy, Happy New Years and see you in ’08!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
December 30, 2007
Traffic is up and the trails are busy while the groomers are running good and keeping up. Just talked with the groomer garage and they gave a good report, with all groomers on the go and doing their job. Sounds like eight more inches of snow are on the way and we are under a snow bulletin till Wednesday so we should remain at near excellent conditions. Traffic will drop off to below normal with all the surrounding areas having snow, so it remains an excellent time to ride the best trails in the Midwest, and we have some rooms open. I think it’s the first time in ten years that we have had openings this time of year!! D’s thinking of a mid week special so call and see what she’s up to. Make your January reservations early to get the unit that best fits your needs. Have a Happy, Happy New Years see you in ’08!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
December 24, 2007
It’s a real mixed bag with the new snow, just got a call from a good friend in Bessemer, she had 19 inches of real good snow in her yard. Other areas picked up a foot or more. We had six inches of real heavy snow yesterday and a few more today, the forecast has snow everyday. The bad news is some areas to our east & north east got mostly rain so will have to wait for rider reports on those areas. Talked with the groomer drivers last night, they had just come off the trails and fresh drivers were going back out so we should be all set. The lake is a mess, full of slush on our end and there has been no lake traffic, KEEP OFF is the word from here for now. Snow everyday with good cold temps are in the forecast so I think it will be a great week. We are near full for Christmas week but open back up on the first so come on up and enjoy our fresh snow and beautiful trails. Web site has been working better but if you don’t hear from us within 24 hours we never received your request. We reply to all as soon as we can so please call the toll free number, we are sorry if we missed your request or for any inconvenience this may have caused. Have a Happy Holidays!
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
December 17, 2007
You’d think we were selling Enzyme around here the way everyone is smiling. That’s the ‘trail’ enhancing version which makes for extra smooth long rides. We are in midwinter form with excellent trails and snow. Trail pressure remains low with so many areas south of us having snow this year. We are right in the center of it all and all our riders truly are smiling when asked how the trails are, there’s a big smile, a big thumbs up and a I can’t believe it story from the new riders. Gas prices are down in the area with the casino at $3.03 yesterday. Our trail permits have arrived so you can get them at check in. The weather looks a little warmer but not a problem so riding will remain excellent. So I say the hell with the rest come ride the best which is Western Upper Michigan. Enjoy our crisp smooth trails now, before the other areas with snow melt and our trail pressure goes up. Our trails are made for heavy traffic, but are outstanding in light. We are having serious problems getting requests from our web site there is some sort of block problem. We are getting it fixed ASAP but if you have sent e-mail or sent a reservation sheet and not had a reply, chances are we didn't get it. We reply to all as soon as we can so please call the toll free number, & we are sorry if we missed your request or for any inconvenience this may have caused. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION, SEVEN major trail in three miles. Call soon for the best rooms.
Happy Holidays,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
December 13, 2007
Talked with the groomer drivers and everything is groomed except 13 south which will be groomed on the 17th. ( Land owner request) Trail pressure has been low with the wide spread snow so this is a perfect time to ride the best trails with out all the traffic. You don’t want to miss this chance no matter what gas costs, we have $3.19 here. I would recommend you stay off the lake we had a quad and ice shack break through on Tuesday & a quad with tracks last night. With thousands of miles of great trails you will have plenty to do. We are having serious problems getting requests from our web site there is some sort of block problem. We are getting it fixed ASAP but if you have sent e-mail or sent a reservation sheet and not had a reply, chances are we didn't get it. We reply to all as soon as we get them so please call the toll free number, & we are sorry if we missed your request or for any inconvenience this may have caused. We offer low rates, large clean rooms and trail advice to our guests. We still have a few rooms open for Christmas week, along with room availability for the best part of the season. Remember we have an excellent location and are only a couple of miles from SEVEN MAJOR TRAILS so no need to ride the same trails back and forth stay where the SNOW and Trails are, you will be glad you did. Walleye Lodge Gift Certificates are still available for that snowmobiling fan. For more trail info or help with your Vacation planning needs call Walleye Lodge and Motel - Bergland.
