Grooming Reports
Grooming reports for the Vasa Pathway and Leelanau Trail are emailed to badge holders. They are also made available within 1-2 business days on this page. Get your Grooming Badge to have reports emailed directly to you. Also check out this Facebook page that is all about Vasa Conditions with posts from real-time users. Feel free to follow, share and encourage others!
Grooming updates for the Winter Sport Singletrack can be found on the Northern Michigan Mountain Biking Association website. Grooming updates for Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail can be found on Friends of Sleeping Bear website.
2024-2025 Grooming Reports
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #25
Date: January 19, 2025
Time: 7:15 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers,
Skate lanes on all Vasa loops are currently receiving a manicure by Groomer James. Classic tracks are holding up great just about everywhere and are being refreshed by the slightest dusting of snowfall. Should be a fine skiing Sunday to cap off a gorgeous winter weekend!
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 19
Date: 1/18/25
Time: 1:30 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
No new snow, survived the thaw! Whole trail refreshed with tracks and cords.
North Section – Suttons Bay to Shady Lane
Pete groomed with the Ginzu. Nice tracks and center corduroy.
South Section – Shady Lane to DeYoung
Thad groomed with the Ginzu, tracks and corduroy.
Shady Lane Vineyards
Andy says trails were still good Friday.
Parallel Trail – no report
The Snow Joke of the Day:
Favorite’s:
What did Jack Frost say to Frosty the Snowman?
Have an ice day!
Report: #24
Date: January 18, 2025
Time: 7:45 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers,
Vasa trail skate lanes are being renovated this morning, compliments of groomers Brandon and Mike. We’ll look for some fresh snow before we can set new tracks, but the existing tracks will be left in place in the meantime.
Hope to see you for Winter Trails Day at Timber Ridge from 10:30am – 2pm today!
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 18
Date: 1/17/25
Time: 1:30 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Out early grooming. Already warming up! Don’t forget a glide wax.
North Section – Suttons Bay to Shady Lane
Pete groomed with the Ginzu. Nice tracks and center corduroy.
South Section – Shady Lane to DeYoung
Jeff Z. groomed with the Ginzu, tracks and corduroy.
Shady Lane Vineyards
No Report
Parallel Trail – no report
The Snow Joke of the Day:
Favorite’s: Why do seals swim in saltwater?
Because pepper water makes them sneeze!
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #23
Date: January 17, 2025
Time: 6:50 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Greetings Badgers,
With no new snow this morning, Groomer Dave is currently smoothing out skate lanes on all Vasa loops and leaving existing tracks in place.
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #22
Date: January 16, 2025
Time: 8:10 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Greetings Badgers,
26 degrees and a little light snow. Groomers Brandon and Randy are setting new tracks and skate lane corduroy on all Vasa loops this morning. Hope you got a chance to enjoy that sunshine yesterday, sure made the world sparkle! Now go get your Km’s in…
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 17
Date: 1/15/25
Time: 12:30 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
As Michael would say – “Packed and Tracked” from SB to DeYoung. And the sun is out! Hard to beat these conditions.
North Section – Suttons Bay to Shady Lane
Pete groomed with the Ginzu. Nice tracks and center corduroy.
South Section – Shady Lane to DeYoung
Jeff Z. groomed with the Ginzu, tracks and corduroy.
Shady Lane Vineyards
Andy hoping to get out Thursday.
Parallel Trail – no report
The Snow Joke of the Day:
Favorite’s:
How do snowmen get around?
They ride icicles!
Report: Muncie Lakes Pathway Grooming Update #7
Date: January 15, 2025
Time: 10:40 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Greetings Badgers,
Groomer Steve is on his second pass through the entire pathway, working to widen and pack the base as much as possible. Fresh tracks are also being set! The grooming team is expected to clear the trail by 11:15 AM today.
Get ready to enjoy some fantastic classic skiing at Muncie Lakes!
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #21
Date: January 15, 2025
Time: 8:15 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers,
An inch or two of additional snow overnight and 19 degrees right now. Groomers Mike and Chad are out working on some new classic tracks and skate lane corduroy for ya. 5k and 10k loops are done, and they’re Jack Pine bound on the 25k now.
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #20
Date: January 14, 2025
Time: 8:05 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers,
A cozy 11 degrees with a bit of fresh snow on the ground (I never tire of writing those five words), and the Vasa trail is getting another makeover compliments of Groomers John and Dave. Look for new classic tracks and skate lane corduroy on all your favorite Vasa loops and segments
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 16
Date: 1/13/25
Time: 2:00 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Groomed all around. And it’s still snowing!
