3/16/23

 

The Otis area has receive 24-30” of wet snow in the last storm. We were able to clear and pack some trails around the reservoir today, but the going isn’t easy. Due to the snow depth and consistency we suggest that only experienced riders go out to pack the trails. Once there is a solid surface to ride over, we will begin grooming. Please stay off all lakes and ponds.

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Certain trails are still the victim of accidental (gps maybe) and purposeful abuse by 4 wheelers.

The snow cover Becket Road and Merit Road is destroyed from rescuing a wayward utility truck and others. Groomers will attempt to fix it if and when they can reach it. 

 

 

 

 

3/4/2023

Otis received a foot of snow in the last week. The trails are open with conditions. STAY OFF THE LAKES. The ice is not safe! Riding is "where is, as is". Grooming will start when temps. drop below freezing. Sticky snow, icing, and wind have brought down trees and branches faster than volunteers can clear them. If you have a saw, know how to use it, and can bring it, please help! Please report downed trees blocking trails to 413-931-3000. There are open or weak ice covered waterholes everywhere. Use your best judgement. 

 

The best riding may be found from The Green Bridge parking at P1. Ride  Alan Rd. (30), State Forest Rd. (20), and Farm. River Tr. (28)

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A route around the Reservoir may be possible for experienced riders familiar with the trails.

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If you attempt to ride SAM95 to October Mtn, stay off Big Pond and take Myers Trail/Lyons Hill Rd (9).

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3/6/22  THE TRAILS ARE CLOSED

 

2/25/22: East Otis received 7" of packable snow today. Then a brief period of rain reduced it to 5.5". With no previous base, this was not enough to cover the smaller, rougher, and rockier trails but enough to make some late season running on the better roads. If you decide to ride, watch out for rocks and water holes and BE ADVISED the lake ice has some thin spots. Use good judgement and stay safe.
February 15, 2022: The trails are closed. There is simply not enough snow for riding.

 

Trail report for Saturday, February 5, 2022: A new thin snow cover fell over the damage from the rainstorm. USE CAUTION! Many hidden obstacles.

 

Trail Report for Tuesday March 9, 2021: The trails are closed. Sadly, the warm forecast and lack of snow cover has made it necessary to close the trails. Thank you to all of the members and volunteers who helped make this a great riding season! 

 

Trail Report for Friday March 5, 2021: The trails are open. Cold temperatures have preserved the little snow we have. Rough trails are showing many rocks and dirt. The larger trails are in somewhat good shape but the snow is very hard and icy making it impossible to groom. So the bottom line is this. If you have studs, scratchers, and good carbides, you can get in some  fairly good riding. Get it now because it won’t last long! 

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Trail Report for February 26, 2021: The trails are open. Daytime temperatures above freezing are taking it’s toll but many good trails can be found. Dirt, rocks, and water holes are becoming more common. Rain is forecast after snow showers today and tonight so get in the riding while you can!

 

Trail Report for February 12, 2021: The snow gods have been good to us and more is predicted. The run up to October Mountain is good to excellent. A bumpy stretch north of big pond will be attended to as soon as the groomers can get there. Everything east of Route 8 is in good to excellent shape. West of Route 8 is bumpy and rocky as usual but excellent runs are found at Otis State Forest. Use caution and good judgement as usual.

 

Trail Report for February 3, 2021: February first was the best snow day for Otis in many years. Nature finally got in gear and dumped 16 to 18 inches of good packing snow on an already rideable base! Temps are staying cold and there's more on the way. The sled based groomers have been working hard and the bigger groomers will ramp up operations this weekend. Four wheelers, please stay off the trails! 

 

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Trail Report for January 27, 2021: Four to five inches of snow fell on Otis over the last 24 hours. Good cold temps. have solidified a fair existing base. Grooming is still limited at this time. Use caution. If you cross the ice, you do so at your own risk! Be advised the beginning of Lattimer Hill Road is now being plowed. It is a narrow road so go very slow over this portion and watch out for vehicles until a bypass is built this summer. Four wheelers please stay off the state forest and town road roads until spring. We'd like to get some good riding.

 

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Trail Report for December 24, 2020: Due to warm temps and excessive rain the trails had to be closed. 

 

 

 

Trail Report for December 22, 2020:

The recent snow storm allowed the trails to open but warming temperatures and lack of any additional snow has lead to less than optimum conditions on the rougher trails. The sled groomers have been out and a larger groomer has groomed State Forest, West Otis, and Alan Roads. Farmington River Trail is too rough to groom.The rain forecast for Christmas will force a total trail closure. The ice is still unsafe, so stay off! Next week looks promising for more snow and cold but much more improvement is needed. Think snow!

 

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Trail report for December 18, 2020.  Just over a foot of snow fell in East Otis. The trails are open but be advised there is no base. The fresh snow hides rocks, logs, and water holes. Riding is for the experienced only. Grooming will begin as the base solidifies and more needed snow arrives. The weather looks favourable for improving conditions. Please consider carrying a saw and clippers because the trail worker shortage has made it difficult to check every trail. At this time do not go on the lakes and ponds. The  ice is not safe!