Palmer Woods Fat Bike Grooming Report: Jan. 20, 2026
Dear Riders,
It is cold! Use extreme caution when venturing outdoors.The Palmer Woods Fatbike crew was at it again today, digging out from nearly a foot of fresh snow and doing everything they could to keep the winter magic rolling. With the storm dropping a deep blanket across the system, the team went into full‑tilt cleanup mode.
Grooming ran in tandem—our trusty v‑plow cutting the initial line up front while the Tidd‑Tech followed behind, sculpting that signature flow we all love. The result is a beautifully refreshed ribbon of trail, now sitting in a packed‑powder state that’s ridable, which is surprising given the volume of new snow.
Expect conditions to stay in that packed‑powder zone through the cold spell. The crew plans to get back out a few more times to dial things in even further.
Winter is doing its thing, and so are the groomers. Bundle up, roll out, and enjoy the fresh canvas.
Happy Trails! —Chad
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Palmer Woods Snow Report: Jan. 16, 2026
Mother Nature continues to serve up round after round of fresh snow. Looks like free refills continue to come our way for the foreseeable future. JP got the Stoke Dealer out on Thursday, pressing in 3 inches of fresh snow, providing a nice reset for the weekend.
With more snow Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, we plan to get out a couple times over the next few days as the new snow starts to pile up.
For those skiing off the groomed, we have a very unusual snowpack right now. Rhythm of the winter has been heavy snow-warm-heavy snow-warm-heavy snow. There are some interesting breakable crust layers, so use extra caution to not bury your tips under the crust.
Enjoy it out there! —Caleb
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Palmer Woods Fat Bike Grooming Report: Jan. 14, 2026
Dear Riders,
Yesterday brought another round of updates from the grooming crew, and despite the weather acting a bit erratic lately, the grooming itself has stayed rock‑solid. The recent thaw‑freeze cycles have actually worked in our favor, helping create a fantastic, firm base that’s riding beautifully.
Fresh tracks were laid down yesterday, and the results are exactly what you want this time of year—smooth, flowy, and ready for fast laps. The Winter Wonderland at Palmer Woods is absolutely calling your name right now. Conditions are prime, the forest is stunning, and the tread is begging for tires.
Get out and get after it.
Happy Trails! —Chad
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PHOTO UPDATE: Palmer Woods Snow Report: Jan. 12, 2026
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Palmer Woods Snow Report: Jan. 9, 2026
Warm rain and even a brief thunderstorm last night into this morning gave the base a thorough soaking. Temps will be dropping back below freezing tonight after this week-long warmup.
Cool temps hung on just long enough on Monday to allow for Milan and Jana to press in the 5 inches of heavy wet snow we received Sunday into Monday. Getting this groomed in set the base nicely and gave it a chance to weather the warm spell that lasted through the week. Looking at trails this afternoon, these efforts really paid off. The base, currently 4 inches or so, should freeze up and provide a nice level platform for snow coming our way Saturday into Sunday.
Until we get a decent amount of snow, conditions will be icy. If the current forecast holds, skiing won’t be good until late Saturday. The plan is to get the Stoke Dealer out on Sunday and press in any new snow. Enjoy it out there. —Caleb
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Palmer Woods Fat Bike Grooming Report: Jan. 5, 2025
Dear Riders,
We’re back with grooming updates after a well‑earned holiday break! Even though fat bike reports paused, the grooming certainly didn’t—our crew stayed busy through the storm, and Palmer Woods has been getting consistent attention. Our most recent groom was completed this morning, and the results are looking fantastic.
The tread is beautifully shaped, and thanks to the deep snowpack, all of this hard work won’t disappear during the upcoming freeze/thaw cycle. This generous base will help preserve trail quality even as temperatures fluctuate.
As always, we ask riders to respect the trails by planning your rides when temperatures are below freezing. This simple choice makes a huge difference in protecting the surface and keeping conditions excellent for everyone.
Your participation matters—each lap helps firm the tread and maintain the flow we all love. Thanks for riding responsibly and supporting the ongoing care of Palmer Woods.
Happy Trails! —Chad
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Palmer Woods Snow Report: Jan. 3, 2026 – Full Wolf Moon 
As expected, the skiing has been excellent these past few days. Kurt groomed Palmer Wednesday, laying down silky soft corduroy and classic tracks. Over the holiday week, trails have seen increased use by skiiers, as well as folks on snowshoes and fat bikes. That said, it’s been impressive how different users are showing respect for each other, using the trails as intended and helping everyone have a great time out here.