North Section – Suttons Bay to Shady Lane
Pete rolled first then groomed with the Ginzu. Nice tracks and center corduroy.
South Section – Shady Lane to DeYoung
Jeff Z. rolled with the skirt. Thad to go out with the Ginzu to set tracks this afternoon.
Shady Lane Vineyards
Andy groomed with roller and skirt.
Parallel Trail – no report
The Snow Joke of the Day:
Favorite’s:
What do you call an Eskimos cow?
An Eskimoo!
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #19
Date: January 13, 2025
Time: 8:50 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Happy Monday Badgers,
Another 2” of snow throughout the night, and another day of Vasa trail grooming and skiing! Groomer John is setting new tracks and skate lane corduroy, and is currently rounding out the 10k loop.
Thanks for all the smiles and well wishes over the weekend! It was a treat to see the xc ski community out in force savoring the snow!
Report: Muncie Lakes Pathway Grooming Update #6
Date: January 12, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Greetings Badgers,
Groomer Steve has set tracks along the entire Muncie Trail network. If you want to do classic skiing today, then Muncie Lakes Pathway is the place. Enjoy the beautiful conditions!
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #18
Date: January 12, 2025
Time: 7:40 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers,
Fresh classic tracks and skate lane corduroy this morning on all Vasa loops, compliments of groomers Brandon and James. Huge thanks to Groomers Mike and John for a staggering day on the grooming sleds yesterday to prep for today’s efforts. Also huge thanks to all of our K-sponsors! Keep an eye out for your signs at each K-marker post. Hope y’all can get out and enjoy it!
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 15
Date: 1/11/25
Time: 11:00 am
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Finally some good white stuff again.
North Section – Suttons Bay to Shady Lane
Michael groomed with roller and skirt.
South Section – Shady Lane to DeYoung
Steve out grooming with roller and skirt.
Shady Lane Vineyards
Andy groomed yesterday.
Parallel Trail – no report
The Snow Joke of the Day:
Favorite’s:
What do you call ten Artic hares hopping backwards through the snow together?
A receding hare line!
Report: Vasa Pathway Trail Report
Date: January 10, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Howdy Badgers,
The snow keeps falling, and temperatures are holding steady. Judging by the buzz on the trail, the Vasa is in fantastic shape. If you haven’t been out yet, tomorrow is your day.
TART Trails staff will be hosting a Vasa Open House at the Bartlett Road Trailhead tomorrow from 10 AM to 1 PM. Come by for hot cocoa and homemade cookies before or after your ski session!
We’re also excited to share details about Winter Trails Day at Timber Ridge Resort on January 18th from 10:30 AM to 2 PM. We’re looking for enthusiastic winter trail lovers to volunteer and help create unforgettable memories for everyone who attends. Click HERE to volunteer!
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 14
Date: 1/10/25
Time: 3:00 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Shady Lane Vineyard groomed with roller and skirt. Trail waiting for snow to stop, hopefully in the morning.
North Section – Suttons Bay to Shady Lane
No Report
South Section – Shady Lane to DeYoung
No Report
Shady Lane Vineyards
Andy to groomed this afternoon with roller and skirt.
Parallel Trail – no report
The Snow Joke of the Day:
Why didn’t the skeleton go snowboarding down the mountain?
He didn’t have any guts!
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #16
Date: January 9, 2025
Time: 8:35 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers,
Groomers John and Dave report 9 degrees and an inch or two of powder on top of yesterday’s accumulation, which they are busy packing into some fresh corduroy. They are still encountering insufficient base for proper tracks, so we’ll hope for additional snow to get us there soon. Enjoy!
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 13
Date: 1/8/25
Time: 12:00 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
We are back in snow business! And, the sun is shining. Doesn’t get much better than this.
North Section – Suttons Bay to Shady Lane
Pete groomed with roller and skirt. Nice corduroy.
South Section – Shady Lane to DeYoung
Thad groomed with roller and skirt. Saw one skater out on the corduroy.
Shady Lane Vineyards
Andy to groom this afternoon with roller and skirt.
Parallel Trail – no report
The Snow Joke of the Day:
What did the reindeer say to the football player?
Your Blitzen days are over!
Just a bit of history. The first report last season was on January 11 and we only had 10 report the whole winter! Nice to have the white stuff back with cold to boot.