Happy Holidays,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
December 11, 2007
It’s not a rumor, we do have groomers. It was a crazy week; we had great snow, groomed trails all around us and a bunch of riders wondering what’s up? I’m not sure what all went wrong, so not going to start guessing. The good news is there is more snow and the groomers are out on 1N, 1S, 8E, 8W. 13N is packed, 13S is closed till after musket season as always. The new groomer will be here Wednesday or Thursday so hope we can be in top shape for the weekend. Temps and snow look excellent so if you want some great riding, trails almost to yourself give us a call. We offer low rates, large clean rooms and trail advice to our guests. We still have a few rooms open for Christmas week, along with room availability for the best part of the season. Remember we have an excellent location and are only a couple of miles from SEVEN MAJOR TRAILS so no need to ride the same trails back and forth stay where the SNOW and Trails are, you will be glad you did. Walleye Lodge Gift Certificates are still available for that snowmobiling fan. For more trail info or help with your vacation planning needs call Walleye Lodge and Motel - Bergland.
Happy Holidays,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
December 3, 2007
First weekend is in the books with the best snow we had in years for the opener. Not many riders took advantage of the snow, but reports are there’s a lot of it. Another six inches on the ground and snowing hard so it is just going to get better. Forecast is snow the next few days so winter is here in the Western UP to stay. Saw some ice fishing activity yesterday, so the shacks will be out soon. We get final word on the new groomer this Friday but it looks good so we are hoping for another great year. We are again blessed to have a great group of groomer drivers, a well seasoned support group. The amount of work that needs to be done each year keeping trails clear, signed, making snow bridges, applying for grants, schedules, easements and groomer maintenance is often over looked but without it there would be total chaos and no trail system. So please be courteous to the workers & drivers and give the groomers a lot of room to work, no one wants an accident, and I guarantee your sleds will loose to a groomer!!!!! The time to check out your sled is before your first trip so please give your sled a good once over to make sure it’s safe for the trails. Nothing can ruin a trip quicker than sled problems that could have and should have been taken care of. We need riders to help pack the trails so come up enjoy the fresh snow, D’s doing some early season specials so check them out We are ready on this end so let’s all have a great 07-08 season. Remember we have an excellent location and are only a couple of miles from SEVEN MAJOR TRAILS so no need to ride the same trails back and forth stay where the SNOW and trails are, you will be glad you did. Thanks in advance Smitty & D. For more trail info or help with your Vacation planning needs call Walleye Lodge and Motel - Bergland.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
November 27, 2007
Our trails open December 1st and it looks like there should be some good snow to start us off. We are in a winter storm advisory as I write this with additional snow in the forecast for a straight week. As in the past the groomers will wait for the sleds to pack the base, there may be some trail issues so check with your host for the latest trail info. The state also has a lot of the funding on hold, so we have one more game to play. Wednesday we find out if we get a new groomer so we are hoping that goes through, we definitely put the hours on them. The bay is 90% frozen over so if it holds up to the winds, they will start bringing out the ice shacks in a few weeks. Remember we have an excellent location and are only a couple of miles from SEVEN MAJOR TRAILS so no need to ride the same trails back and forth stay where the SNOW and trails are, you will be glad you did. For more trail info or help with your Vacation planning needs call Walleye Lodge and Motel - Bergland.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
March 6, 2007
We ended up with 30 plus inches of new snow which put us in very good to excellent condition. The snow was very wide spread and some unbelievable amounts. Trail pressure has dropped way off and rider’s reports are all very positive. Groomers are running daily and all is well on this end of the trail. Having several groups stop in that are touring and they also report finding mostly very good trails. This will be our last report for this season and we have rooms open for the weekend, ride safe and enjoy the new snow. Some have asked why we close some years when conditions are still good? We are normally full on weekends three two four weeks ahead and two weeks for week days, so the decision has to be made at least five weeks in advance. Most of you know a few warm days can shut things down in a hurry, but a big wide spread storm like this last one can do the same thing. Our winter costs are high (about 10 times that of a normal home) and we don’t break even with just weekend guests. Most snowmobilers have used up their winter vacations by mid March so it seems like a good time to take a break. There is no problem with getting a room in this area at that time of year, plus we have been working 100 days straight and truly need a break. D without doubt works much harder than I, so I’m glad she drags me along on her vacation. This is a business and it’s a business decision so hope this explanation helps a little. We will be closing March 12 for our spring vacation and want to again thank all of you that share your fishing and riding time with us. We are now booking for summer so come back and see us with our snow off and enjoy the lake you have been riding on. For more trail info or help with your Vacation planning needs call Walleye Lodge and Motel - Bergland.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