Cool temps and consistent lake effect refreshes are keeping conditions soft and fun. Sarah and Chester got out mid-morning on Saturday, providing a nice reset and making a great base for the snow flurries that are evoking a dreamy, snow globe feel this afternoon. We now have a little silk on top of a well-defined base. *chef’s kiss*
The base has recovered nicely and skiing is about as good as it gets right now. With warm temps coming our way next week, we’ll be watching the weather for the next oppurtunity to get the Stoke Dealer out. If the forecast holds, it could be a week from today (Saturday afternoon) when that oppurtunity comes our way. —Caleb
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Palmer Woods Snow Report: December 30, 2025
Days of white velvet are back. Milan and I got the Stoke Dealer out Monday afternoon, laying down corduroy and classic tracks. The 8 inches pressed in nicely. It was a pleasant surprise that there was minimal storm damage. The system is clear and the skiing is phenomenal.
All of Palmer was groomed except the Darwin Road Loop.
Before the blizzard blew in last night, the base was down to a firm ice sheet. It was great that the base made it through our Christmas warmup, providing a solid platform for this new snow to pile up on.
With blowing/drifting snow and more lake effect refreshes in the days ahead, conditions should be excellent as we glide on into the new year. We plan to get the Stoke Dealer out again Wednesday morning or early afternoon for another Palmer groom.
Enjoy it out there! —Caleb
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Palmer Woods Snow Report: December 19, 2025
XC-ski trails are firm and fast after a couple days of warm and wet weather that transitioned quickly into a hard freeze. With 2 inches of snow through the day today, and a lot of wind blowing it around, we have dust on crust conditions. All considering, the base is in decent shape. Though it’s questionable if we’ll have enough base to persist through the warming trend coming our way.
Conditions did not allow for a groom on Friday. And with warmer weather on Saturday, its likely conditions will be a bit sticky. Hopefully new snow and warmer temps will help create some cohesion of fluff on top with the icy base layer. If we get enough snow, there are tentative plans to groom on Sunday.
The long-range forecast is looking warm, with transitions between above and below freezing. There should be some good skiing to be had over the next week, but those windows for when the skiing is good will be narrower, moving between too sticky and too icy. Good luck finding those Goldilocks times.
Happy Solstice! —Caleb
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Palmer Woods Snow Report: December 16, 2025
As of this afternoon, temps are above freezing for the first time since late November. JP got out for an early AM groom when the snow was still cold and dry. Pressing in loose snow before a warmup helps prevent the snow from becoming “rotton,” a kind of sticky/tacky texture that often clumps on the undersides of skis. Corduroy and classic tracks pressed in nicely this morning.
If you’re getting out in the next couple of days, you’ll certainly want some warm weather wax as snow will be slow and sticky during the warmer parts of days. When temps dip below freezing, the snow will glaze quickly and become quite fast. Please use extra caution when getting out in the freeze portion of a thaw/freeze cycle.
The next planned groom will be done by the North Heritage Trail team on Friday, if conditions allow.
We have a great base, especially considering it is mid-December. Even with a bit of a warming trend in the long-term forecast, there still should be some good skiing to be had in the next couple of weeks. Enjoy it out there. —Caleb
Palmer Woods Fat Bike Grooming Report: December 16, 2025
Dear Riders,
The NMMBA community is excited to welcome our newest groomer at Palmer Woods, Jason Davis! This morning, two machines put fresh tracks down across the trail system, and conditions are looking great for now.
We are entering a thaw/freeze cycle, which means riders should avoid fat bike trails when temperatures are above freezing to protect the surface. Looking at the forecast, mornings will be the ideal time to get in some excellent riding while the trails are firm.
Your participation matters—multiple laps help pack the surface into prime condition for everyone. Please ride responsibly and help us keep Palmer Woods in top shape through this weather cycle.
Happy Trails! —Chad
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Palmer Woods Snow Report: December 12, 2025
It has been a truly remarkable early December for lovers of winter. Temps have stayed below freezing and snow continues to pile up. Kurt got out yesterday (Thursday) evening and laid down fresh corduroy and classic tracks. The wetter snow pressed in nicely and set the table for the snow coming this weekend.
Kerry and Tim plan to head out mid-morning on Saturday to groom the connection between Palmer Woods and the Heritage Trail as well as the northern section of the heritage trail. This groomed section goes from the Crystal River trailhead to the Lawr Farm, near where Wheeler Road and M-22 intersect. Grooming this section of trail is in partnership with the Friends of Sleeping Bear. When doing this grooming run, volunteers start and end at Palmer Woods. Grooming from the main parking lot, up past the fern garden to Darwin Road.
