Penokee received 3 new inches of snow since the last grooming. Track was set on all three loops, and the tracks looked sharp and deep. If you are looking for a fun trail that isn't going to have a big crowd, make the drive out to Mellen and check out this sweet little trail.

Photos:

(Christopher Geidel)

Skied in the 4 inches of new snow over existing set single track at this gem of a trail between Mellen and Clam Lake. As with the better known Rock Lake trails near Telemark, the Penokee is groomed by the US Forest Service. There's still some two feet of snow in the woods as winter maintains it's grip on the Superior Snowbelt. Make sure to check out the 3-sided Adirondack shelter in the outer 9K loop. It's part of the North Country Trail which crosses the ski trail.

Photos:

(Mike Ivey)

Trails were groomed and tracks set on all loops today. There are still areas with small twigs sticking up out of the snow but the trail is clear with no debris.

(Lydia Yurgil)

Trails were groomed and tracks were set this morning at Penokee. All loops open. Trail is a bit bumpy in spots.

Photos:

(Alex Milzer)

The trail is clear with some minimal debris sticking out of the snow. We flattened the trail with our snowmobiles. Then we groomed the trail with no tracks.

(Aaron Thompson, US Forest Service)

Staff completed clearing trees on the Penokee trail system today. There were many trees and deep snow, making clearing slow going. The trail has not been groomed, it has been packed with snowmobiles and will need new snow to smooth out the trail.

Photos:

(Natalie Osowski)

Good base with a thin ice layer and 1" fresh snow on top. Only the 5.1km loop is partially open and must return back to the parking lot via the middle - wrong way - trail. Just a base - No tracks set. There is a 200 ft length in the middle of the 5.1 that is not cleared yet of downed trees but trail continues in good shape afterwards. Other trails haven't been groomed. The east most trail is clear of debris but hasn't been groomed at all.

(Bob Wnek)

The Penokee trail system received approximately 14 inches of snow from Sunday's storm. Staff has not been out to clear or groom the trails. The 3k has been cleared of trees from the Thanksgiving storm. The 5k and the 8k have yet to be cleared.

(Natalie Osowski)

Tree clearing began on the Penokee trail system this week. Penokee received approximately 16 inches of snow over the last few weeks making for a great base, but causing trees to tip over into the trail. Forest Service crews will continue clearing trees on the trail.

Photos:

(Natalie Osowski)