2019 March 31, Grooming Report;
The Forestville Trail Head is Open This last Weekend! Expect hard trails everywhere today. Crust skiing looks to be great again all day long.
Forestville (near trail head): We are not able to groom east of the logging (see map below) so skiing is either crust skiing or trail skiing in the Goldie Locks Zone (no Goldie Locks Zone today; trails will be rock hard all day long). Skiers can access everything east of the powerlines all the way to the Tourist Park although I expect east of the 5k mark trails are very poor due to foot traffic.
Noque’ near 510 and Saux Head: Both Saux Head and Forestville from 510 were Ginzu groomed yesterday. Tim reported grooming is likely ended for the season. He also reported a very good base so skiing will continue well into April. I would add, the base on the Noque near 510 also has a very good snow pack. Cold overnight temperatures through the 6 day forecast will keep trails in good shape for some time. Of course, off piste the crust will be spectacular.
Too Long Grooming Report: I do trust you did get out to enjoy the blustery weather. Once God invented the balaclava blustery weather lost its bite. Although I expect it was pleasant in the forest, skiing along the north facing beaches in a northwest gale was spectacular. I know I promised future grooming reports would not contain drivel. I should add, the Grooming report critic did play the drivel card. Sorry. Regardless that; crust skiing along the lee shore in a gale during spring break up should be on everyone’s bucket list; it was spectacular. The bright blue sky and water next to the bright white snow and surf was impossible to look at without eye protection; not just for the bright light but so too for the surf spray and ice crystals in the air. Waves would be forced into narrow channels and up through volcanos of ice and sand. Watching the ice water spill over like so many geysers was mesmerizing. The anchor ice is now 100 yards off shore and 25’ high. Another week or two will bring anchor ice kayak season (a season that lasts between zero and 10 days if you are lucky). Before trains made this area more accessible, during spring breakup when boat travel was not possible one would have to walk from say, L’Anse to Marquette. 19th century travel on horse back is more romantic but largely an invention of the cinematographer. There are some excellent grooming reports on foot travel in the U.P. Getting out there on days like today one can see a glimpse of a bygone era. Please do get out to enjoy the spectacular U.P. spring.
Fit Strip:. Likely not skiable .
Big Bay Pathway: Grooming has ended but trails are likely well covered except for water areas. Any skier comments will be appreciated.
South Snow Bike Trails: We are in spring “freeze/thaw” cycle. Any rider comments will be appreciated.
North Trails: We are in spring “freeze/thaw” cycle. Any rider comments will be appreciated.
Of course you can also post your own information on the FB page and you are encouraged to do so. Here is the link:
https://www.facebook.com/ntnsingletrack/
FOLLOWING IS A RE-RUN GOING OVER COMMERCIAL FOREST AND THE NTN (PLEASE READ ONCE) In
Over 99% of the trails we ski, bike, run and walk are owned by private land owners. Most of the trails are on commercial forest land. These land owners wish to see their land used by skiers, bikers, runners and walkers for 99+% of the time. All they ask is that we understand they need to use the land for a few months per decade.
I really want both of you to understand how important our commercial forests are to life in the U.P. In much of the country where commercial forestry has fallen behind other uses as the highest and best use, trails like the entire NTN are not possible. Land in such areas is owned in small private blocks and the public is locked out.
Effective March 25th, parts of our trail system were closed for logging. One of the keys to the NTN’s success is the fact our users understand this symbiosis. Our part in this process is to stay out of the way of the loggers and thank them for their support. Logging is a dangerous and capital intensive operation. We need to help them be safe and look out for their equipment. Trails will be marked as closed and we trust you will stay away from the logging operations.
The land owners always wait until late in the year to allow as long a ski season as possible. In addition, they attempt to keep as much of the trail open as possible. Beginning next Monday, several sections of trail near the power lines will be blocked and logging trucks will be driving on them.
The NTN is committed to providing top quality skiing if at all possible. You have come to expect nothing less and we are used to providing nothing but. We will continue to groom trails between Co Rd 510 and the logging areas. Most skiers (especially the spring time skiers) know the best skiing is near Co Rd 510 anyway.
Sondo