Snowmobiling
Snowmobile Trails
Ride about 250 groomed miles. The trails link Iron River and Crystal Falls to the wider U.P. trail system.
Trail Guide906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
Things to Do in Iron County, Michigan in Winter
Iron County • Michigan
Winter settles in deep up here, and Iron County makes good use of it. This page has the snowmobile trails, the family ski hill, the frozen lakes and the quiet groomed trails, with this season's dates and places to stay close to all of it.
70 IN.
Of snow in an average winter, more in the big ones
250 MILES
Of groomed snowmobile trail
NOV. 20
Ski Brule aims to open the lifts
DEC. 1
State snowmobile trails open for the season
Western Upper Peninsula
What Is Winter Like in Iron County, Michigan?
Iron County sits in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, just over the Wisconsin border, and an average winter lays down around 70 inches of snow on it, and the big ones bring more. Iron River, Crystal Falls, Caspian and Amasa sit back in the woods, with forest, lakes and rivers all around them.
All that snow goes to good use. It keeps about 250 miles of snowmobile trail groomed from December through March. It covers the runs at Ski Brule, south of Iron River, and the cross-country and fat bike trails there and at Young's. Once the lakes freeze over, the anglers walk out onto the ice.
It's closer than most folks expect. Iron County is nearer to Green Bay than to Detroit, and nearer to Minneapolis than to Chicago. That puts a winter weekend here within reach from Wisconsin and Minnesota, as well as from the rest of Michigan.
Pick Your Winter
Things to Do in Iron County, Michigan in Winter
Most winter trips up here start with one thing you came to do. Pick yours below, and the guide will give you the dates, the details and the local tips. For everything else the season holds, see our Winter Activities page.
Downhill
Skiing at Ski Brule
Ski Brule runs 17 trails, with tubing and night skiing too. Kids 9 and under ski free.
Ski Brule Guide
On The Ice
Ice Fishing
Once the ice is safe, head for Chicaugon Lake or Indian Lake. Go out only on solid ice you've checked yourself.
Ice Fishing Guide
Quiet Trails
Cross-Country & Snowshoe
Ski Brule and Young's both groom Nordic and snowshoe trails. Both rent the gear, too.
Ski & Snowshoe
Two Wheels
Fat Tire Biking
Ride the winter fat bike trails at Young's and Ski Brule. Ski Brule rents a limited number of bikes.
Fat Bike Trails
Festivals
Winter Events
Winterfest, the Brule Bash and the Relic Ride all come around in winter. Check the calendar for this season's dates.
Events CalendarStay In Iron County
Where to Stay in Iron County in Winter
Off The Slopes
Where to Cross-Country Ski, Snowshoe and Fat Bike Near Iron River
When you've had your fill of the lifts, the quiet trails are close by. Ski Brule grooms 15 km of cross-country, snowshoe and fat bike trail in the Brule River Valley. A daily lift ticket gets you on them, and the Rental Center has skis, snowshoes and fat bikes.
Young's, on Chicaugon Lake, grooms more than 6 miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trail and more than 7 miles of winter fat bike trail. You can rent skis and snowshoes there, and kids get theirs free.
If you're on a sled, you can ride right in. Young's sits on Trail 116, which connects to Trails 16 and 2.
Young's Trails2026–27 Season
When Is Winter in Iron County? 2026–27 Dates
Up here the season runs on snow and cold, and every date below hangs on the weather. Plan around them, and check conditions before you go.
- Nov. 20–22: Ski Brule aims to open for the season.
- Dec. 1: Michigan's snowmobile trails open. Grooming starts once there's enough snow.
- Dec. 26: Night skiing and Whitewater tubing are set to start at Ski Brule.
- Jan.–Mar.: Festival season, running through the Brule Bash at Ski Brule on March 20–21, 2027. Keep an eye on the events calendar.
- Mar. 31: The state snowmobile trails close.
Before You Go
Conditions, Permits and Safety
Snow Reports
Check Before You Drive
Snow decides everything up here, so look before you drive. Our Snow Conditions & Trail Report page covers the snowmobile trails, Ski Brule, and the Nordic and fat bike trails. Ski Brule posts its own daily report, too.
Snow ConditionsRules
Permits and Ice
Every sled on a state trail needs a Michigan trail permit, $65 for 2026–27, and a current registration (Michigan or your home state). Ice is never guaranteed, so check local conditions before you walk out on any lake.
DNR Winter RulesQuestions
Iron County Winter FAQ
What is there to do in Iron County, Michigan in winter?
Plenty, once the snow comes. You can ride about 250 miles of groomed snowmobile trail, and ski, tube or night ski at Ski Brule. There's ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking. Winter festivals like Winterfest and the Brule Bash round it out.
When does snowmobile season start in Iron County?
December 1, when Michigan's state-designated snowmobile trails open. They stay open through March 31 and are groomed once there's enough snow. Every sled on a state trail needs a trail permit, which costs $65 for 2026–27, along with its registration.
How much snow does Iron County get?
Around 70 inches in an average winter, and over 100 in the big ones.
Is there downhill skiing near Iron River?
Yes, at Ski Brule, just south of Iron River. It has 17 trails, 11 lifts, terrain parks, tubing and night skiing. It aims to open November 20–22 for 2026–27, weather permitting, and kids 9 and under ski free.
Where can I cross-country ski or snowshoe near Iron River?
Go to Ski Brule or Young's. Ski Brule has 15 km of groomed cross-country, snowshoe and fat bike trail, included with a daily lift ticket. Young's grooms more than 6 miles of cross-country and snowshoe trail and rents the equipment.
Where should I stay for a winter trip to Iron County?
Stay in Iron River or Crystal Falls. Both have hotels, motels, cabins and resorts close to the snowmobile trails and the slopes, and some sit right on the trail system. Our lodging page has every place to stay.
Start Planning
Plan Your Iron County Winter Trip
Snow sets the schedule up here, so check it first. Then pick your adventure and book a warm room close to the trails, the slopes or the lake.
Winter and tagged ice fishing, iron county, iron river michigan, ski brule, skiing, snowmobiling, things to do, 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.