Photos provided by Skip Schulz Above, a trail groomer sets tracks

Photos provided by Skip Schulz
Below, snowmobilers pose in front of the famous Keweenaw snow guage. Will this be the winter that snowfall records for the Keweenaw will be broken? Some long range forecasts are calling for heavy snowfall this winter.

The latest Pure Michigan Tourism report states, ‘travel sentiment for all generations is down from this time last year. However, of those planning on traveling in the next 12 months, travel spending intentions are increasing with Boomers planning to spend the most.’

When looking at forecasts, the off road vehicle (ORV) riders and Snowmobilers only care about one forecast.  That is, the long range Winter Snow Forecast. 

According to the Farmer’s Almanac our area is to have a colder than normal winter, but here is the good news, a lot of snow. 

Then again, the Copper Country always has a lot of snow.  Where locals are focused on the amount of snow in the Keweenaw. The tourist economy will depend on how much snow falls in central and southern Wisconsin and Minnesota.  If those area’s get a good snowfall this winter, many think that will offset those who might otherwise be coming to the Copper Country.

While good snow in Wisconsin and Minnesota may keep some snowmobilers home, it will also create enthusiasm for those that want to get away.  This is where our tourism associations and chambers of commerce may focus their advertising and promotion.  The difference between riding on a 4 inch base, or riding on a 14 inch base could make a huge difference to potential visitors.

Regional snowmobile events have the power to draw in crowds. Local snowmobile clubs need support through funds for trail grooming, maintenance and signing.

Baraga County is putting $20,000 toward trail signage.  Hopefully this money for signage will include the Alpha System that the DNR has implemented for ORV Trails.  This is not only appreciated but a signal to other county and local government to get involved and support our local clubs.

With the tourism industry playing such an important part in our economy, the increase in gas, and inflation, now is the time to promote what our area has:  snow and a lot of it.

We have some of the best multi-use trails to draw ORV riders before the snow flies and snowmobile trails, when they open on December 1st.

We also have the biggest and most challenging Snowmobile HIllclimb the 1st weekend in February.  That will be the Vollwerth’s Meats/Wildlife Refuge Cabins/Pat’s Motorsports Winter Nationals that takes place in South Range.  The Mid America Snow and Terrain Expert Racers (MASTERS) is looking for the Copper Country to host a 2nd Hillclimb the 3rd Weekend in February.

Pure Michigan is proving that people are looking for shorter trips, closer to home.  Those in Wisconsin and Minnesota are going to look at coming to our area to ride.  Gas prices won’t matter to them.  After all they invested over $10,000 on a Snowmobile.  Do you think they are going to want it to sit in the garage?

What our area really needs in addition to support from regional tourism associations, chambers, and local government is to get young people involved in trail maintenance.  The volunteers of our local clubs are getting older, and yes, they are burning out.  All the clubs are asking that you groom or help on the trails a few hours a week. 

Right now the volunteers are out brushing trails, putting up signs, working on equipment, and doing the office work that is so often overlooked. 

With motorsports driving the tourism ‘engine,’ we need to develop connections on all levels of business and development including individual actions that can help to preserve and promote our exceptional trail systems.

Then let’s all get ready to ride!