Go catch some rays if you can.
Report: #15
Date: January 8, 2025
Time: 8:15 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers,
A lovely sight to behold freshly fallen(-ing) snow this morning! Groomers Chad and Randy report 15 degrees and about 3” of airy snow overnight. They are currently compacting this latest contribution on the entire Vasa trail system. Initial track-setting efforts were still cutting through to the ground beneath, and so have been foregone in hopes that the snowy gains continue throughout the day. Hope you get a chance to play!
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Update Awaiting More Snow
Date: January 6, 2025
Time: 9:25 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Merry Monday Badgers,
Hopefully you got to enjoy some trail time over the weekend! In light of thin snow coverage in many places, and in the interest of preserving the trail surface and our grooming equipment, the Vasa grooming crew has decided that significant additional snow will be necessary for us to continue grooming at this time. Good news is at least it’s gonna stay cold! We’ll be keeping a watchful eye on the weather in the meantime…
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 12
Date: 1/5/25
Time: 1:00 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Not much snow, but just enough! Not enough for track setter.
North Section – Suttons Bay to Shady Lane
Pete groomed with roller and skirt. Nice corduroy.
South Section – Shady Lane to DeYoung
No report. But, surface looked good from Shady Lane looking south.
Shady Lane Vineyards
No report.
Parallel Trail – no report
The Snow Joke of the Day:
How did the mad scientist cause a blizzard?
He was brain storming!
Report: Muncie Lakes Pathway Grooming Update
Date: January 5, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
The Muncie Grooming Crew reports 3 inches of standing snow at the trailhead. We’ve decided to hold off on rolling and grooming the trail until we get a bit more snow. In the meantime, head over to the Vasa Pathway for a great weekend ski!
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #14
Date: January 5, 2025
Time: 8:25 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers,
Groomers Dave and Mike are currently rounding out a trip around the Vasa trail system, smoothing in a light dusting of new snow with fresh corduroy. We will need more snow before it is possible to set new classic tracks, as the low-density snow we’ve received doesn’t amount to much in terms of base when packed. It sure is gorgeous out there though! Nothing elevates the winter spirit than a snow-blanketed landscape, and the thought of a ski in one’s future…
Report: #13
Date: January 4, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers,
With an additional inch or so of snow overnight, Groomers John and Mike are packing the Vasa trail system and laying down some fresh corduroy.
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Update #12
Date: January 3, 2025
Time: 9:25 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers,
Welcome to a new year of Vasa Trail grooming! We received a few fresh fluffy inches of new snow throughout the region in the hours just before dawn this morning, sufficient to get up and stretch the old grooming legs anyhow. We’ll be packing the new snow throughout the rest of the morning in hopes that it will lay down the foundation for the remainder of a long cold season of sliding and gliding.
As mentioned recently, the latest warm spell was hard on many areas of the Vasa system (though yes, there are some disjunct patches of surviving base), so we’re starting from scratch in a lot of places. Thusly, be prepared to encounter thin coverage, particularly where the trail crosses open areas, and where there is particularly heavy tree cover.
Report: Vasa Pathway Update
Date: January 2, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Afternoon, Badgers,
Mother Nature is teasing us with glimmers of winter! The forecast shows cold temperatures and scattered snow showers. Let’s hope for a solid snowfall soon so our grooming teams can get back to working their magic on the trails.
In the meantime, we’re busy planning for upcoming winter trail events:
- Vasa Open House: January 11, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at the Bartlett Road Trailhead.
- Winter Trails Day: January 18, 10:30 AM–2:00 PM.
Winter Trails Day is a fantastic opportunity to volunteer and share your love of winter trails with newcomers experiencing them for the first time. Email Jonny to get involved!
Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and support! Let’s keep hoping for more snow!
Report: Vasa Pathway Conditions Update
Date: December 31, 2024
Time: 1:30 PM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Afternoon Badgers,
Did anyone else see the white stuff floating through the air this morning? The forecast shows decreasing temperatures for the next week or so. This is a welcomed relief from a wicked warm-up. The Rock has a significant base that hung on throughout the rainy days. Grab your rock skis and get out there. The Vasa Bartlett Trailhead unfortunately lost its base. Hiking in to find solid snow cover is great cross-training, we’re told.
Keep your fingers crossed for some lovely snow events in the next few days.