As I write this report snow is beginning to fall, with forecasts calling for 4-8 inches over the weekend. Looking ahead to next week, it seems we may have a warmup in our future. We likely have enough base to weather the warm-up, but with any thaw and freeze, the conditions will become faster and less forgiving for beginners. If you’ve been thinking about getting some early season skiing in, conditions this weekend are shaping up to be about as good as it gets. Enjoy it out there! —Caleb
Palmer Woods Fat Bike Grooming Report: December 11, 2025
The Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association grooming crew was at it again this evening at Palmer Woods, working in another fresh 2 inches of snow. With consistent attention and cold temps, the trail now boasts a 3-4 inch firm base that’s shaping up beautifully for the weekend. Conditions are settling in, and things are lining up for some excellent riding.
If you’re planning to get out, we strongly encourage riders to head to Palmer Woods this weekend and put in multiple laps on the fat bike loops. Your tires help pack the surface into prime condition for everyone.
We kindly remind all trail users to respect the grooming work by using the designated areas for their intended purpose—whether biking, snowshoeing, hiking, or skiing—so the tread continues to improve for everyone.
Happy Trails! —Chad
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Palmer Woods Snow Report: December 10, 2025
The snow continues and conditions continue to be excellent. We groomed a couple times over the weekend, with our all-star volunteer Kurt getting into the mix to help out. We have been working with the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes to help support the grooming of the Heritage Trail north of Glen Arbor and groom a connection between Palmer Woods and the Heritage Trail. On Monday, Tim and Milan spent the majority of the day track-packing and then grooming this connection, setting down really nice corduroy and classic tracks. They also got the first round of grooming on the northern section of the Heritage Trail for the season. Snow reports for the Heritage Trail can be found here: www.friendsofsleepingbear.org/winter-conditions
We had plans to groom Tuesday, but ended up getting less snow than forecast, only an inch or so of accumulation. With the warmer temps and heavier wet snow, grooming likely would have done more harm than good. Plenty of folks were out skiing yesterday and did a nice job of pressing in the classic tracks. Same story today (Wednesday); we got about 2” of heavier/wet snow overnight. After the first couple of skiers of the day get on snow, the classic tracks should still be in great shape.
We’re keeping our eye on temps dropping and when the next round of snow will move in. We will plan to get the groomer out again after our next measurable snow. Enjoy it out there! —Caleb
Palmer Woods Fat Bike Grooming Report: December 10, 2025
Our crew was out last night as temperatures dropped, grooming Palmer Woods to incorporate the wet morning snow and tidy up drifting snow left behind by the winds. The tread is beginning to firm up nicely, showing encouraging progress toward ideal riding conditions. Increased traffic on the trail is evident, and the use is helping the surface settle into shape.
We kindly remind all trail users to respect the grooming work by using the designated areas for their intended purpose—whether biking, snowshoeing, hiking, or skiing—so the tread continues to improve for everyone.
Happy Trails! —Chad
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Palmer Woods Fat Bike Grooming Report: December 5, 2025
Our dedicated crew was out on the trails today, grooming the entirety of Ursa Major and Ursa Minor after Palmer Woods received a fresh 2″ of fluffy snow. A thin crust is beginning to form between the powder and the still-unfrozen ground, which is a promising sign, but ideal fat biking conditions will take more time and additional passes to fully develop. The trail shape is coming along nicely, yet the tread surface remains soft and will need to firm up before riding reaches its best. If you do find yourself hike-a-biking, please walk on the margins of the groomed tread to help preserve the work being done. Happy Trails! —Chad
Palmer Woods Snow Report: December 5, 2025 – Full Cold Moon
In the last week we went from bare ground to what is starting to feel like mid-winter conditions. The xc ski trails have been groomed daily the last few days—this is helping build the base and create a nice level platform to set the classic track on. Mother nature has been helping by staying cold and providing lake-effect refreshes daily. There are still some spots that are a bit thin cover, but all-in-all the skiing is excellent. With a forecast of 2” of fresh snow overnight, Saturday should feature some nice fluff on top of the groom. We’re planning to get out and groom early Sunday to clean up Saturday’s tracks and press in any new snow we’ve gotten. Enjoy it out there! —Caleb
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Palmer Woods Snow Report: December 2, 2025
First groom of the season! We woke up to a winter wonderland, getting 8” of snow overnight on top of the 5” we got Saturday into Sunday. The weekend snow was able to set up and provide a good base for the lower density snow that fell overnight.
Caleb took care of the xc ski grooming, laying down corduroy and classic tracks. With temps staying cooler, the snow is silky soft and the skiing is excellent.
The forecast is looking favorable for this snow to stick around for a bit. The plan is to continue to get out and press in any significant snow we receive to keep building base on our groomed trails.
Chad is out working on getting Ursa Major and Ursa Minor in shape for fat biking. Snow is a bit soft, but hopefully with a few grooming laps over the next couple of days, the base will have a chance to firm up. —Caleb