February 27, 2007
Several inches of much needed snow has arrived and it’s a good quality snow for the trails. Groomers are out daily and riders report trails are very good. Snow to our south as well and they will start grooming south trails tomorrow. Trail traffic has slowed a lot as the new snow is wide spread and a lot more has opened up. This should be some of the best riding for the year with the new snow and low trail pressure. If you wanted to try out our trail system now is the time, you will see why it’s top of the line. Off trails remain very good. Reminder that 13 south is closed from 100 down to 2 for logging. Weekdays remain the best riding and weekend traffic should also be down. We will be closing March 12 for our spring vacation and want to again thank all of you that share your fishing and riding time with us. We are now booking for summer so come back and see us with our snow off and enjoy the lake you have been riding on. For more trail info or help with your Vacation planning needs call Walleye Lodge and Motel - Bergland.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
February 23, 2007
Warm weather has made a mess of the trail system. Riders report most trails are poor. Groomers were unable to repair trails today as snow was still to wet despite colder temps. Groomers are out now trying to get trails ready for the new snow. We have snow in the forecast each day with a big storm to out south. We’re right on the snow line so will have to see how much we get? We need a good storm to get everything back up to the standards you have come to know & enjoy in this great trail system. Still having internet problems so hope this gets out. Off trails remain very good and lot of lake traffic today. Reminder that 13 south is closed from 100 down to 2 for logging. Week days remain the best riding as weekend traffic has been high. We will be closing March 12 for our spring vacation and want to again thank all of you that share your fishing and riding time with us. For more trail info or help with your Vacation planning needs call Walleye Lodge and Motel - Bergland.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
February 12, 2007
The cold weather hangs on with a little fresh snow here and there as the crazy winter of 07 goes on. None of the snow is leaving but we could use a good fresh snow. The groomers are out daily, doing what they can and the riders are happy with the trail conditions. Looking over the lake it is hard to see a square foot of snow that’s not been packed by many snowmobiles. You can check it out on our live web cam at walleyelodge.axiscam.net Snow in the forecast all week so hope to pick up some fresh snow and give the guys a little more to work with. Rooms are hard to come by and weekends are booking a few weeks ahead. There are some rooms during the weekdays and that’s still the best riding time. We’re closing up shop March 12th and heading south on a much needed vacation, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel for this season. Ride safe and come on up to the UP of Michigan you will be glad you did. For more trail info or help with your Vacation planning needs call Walleye Lodge and Motel - Bergland.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242
February 5, 2007
Is it cold enough for you, we woke to 20 below this a.m. Temps should start improving daily but still on the cold side. With a few extra pulls on the rip cord the sleds still come to life. Lake effect is in high gear and varies a lot from place to place. We picked up about four inches and it’s still snowing.
We lost trail 13 south between trail 100 and trail 2 due to logging and sled problems, the DNR closed it. If you heard the groomers were down last week they are back up and running. Riders report the trails are good and the only negative reports we get are on trail 13 north in the afternoon. It’s a major trail to the north and the traffic is too heavy to groom in the day time. Maybe with all the new snow some other routes will open to take some of the pressure off of trail 13. This happens every year and it’s such a nice trail most riders use it. Frost bite is a major concern with the cold temps so make sure your all of your skin is covered, have a buddy check your neck area after the helmets in place it’s a common area to burn. Off trail is excellent, and they are loving all the new snow. Room is getting tight in our area so if you want a longer stay or have a bigger group book early is my advice. We’re having some problems with our DSL so we are off and on the internet and getting our reports out has been a problem. Ride safe and come and enjoy this awesome trail system. For more trail info or help with your Vacation planning needs call Walleye Lodge and Motel - Bergland.
Thanks,
Smitty & D.
1-866-464-3242