Report: Grooming Update
Date: December 28, 2024
Time: 10:20 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers,
Hopefully the yule log is still crackling away cheerfully for you this season! Just checking in to say that the recent warm temps and rain have not been conducive to snow grooming, and it looks like more of the same for the next few days. That puts us squarely into base preservation mode, in which the best thing to do is leave the trail surface well alone, as any further disturbance of the soft snow will hasten the melting process. Here’s holding out hope there’ll be something there to work with when cold temps and snow return to Northern Michigan. Now, where’s that oversized sweater and book you’ve been meaning to finish since August…
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 11
Date: 12/26/24
Time: 1:00 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
It’s already warming so get out sooner than later!
North Section – Suttons Bay to Shady Lane
Last groomed Christmas Eve.
South Section – Shady Lane to DeYoung
Jeff Z . groomed with roller and skirt to even out walking tracks and an inconsiderate fat tire biker.
Shady Lane Vineyards
No report.
Parallel Trail – no report
The Snow Joke of the Day:
Why didn’t the snowman go to the party?
He had snow one to go with!
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 10
Date: 12/24/24
Time: 10:30 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
North Section
Michael was out early and groomed with the Ginzu, setting classic tracks and center corduroy for skaters.
South Section
No report. Will update if needed.
Shady Lane
No report.
Parallel Trail – no report
The Snow Joke of the Day:
What do you get when you combine a penguin and a jalapeno?
A chilly Pepper!
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #11
Date: December 24, 2024
Time: 7:10 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers!
And Merry Christmas Eve! Groomers Randy, Dave, and James have been working through the night and this morning to produce a fresh groom, complete with classic tracks and skate lane corduroy, of the few inches of dense snow that fell throughout the day yesterday. The trail is looking really nice, and should offer some wonderful holiday skiing with generally good snow coverage. As a heads up, the grooming squad will be observing the Christmas holiday, and taking the day off tomorrow to enjoy it! It looks like some warmer weather in the following days, so we’ll keep an eye on things and resume grooming when the conditions allow it.
In the meantime, we’ll be wishing you all a very cool Yule! Now go ski.
Cheers and Merry Christmas,
Report: Muncie Lakes Pathway Grooming Report #5
Date: December 23, 2024
Time: 9:30 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Greetings Badgers,
Groomer Mike rolled the entire Muncie Lakes Pathway late yesterday and reports minimal new snowfall. Rolling helps compact the snow and should improve retention during the next warmup.
The forecast predicts snowy conditions throughout today. Let’s hope this helps solidify the base for great skiing soon!
Report: Vasa Grooming Report #9
Date: December 22, 2024
Time: 7:40 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good morning Badgers!
-4 degrees at The Wall right now. Groomers Mike and James are setting tracks and skate lane corduroy on the entire vasa system. Coverage is thin in many places.
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 9
Date: 12/21/24
Time: 1:00 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
North Section
Pete rolled with skirt from Suttons Bay to Shady Lane. This is your best shot for skate skiing again today.
South Section
Thad groomed with the roller and from Shady Lane to DeYoung yesterday. Groomers are out of town today!
Shady Lane
No report.
Parallel Trail – no report
The Snow Joke of the Day:
What do you call the monkey who won an Olympic medal for cross-country skiing? A Chimpion!
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #9
Date: December 21, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Happy Winter Solstice Badgers!
It’s 20 degrees on this, the shortest day of the year. Groomers John and Glen are finishing up a lap around the Vasa trail system this morning to compress the few inches of airy snow that has fallen throughout the region over the last two days.
The guys are reporting between an inch or two of crusty base coverage remaining in most segments after the recent warm spell. Some areas however, namely the bottom of Anita Hill and some areas near the trailhead, have no remaining base and will have only very minimal coverage from the most recent snowfall, given its fluffy nature. So, enjoy the trails, but as usual keep a lookout for thin spots.
Well, as our corner of the earth begins to tilt back toward the Sun, it’s only daylight-positive from here on out! (Ok, until June, of course. But let us not allow thoughts of summer to poison our winter spirit, we’re just getting started!) Hope you can get atop your skis today and savor this day that comes but once a year, a sacred day for the People of the Snow. Winter has truly begun!
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 8
Date: 12/20/24
Time: 2:30 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Whole trail rolled with skirt and the sun is out. Have at it one and all!
North Section
Pete rolled with skirt from Suttons Bay to Shady Lane. This is your best shot for skate skiing today.
South Section
Thad groomed with the roller and skirt from Shady Lane to DeYoung. Good skate skiing for now.
