A lingering, dense snow pack over most of the Upper Peninsula has led Department of Natural Resources officials to extend grants to groom state-managed snowmobile trails through April 6. The usual date to conclude trail grooming is March 31.

"The U.P. has been blessed with late snowfall and continuing cold weather, so the trails have remained in great shape over most of the region, and that's great news for snowmobilers looking for a wonderful place to enjoy another ride before they put their machines away for the season," said Steve Kubisiak, MDNR Recreation and Trails coordinator.

Michigan's U.P. also benefits from a large group of dedicated trail grooming sponsors, including many snowmobiling clubs, which are vigilant and professional in maintaining the trails, Kubisiak added.

"Another reason the trails can remain open longer this spring is the result of the high-quality grooming performed by our trail sponsors," he said. "It is that level of care that goes into maintaining the trails all season long that allows us to keep them open another week."

Michigan's trail system encompasses more than 6,500 miles of groomed and maintained trails in one of the most diverse interconnected systems in the country.

The U.P. has more than 3,000 miles of trails, all of which will remain open to snowmobilers for the extended period.