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Groomer Tracker - Sno Valley Riders

See when and where the Sno Valley Riders groomer has been out. 

What Is Groomer Tracker?

Groomer Tracker is a mobile app that shows riders where the groomers have been and how recently each trail was groomed.
It uses GPS beacons on the grooming machines, so when our crew is out in the PistenBully, you’ll be able to see the route appear on the map in near real time.

It’s one of the easiest ways to:

  • Spot the freshest grooming

  • Decide which direction to ride

  • Understand why some sections feel smoother than others

  • Get a picture of how busy the grooming schedule has been during storms or warm-ups

Sno Valley Riders on Groomer Tracker

Our club participates in Groomer Tracker so riders can enjoy better trip planning and safer conditions.
When the app shows activity, that means our volunteers are out there working hard to create smooth, safe trails for everyone.

When there is no snow or no base, Groomer Tracker will show no grooming activity — and that’s normal. Groomers can’t run until there’s enough snow to safely pack and pan the trail.

As the season progresses, you’ll see grooming patterns:

  • Trail 8 typically gets attention first

  • Connectors are groomed as conditions allow

  • Storms, melt cycles, and breakdowns can affect timing

  • Our volunteers always groom as soon as it’s safe and practical

How to Access Groomer Tracker

Groomer Tracker is free to download, and the free version lets you view trail systems for all participating clubs, along with nearby sponsors.

If you’d like to see where the groomers are or have recently been, you’ll need to purchase access for each club you want to follow.
Each club’s data subscription is $10 and lasts for 365 days.

A portion of the proceeds helps support the clubs — 50% of the profit from each subscription is shared back with the groomer program, helping keep equipment running and trails maintained.

The Groomer Tracker app is in the Apple Store and in Google Play. Here is a link to the Groomer Tracker website with links to those apps 👉 Groomer Tracker website.

To follow Sno Valley Riders:

  1. Open the Groomer Tracker App

  2. Search for “Sno Valley Riders”

  3. Select our trail area

  4. Subscribe to unlock grooming activity

The subscription fees help fund the Groomer Tracker program — not the club — but the visibility helps riders plan smarter and safer trips.

Understanding Groomer Tracker Colors & Timing

Groomer Tracker typically highlights trails based on how recently they were groomed. While colors can vary by app version, the general meaning is:

  • Green line – groomed within the last 12 hours

  • Yellow line – groomed 12- 24 hours ago

  • Red line – groomed 24+ hours ago

Remember:
Just because a trail was groomed doesn’t guarantee perfect conditions.
Wind, traffic, warm weather, or new snow can change trail quality quickly. Always ride with caution.

Trail Etiquette When Grooming is Active

Once grooming begins, please remember:

  • Ride Right, Lead Right. Stay on your side of the trail and set a good example for your group.

  • Do not cross over to the opposite side of the trail to chase a freshly groomed surface or “ribbons.”
    Riding into oncoming lanes is extremely dangerous, and it breaks down the groomed surface before it has a chance to set up.

  • Ride gently on freshly groomed trails.
    It takes a little time for the snow to firm up after grooming. Smooth, steady riding lets the ribbons set properly and keeps the trail in good shape for everyone.
    (Please, no hotdogging on fresh grooming!)

  • The groomer always has the right of way.
    Slow down, pull right, stop, and dim your headlights when meeting the groomer. These machines can’t easily move off the trail.

These small steps make grooming safer for both riders and operators — and they help the trail surface last longer.

Support the Trails You Ride

Sno Valley Riders is a volunteer-run club that maintains, signs, and grooms trails in the Trout Creek area. Our volunteer groomer operators put in long nights, late shifts, and tough-weather work to keep the Sno Valley Riders system smooth. Our members also:​

  • Work with landowners and agencies to keep routes open

  • Host events like our annual Trailside Hotdog Cookout as a thank-you to the riders who support our area

If you enjoy riding our trails, please consider:

  • Joining the club

  • Donating to help with fuel, maintenance, and equipment

  • Supporting local businesses who sponsor grooming and trail work

Together, we keep this little corner of the U.P. rideable for everyone.

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