Shady Lane
Not enough snow to groom. Snow Shoeing still a good option.
Parallel Trail – no report
The Snow Joke of the Day:
Why don’t hyenas get sick in the winter?
Because laughter is the the best medicine!
Report: Grooming Report
Date: December 20, 2024
Time: 11:45 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers,
As we eagerly await enough snow accumulation to get back into full grooming gear, we’re excited to share details about our next Vasa Open House! Mark your calendar for January 11, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Vasa Pathway Bartlett Road Trailhead. Join us for cookies, hot cocoa, and great community time. TART Trails staff, groomers, and volunteers will be there chatting all things trails and keeping the winter stoke high.
Stay tuned for updates as the snow continues to fall. Hopefully, the Leelanau Trail, Muncie Lakes Pathway, and Vasa Pathway groomers will be back in action soon. Until then, let it SNOW!
Report: The Warmup Continues
Date: December 18, 2024
Time: 4:15 PM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Afternoon Badgers,
The weather isn’t cooperating this week, and the current conditions at the trailhead are preventing the grooming team from continuing their work. However, better snow coverage can still be found throughout the trail network.
The cooler temperatures should help preserve the trail’s existing base. Let’s hope for more snow soon so grooming can resume!
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report: Sunday Warmup
Date: December 15, 2024
Time: 9:45 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers,
With temperatures in the region pushing above freezing early this morning, a warming trend that appears likely to continue through Tuesday, we’ve had to hit pause on grooming again for the coming days.
Hope you got to enjoy some trail magic the past few days; the northern Michigan woods were reverberating with a joyous winter chorus of snowflakes and ski bases working together in sweet silent harmony. With any luck, the predicted cloud cover will help mitigate the effects of warmer temps over the next few days, and a possible injection of new snow mid-week could set us up nicely for what looks like a more extended cold snap. We shall see…
Report: #8
Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 9:15 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Happy Saturday Badgers,
A crisp 11 degrees as Groomer John is finishing up a skate lane renovation on the entire Vasa system right now. With no new snow existing tracks will be left in place, and are skiing well!
And just as a reminder, we hope to see your smiling faces at the trailhead as we celebrate the joys of winter on the trails at today’s TART grooming open house, 10am-1pm. You can be assured of ample fuel for your outing (coooookies!).
Report: #8
Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 9:15 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Happy Saturday Badgers,
A crisp 11 degrees as Groomer John is finishing up a skate lane renovation on the entire Vasa system right now. With no new snow existing tracks will be left in place, and are skiing well!
And just as a reminder, we hope to see your smiling faces at the trailhead as we celebrate the joys of winter on the trails at today’s TART grooming open house, 10am-1pm. You can be assured of ample fuel for your outing (coooookies!).
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 6
Date: 12/13/24
Time: 4:00 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
North Section
Had equipment issues and did not groom today. Last groomed yesterday with roller and skirt. Weather permitting, will groom tomorrow morning.
South Section
Thad helped with north sled issues then groomed with the Ginzu from Shady Lane to DeYoung. Nice corduroy and classic tracks.
Shady Lane
Andy rolled with the skirt the vineyard trails.
Parallel Trail – no report
The Snow Joke of the Day:
What did the big striped hat say to the warm wooly scarf?
You just hang around while I go on a head!
Report: Muncie Lakes Pathway Grooming Report #4
Date: December 13, 2024
Time: 4:10 PM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Greetings Badgers,
Groomer Mike rolled the entire Muncie Lakes Pathway loop today. The trail is in excellent condition and should make for some fantastic skiing.
Get out there and enjoy the weekend!
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #7
Date: December 13, 2024
Time: 9:30 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Trail report just in from Groomers John and Brandon: 17 degrees at The Rock, and they are setting new classic tracks and skate lane corduroy where e’er they go.
5k, 10k loops are complete and they’ll be rounding out the 25k shortly. Hope you’ve got your storage wax scraped by now, (Woops, better get on that…) cause it’s time to hit the trails!
Report: Muncie Lakes Pathway Grooming Report #3
Date: December 12, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Greetings Badgers,
The eight inches of very fluffy new snow, combined with the sandy ground, made grooming challenging today. The team got stuck twice and had to use a tractor to pull the sled out. Due to the risk to the grooming crew, further grooming attempts have been suspended for the day.
We’re hopeful that the snow will compact overnight and the ground will freeze, creating better conditions for grooming tomorrow morning.
