Deer Season
Firearm deer season runs November 15–30. Riding an ORV or snowmobile on public hunting land is off-limits 7–11 a.m. and 2–5 p.m. during those two weeks.
Deer hunting guide906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
First Snow in Iron County, Michigan
Iron County • Michigan
Some years the first snow comes while the maples still hold their color, a white dusting on the spruce against the last of the orange. Here's when it usually arrives, what it opens up, and how to plan around it.
OCT.–NOV.
First snow, most years: mid-October to mid-November
EARLY NOV.
When the first inch usually lands
67 IN.
Of snow in an average winter
DEC. 1
Snowmobile trails open
The First Flakes
When Does It First Snow in Iron County, Michigan?
Watch the sky from the middle of October on. Most years the first measurable snow falls between mid-October and mid-November, and the first inch that sticks usually comes in early November. Last fall it held off until November 9.
It has come as early as September 12, back in 1923, and the tail end of winter has been known to drop snow as late as June 3. That was 1945.
This far inland, the snow mostly rides in on storms from the west rather than off the big lakes. Some years the first one catches the hardwoods still in color, the way it did in 2018, and that's a morning worth bringing a camera for.
An Average Winter, Month by Month
Average snowfall in inches, about 67 for the whole winter. Big winters run well past that.
Stay In Iron County
Where to Stay for the First Snow
The Season Ahead
What Comes After the First Snow
One snow doesn't make a winter, but it gets things moving. Here's what follows, in order.
Ski Brule Opens
Ski Brule is aiming for an opening weekend of November 20–22, if the cold cooperates.
Ski Brule season guideSnowmobile Trails
The state trails open December 1 and run through March 31. The groomers go out once there's enough snow on the ground.
Snowmobile trails guideIce on the Lakes
The ice comes well after the first snow, and it's never on a schedule. Wait for the bait shops to say it's safe.
Ice fishing guideOn The Road
Driving Up in Early Snow
The first snows are wet and the roads are slick before the plows find their rhythm. Give yourself time, and check before you leave.
- Check road conditions on Mi Drive before you head north.
- Look at the Marquette forecast the night before you drive.
- Stay at least 200 feet behind snowplows.
- Pack layers, waterproof boots, a scraper and a shovel.
Questions
First Snow in Iron County: Common Questions
When does it first snow in Iron County, Michigan?
Usually between mid-October and mid-November, with the first inch in early November. The earliest on record was September 12, 1923.
How much snow does Iron County get?
About 67 inches in an average winter, most of it from December through February. Big winters bring a good deal more.
When do the ski hill and the snowmobile trails open?
Ski Brule is aiming for November 20–22, weather permitting. The state snowmobile trails open December 1 and are groomed once there's enough snow.
Is Iron County's snow lake-effect snow?
Mostly not. This far inland, most of the snow comes with storms moving through from the west rather than off the Great Lakes.
What should I pack for an early-season trip?
Layers, waterproof boots, a hat and gloves, plus a scraper and shovel in the car. Check road conditions before you drive.
Start Planning
Plan a First-Snow Trip to Iron County
Pick a weekend in late October or November, keep one eye on the forecast, and book a warm room close to the woods. When the first snow comes, you'll want to be here for it.
Travel Planning, Winter and tagged crystal falls michigan, first snow, iron county michigan, iron river michigan, snowfall, travel tips, upper peninsula michigan, winter.
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Rewarding Places to Stay in Michigan
AmericInn
by Wyndham
Chicaugon
Lake Inn
906-265-9244
1700 County Road 424
Gaastra, MI 49917
Lakeshore Motel
Ice Lake
906-265-3611
1257 W Ice Lake Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Pioneer
Lodge
800-362-7853
373 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Ski Brule
Village
800-DO-BRULE
906-265-4957
397 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Tall
Pines
906-822-7713
1968 US 141 Highway
Amasa, MI 49903
Iron County Michigan Visitors Guide
Iron County is one of the Upper Peninsula’s best kept secrets. From camping to fishing, hunting to canoeing, mountain biking to forest bathing – no matter your interests, the great outdoors and clear crisp air await you here.