Winter Recreation Report
From: Superior-Douglas County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Date: Wednesday December 21, 2011
Recent snowfall and forecast: No measurable recent snowfall, no measureable snow on the ground at this time. Forecast calls for possible snow Friday December 23rd.
Snowmobile and Winter ATV Trails:
Douglas County’s snowmobile and winter ATV trail system is made up of nearly 400 miles of trails consisting of the Brule River State Forest Snowmobile Trails, a portion of the Tri County Corridor as well as a large assortment of trails managed by the Douglas County Forestry Department (including some portions of the Wild Rivers Trail, Saunder’s Grade and Gandy Dancer Trail). The trail system is groomed and maintained mainly by volunteers from local recreational clubs. Many Superior and Douglas County area businesses are accessible by snowmobile or ATV for your lodging, food, fuel or supply needs.
Trail conditions by quadrant:
As is typical for this time of year, certain trail segments can be opened while others are not ready yet due to wetland crossings and/or have restrictions due to private land easements. It is critical that we respect the landowners who allow us to use their property… please review the following information carefully before trail riding and confirm that you are using open trails. Please note that on certain trails only segments of that particular trail may be open at this time. Thank you.
NW-
All summer ATV trails are Good, open and ready to groom once we receive snow.
All winter recreational trails remain closed at this time except for those trails within the city limits of the City of Superior.
NE- Winter recreational trails remain closed at this time.
At a later date once things freeze down more trails will be checked for frozen conditions to see if they may be opened for winter ATV use.
Year-round trails #2 (Tri County Corridor) and #35 (Wild Rivers Trail) are open for use.
SE- All summer ATV trails are good, open and ready to groom with snow.
Corridor 35N & S (Wild Rivers Trail) open good for ATV
Corridor 41s (from CTH Y to Burnett County) Open- good for ATV
Trail 5 (Wild Rivers Trail to the West Mail Road) Open – good for ATV, use caution west of Coyote Road (well signed), ready to open and groom with snow.
27b Open – Good for ATV, ready to groom with snow
7 Open, in early season condition- ready to groom with hard freeze & snow
27 – Open, in early season condition (from trail 7 north to the trail 27/27A intersection only)
541 Open, in early season condition – ready to groom with hard freeze and snow
Corridor 41N (Solon Springs to warming shack) closed ready to open and groom with more cold and snow
Corridor 41S (Wild Rivers Trail west to CTH Y, private easement), Closed, ready to open and groom with snow
SW- The trails managed by Cozy Corner Trails Inc are not ready to open yet
Most trails are cleared of trees and brush but without snow remain in no condition to ride
**Please continue to watch for new deadfalls and branches throughout the 2011-12 snowmobile season, as the summer 2011 storms may continue to create hazards through the year.
Trail 3- Open from trail 41/ trail 3 intersection (south of CTH T) east to Chipmunk Hallow Road
Closed from the Trail 41/Trail 3 intersection (Near CTH Y) south CTH T (private easements)
Snowmobile and Winter ATV maps are available by calling 715-392-2773 or 800-942-5313, or by emailing vacation@superiorchamber.org
To find local licensing agents or for more information regarding licensing contact the WI Department of Natural Resources 1-888-936-7463 or check out their website http://dnr.wi.gov/
Throughout the season, a detailed recording of updated trail information can be heard by calling (715)-378-4528.
Updated trail condition information also available at www.bruleriverriders.com
For additional information or questions please contact the Douglas County Forestry Department at (715) 378-2219 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Please always stay on the marked trails, be mindful of closures & respectful of property owners and be aware of logging operations in the area or any signs of open water.
Cross Country skiing and snowshoeing:
Brule River State Forest Afterhours Trail System –
Trails are closed at this time due to lack of snow
Parking, a heated shelter and restrooms are available at the trailhead compliments of the State Forest and the Brule Valley Ski Club. Wisconsin ski trail passes are required. Daily passes are $4 and annual passes are $20.
Cross Country Skiing Trails in the Superior Municipal Forest: Trails are closed due to lack of snow. Trails will be groomed daily as weather permits. Please call 715-395-7299 to hear a recording with the updated conditions.
Trail passes are required and can be purchased can be purchased Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm at the Parks & Recreation office located at 1316 N. 14th St. (2nd floor) or by envelope at trailhead with a 3-5 day turnaround.
Season passes ($25 city resident, $30 non-city resident), day passes ($5 city and non-city resident), 15 years and younger FREE and seniors 65+ receive $5 off Season pass.
Douglas County Ski Trails: Closed due to lack of snow
Pattison State Park- Closed due to lack of snow
For additional information, please call (715) 399-3111.
Amnicon Falls Snowshoe Trails– Snowshoe trails closed at this time due to lack of snow
For more information, please call (715) 398-3000.
Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing at Mont du Lac: Mont du Lac has 2 runs open with good skiing. Pancake, Terrain Park and Tubing Village are now open additional runs to open soon. Regular hours: Monday through Thursday 4pm to 8pm, Friday 4pm to 9om, Saturday 10am to 9pm and Sunday 11am to 6pm. Special hours: December 23rd 10am to 9pm, December 24th 10am to 3pm, December 26th through January 2nd 10am to 9pm, January 16th 10am to 8pm, February 20th through February 23rd 10am to 8pm Please call ahead for times or any changes in hours and conditions 218-626-3797.
Ice Fishing
Inland lakes- No conditions to report at this time
Superior & St. Louis Bays- No conditions to report at this time
Please remember with ice fishing or any other winter activity that takes you out on the ice to use caution regardless of the recent cold temperatures. Know the ice you’re on or ask the locals and always be aware of the ice thickness as well as any changes in ice conditions. Ice is unpredictable due to moving water from springs, inlets and outlets, which may cause the ice to be thinner in some spots.
Recommended minimum ice thickness for foot travel is 4 inches, 6 inches or more for a snowmobile or ATV, 8-12 inches for small cars or light trucks and at least 12-15 inches for midsize cars or trucks.
Skating Rinks- The outdoor municipal ice skating rinks are currently closed however they should be open and staffed by the end of the month, warming shack and portable toilets available at each rink. Skating rink hours once open are Monday through Friday 4p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each rink is closed one day a week for flooding, please check with individual rinks for flooding schedule. For unexpected closures or updates please call the recorded hotline at 395-7299.
**Important notice**
On October 20, 2009, the Common Council, at the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission, went on record in support of the policy: "The City of Superior requires the use of helmets on our hockey rinks for people 16 and under."
A Community Events Calendar is available online at www.superiorchamber.org.