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 5
Date: 12/12/24
Time: 2:00 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Nice to be back in snow business!
North Section
Michael rolled with skirt down from Suttons Bay to Shady Lane and back. Nice corduroy for skate skiing.
South Section
Jeff Z heading out this afternoon to roll from Shady Lane to DeYoung and back.
Shady Lane
Andy hopes to roll after Jeff is back,
Parallel Trail – no report
The Snow Joke of the Day:
What’s the scariest part of owing Santa money?
He snows where you live!
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #6
Date: December 12, 2024
Time: 8:10 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers!
It’s 16 degrees and snowing, Groomers Chad and John are compacting the ~6” of new snow that fell throughout the night. 5k and 10k loops are packed, and they’re working their way around the 25k now.
Report: Vasa Open House
Date: December 11, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good evening Badgers,
As we eagerly await the winter storm to blanket the pathway with fresh snow, we’re excited to invite you to our first Vasa Open House of the season, happening this Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Bartlett road trailhead.
TART Trails staff, groomers, and volunteers will be on hand to chat about winter trails while offering hot cocoa and homemade cookies to those enjoying the outdoors.
Be sure to stop by and say hello—whether before or after your ski!
Report: Still Watching
Date: December 11, 2024
Time: 8:20 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers,
After some trail scouting early this morning we decided to that trail firmness, temperature, and new snow accumulation weren’t quite sufficient for us to get back to grooming at the moment.
We’ll be watching the predicted snowfall later today and tonight, and hopefully we’ll be back into it tomorrow.
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report: Hitting Pause
Date: December 9, 2024
Time: 12:25 PM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Well, when the weather turns warm and wet, like it has been since Saturday afternoon, best you can do is park your gear and slip into your snow dancing shoes. Too bad, it really felt like we were getting into our wintertime grooming and skiing groove there.
Looking like more winter weather headed our way through the middle of the week though. Once it gets cold enough for the trail to firm up and we get enough new snow on the surface, we’ll be back to base building and ski grooming. Will keep you posted!
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 4
Date: 12/7/24
Time: 1:30 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
North Section
Groomed yesterday. Decided to hold off today as temperature already 40 degrees F.
South Section
Jeff Z groomed early with the Ginzu setting classic tracks and a nice corduroy from Shady Lane to DeYoung and back.
Shady Lane
Groomed yesterday.
Parallel Trail – no report
The Snow Joke of the Day:
How do you make a snowman’s bed?
Fresh sheet of ice and a thick blanket of snow!
You at least might want some glider and heaven forbid klister?
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #5
Date: December 7, 2024
Time: 7:00 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good morning! And a fine Saturday to you! 20 degrees and a dusting of new snow at The Wall now.
Groomers Mike and James are making their way around the 25k loop now, having completed the 5k and 10k loops. Setting new classic tracks and skate lane corduroy everywhere. Looks like a warmup later so get out and enjoy early if you can.
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 3
Date: 12/6/24
Time: 2:00 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
North Section
RK rolled w/ skirt (corduroy) this morning Suttons Bay to Shady Lane. RK then helped Pete set up the Ginzu for corduroy and track setting. Pete used the Ginzu from Suttons Bay to the first Center Highway crossing. However, ran out of juice and Ginzu would not work. So Center Highway to Shady Lane does not have classic tracks. However, doesn’t get much better than this!
South Section
Steve rolled with skirt from Shady Lane to DeYoung and back. Some drifted areas to watch out for.
Shady Lane
Andy rolled with skirt the Shady Lane Vineyards for cross-country skiing this afternoon. There is a separate loop trail for snow shoers.
Parallel Trail – no report
The Snow Joke of the Day:
When does sledding make you laugh?
When it’s hill-arious!
Is it time for greatest hits? I’ve been reporting jokes since at least 2021 and have tried not to duplicate a joke. So if you have a favorite that I may or may not have used, email it to Jonny and he can pass it on to me for a future report.
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #4
Date: December 6, 2024
Time: 7:00 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Happy Friday y’all! Groomers Glen and Brandon kept right on roll, roll, rolling away into the nighttime hours yesterday, before tagging Groomers Dave and Chad in for the early morning shift.
They have set tracks and skate lane corduroy on the 5k and 10k loops, and are working their way around the remainder of the 25k loop now. Enjoy!
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 2
Date: 12/5/24
Time: 3:30 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available he
North Section
Michael rolled this morning Suttons Bay to Shady Lane.
