I see on the st. ignace trail reports the ice bridge to Mackinac Island is open and marked now. Anyone done it and care to comment? I'd love to try it, but I'm wondering with the lack of snow if we'll overheat on the way across...

Then there's the danger of it.. heh heh, Seems conditions change very rapidly and a few people send their sleds to the bottom each year from what I can tell. Yikes :whistling:

I have done it, Twice.

Last year when we got to the island the people asked us how the ice was. I told them it was fine and they said that they have not been off the island for three days because of weak ice. We watched a number of sleds cross before we made the trip so we thought we were safe.
Your concern about riding 5 miles on the ice will always be a factor. As far as sled going to the bottom its because they don't follow the rules. Stay with the Christmas trees, talk with the people that just came off the island and you will do fine. I watched 4 Yammies last Sunday (Feb 13) ride from the island to the mainland and they were warm and looking for snow. Most of the time the trail has snow on it so overheating is not an issue. They are getting some snow today.

Make sure you go to the Mustang lounge for lunch since its about the only place open in the winter.

Have Fun.

Did the ice bridge a couple of years ago in mid February. It was cool, but kind of freaky.

There are always pressure cracks several places across. The ice doesn't care about the rules or where the trees are. Always use extreme caution.

We tried to go last year during the last week of January. Just as we rode down the ramp to the ice we saw a small cardboard sign that said " 2 sleds broke throught the ice on 1-2X-05." I was leading the group, so I turned around. We went into the bar/restaurant at the top of the ramp for lunch. The waitress said she had just put the sign up and that 2 men went in. Both were OK but sleds were lost. Before we finished lunch, 2 more sleds went in! Again, the riders were OK.

We won't try it again. There are enough great places to ride without taking a needless risk.