South Section
Thad just finished rolling from Shady Lane to DeYoung and back.
Shady Lane
Andy rolled the Shady Lane Vineyards for cross-country skiing this morning. He also groomed a separate loop trail for snow shoers.
Parallel Trail waiting for more snow!
The Snow Joke of the Day:
What do you call a cat that lives in an igloo?
An Eski-mew!
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #3
Date: December 5, 2024
Time: 3:20 PM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Greetings Badgers,
Groomer Glen has been plugging away this afternoon. Headwaters has been rolled with corduroy. He is currently doing the same on the 10k loop, and plans to continue on to the 25k.
Report: Muncie Lakes Pathway Grooming Report #3
Date: December 5, 2024
Time: 11:15 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Greetings Badgers,
Groomer Steve has just finished rolling the Muncie Lakes Pathway, and Groomer Jim is now setting tracks. Please note that the River Loop (signs 8–10) will not be groomed until we can remove a downed tree blocking the path.
Stay tuned for further updates!
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #3 Preview
Date: December 5, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Greetings Badgers,
The December Snow Sprites must finally have been appeased after these past few years of spiteful withholding. They have certainly smiled their favor down upon Northern Michigan with reports of up to an additional foot of snow overnight. We are feeling very blessed this week!
Of course, all that snow in such a short time can pose certain dilemmas (as evidenced by this week’s school closures, for one). While we are of course eager to continue preparing all this snow on the Vasa ski trail, we have had to postpone this morning’s activities in the interest of groomer safety. We’re looking at this evening to get the next crew out to continue rolling and packing all that new fluffy white stuff. Will keep you posted! In the meantime, go jump in a snow drift and make a snow angel!
Report: #2 Update
Date: December 4, 2024
Time: 12:20 PM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Afternoon Badgers,
First of all, we’d like to extend a warm winter welcome to our newest additions to the TART Vasa Trail Grooming Crew, Brandon Galinis and Randy Smith! Their enthusiasm for stepping in and working to facilitate the magic of winter on the Vasa trail is greatly appreciated! If you see those guys around town, or on the trail, throw an extra high five their way.
Groomers James and “Rookie Randy” (sorry, couldn’t resist the alliteration), rolled and set corduroy on the Headwaters loop and the 2k Hill area before temperature and snow conditions would not permit further grooming. Skiing may be a bit sticky but should be very nice, not to mention it is simply gorgeous out here right now! We’ll carry on when the temps drop.
Report: #2
Date: December 4, 2024
Time: 8:30 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Morning Badgers!
Snow day to you! 28 degrees and a few more inches of snow overnight, with a snowy outlook for the next 24 hours or so. We plan to pack snow throughout the day today and into tomorrow morning to keep up with the accumulation. Should set us up for some nice skiing later in the week.
Will keep you posted!
Report: Muncie Lakes Pathway Grooming Report #2
Date: December 3, 2024
Time: 8:50 PM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Greetings Badgers,
The Muncie Lakes Groomers have had a busy day rolling the entire pathway and setting tracks. The recent snowfall has provided excellent coverage across the entire Muncie Lakes Pathway.
Weather reports indicate colder temperatures and more snow in the forecast, which should set us up nicely for the weekend. The crew plans to set fresh tracks daily through Friday to ensure great skiing conditions.
Stay tuned for further updates!
Report: Leelanau Trail Grooming Report # 1
Date: 12/3/24
Time: 1 pm
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
The skinny report:
Well, some early snow, yeah! Jeff Z. rolled the south section from Shady Lane to DeYoung. Andy following with grooming the Shady Lane vineyards. RK groomed the north section from Suttons Bay to Fort. Pete to finish up this afternoon from Fort to Shady Lane.
North Section
RK jumped in, found the roller, and groomed from Center Highway near Fort Road to Suttons Bay and back. Pete to follow up this afternoon and roll the rest to Shady Lane.
South Section
Jeff Z. rolled from Shady Lane to DeYoung and back.
Shady Lane
Andy groomed the Shady Lane Vineyards for cross-country skiing. He also groomed a separate loop trail for snow shoers.
Parallel Trail waiting for more snow!
The Snow Joke of the Day:
Why did the polar bear get glasses? To improve his ice-sight!
Background
Happy New Grooming Season, some early white stuff, yeah! We really did not start grooming last season until January 11, 2024!
First – Thank you all again for purchasing groomer badges that help pay for maintenance and operations (repairs, gas & lube, etc.).
We are again grooming the Leelanau Trail this winter from the DeYoung property to Suttons Bay. We break up the grooming to North & South Sections. The North Crew will groom between Suttons Bay and Fort Road, and weather/snow permitting to the Shady Lane Parking Lot. The South Crew will groom between the Shady Lane Parking Lot and weather/snow permitting to the DeYoung Property.
Chad Jordan and the Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association (NMMBA) will again be grooming a parallel 3-foot trail for fat biking in the winter. The trail parallels the Leelanau Trail from Suttons Bay to north of Fort Road. The trail is not all “off-road,” so please stay out of classic ski tracks. Fat tire users – recommended tire pressure is 4 to 5 psi. Please consider waiting for temperatures below freezing to minimize rutting the skate lanes.
Andy Fles (Vineyard Manager at Shady Lane Cellars) will be grooming the vineyard again. He is also setting up a separate groomed trail loop for snowshoers, so they stay out of the ski grooms.
For walkers and dog owners, remember the Village of Suttons Bay plows the trail from the marina north to Dumas Road.
We will be consolidating the grooming report into four sections: North Section, South Section, Shady Lane Vineyard Trails, and the Fat Bike Trail, hoping to keep down the number of emails.
Take Care,
Pete Ostrowski
Report: Muncie Lakes Pathway Grooming Report #1
Date: December 3, 2024
Time: 11:45 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Greetings Badgers,
Groomers Steve and John have been hard at work this morning, making two passes with the roller. Now, John is preparing to set tracks, and the Muncie Lakes Pathway will soon be ready for skiing!
The snow keeps falling, so stay tuned for more updates as conditions evolve.
Enjoy the trails and happy skiing!
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #2
Date: December 3, 2024
Time: 9:20AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Greetings Badgers,
The gift of snow keeps on giving! Groomer Dave and John just finished rolling and packing the entire trail early this morning. Starting at 3 AM, most sections of the trail were rolled and skirted twice.
The wet, heavy snow from the past two days has made for slow progress, with numerous branches and a few trees down along the pathway.
The team will continue grooming through the morning, and we’ll provide more updates as they come.
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #1 Update
Date: December 2, 2024
Time: 3:45 PM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Good Afternoon Badgers!
Groomer John was able to complete a roll of the 5k and 10k loops today before conditions made further progress impractical.
Still snowing so we’ll be back at it tomorrow!
Cheers,
Vasa Trail Groomers
Report: Vasa Pathway Grooming Report #1: Preview
Date: December 2, 2024
Time: 10:50 AM
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Greetings Badgers!
What a treat to behold a snowy landscape here in northern Michigan as we cross the threshold into December.
Varied accounts of potentially significant additional snow accumulations throughout the Vasa vicinity overnight have inspired the Vasa grooming crew to attempt a roll of the trail system today. If we find that the snow depth is sufficient to proceed without interacting too much with the still unfrozen ground beneath, we hope to be able to knock the air out of the snow and start building that base we need for a long and slide-y season of XC skiing! Here’s hoping it keeps up, so stay tuned!
Cheers,
Vasa Trail Groomers
Report: Welcome to the Winter Grooming Season!
Date: December 1, 2024
NWS Forecast here
Trail Reports available here
Greetings Badgers!
As the first snow accumulates on our area trails we’re thrilled to announce that today marks the official start of another Winter Grooming Season! We’re incredibly grateful for your support of our winter grooming efforts—your generosity makes it all possible.
We’re also looking forward to a season packed with exciting winter events. We hope to see many of you at our yet to be scheduled Vasa Open Houses, where you can warm up with hot cocoa & cookies and meet the grooming team and celebrate the season we all cherish. Also, mark your calendars for Winter Trails Day at Timber Ridge Resort on January 18—a fun-filled day for everyone to enjoy the beauty of winter on skis, snowshoes, or fat bikes. And of course, we’re looking ahead to the 2025 North American Vasa in February where we’ll get to showcase the groomers’ work to visitors from across the region who will come to test their mettle and enjoy the camaraderie of the festival of races.
In the meantime, the Vasa, Muncie and Leelanau Trail groomer teams are prepped and ready to provide that winter trail magic that we have been dreaming about since spring. Just this morning, Vasa groomers were out scouting trail conditions and report that the ground is not quite yet frozen and there is not yet enough snow to groom but they are keeping a close eye on things and will keep you posted as conditions change.
Stay tuned for grooming updates all winter long and cheers to another season on snow.