February 25, 2010 Explore Minnesota Winter Trails Report Warmer temperatures forecasted for this weekend should help make great ski and snowmobile trail conditions all the more enjoyable! As always, please call ahead for the most current conditions.
In general, very good to excellent cross-country ski trail conditions can be found throughout the state, including at Hayes Lake, Lake Bemidji, Maplewood, Sibley, Forestville/Mystery Cave, Myre-Big Island, and Sakatah Lake state parks, as well as in the Brainerd, Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail, and International Falls vicinities. Just some of the areas offering very good to excellent conditions for snowmobiling include Old Mill, Hayes Lake, Lake Bemidji, Itasca, St. Croix, Savanna Portage, Maplewood, Crow Wing, Sibley, Nerstrand Big Woods, Frontenac, and Sakatah Lake state parks. Some of the Paul Bunyan, Luce Line, and Sakatah Singing Hills state snowmobile trails, as well as trails running through the Big Bog State Recreation Area, Voyageurs National Park, and the Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail, Detroit Lakes/Otter Tail County, and Pelican Rapids vicinities.
Explore Minnesota Tourism will report winter trail conditions each Thursday afternoon throughout the winter season, with updates as conditions warrant. Information used to compile the Winter Trails Report is provided courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources Climatology Office, the Three Rivers Park District, and communities throughout the state.
A Snowmobile State Trail sticker is required for all snowmobiles operating on state or grant-in-aid trails. All cross-country skiers on state park or forest ski trails, or on state or grant-in-aid trails, who are 16 years old or older must have a Minnesota Ski Pass. Please note that a new state law requires nonresidents to have Recreational Vehicle trail passes beginning January 1, 2010 if using state or grant-in-aid trails. For further information, contact the Department of Natural Resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-888-646-6367. To order cross-country ski passes and snowmobile trail stickers, dial 1-888-665-4236 or access the DNR Online License Sales web site. To locate a license center in Minnesota to purchase ski passes and snowmobile stickers, check out DNR License Agents.
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Northeast Region
Bigfork -north of Grand Rapids
Cross-country ski trail conditions at Scenic State Park are very good. The trails are packed and groomed, with a 3-5 inch base. The snowmobile trail loop that runs through the park is groomed, with a 2-5 inch base. Snowmobilers report good riding conditions. The Historical Lodge building is open year round, and it has a stone fire place. There is also a wood box so skiers and riders can build a fire. There is roughly 1 foot of snow on the ground within the park.
International Falls
The Koochiching State Forest Tilson Creek ski trails are in very good shape. The trails have a 6-8 inch groomed surface. Local snow depth is 16-18 inches. Lots of wolf signs are being reported along the trail. And with the recent snowfall, the snowmobile trails running through nearby Voyageurs National Park and the surrounding area are in the best condition all season. All trails are open and in excellent condition. The groomers are operating on a regular schedule. All cross-country ski and snowshoe trails are open and tracked. Regularly updated trail conditions are available through Voyageurs National Park. Information may also be obtained by contacting the city of International Falls.
Tower
The Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail has been groomed. Conditions are reported to be good. The trail base is 3-6 inches. Please use extreme caution, especially at the corners and on the hills due to icy patches. Good conditions are also reported for the Taconite State Trail running through St. Louis County. Sunshine and warm temperatures have begun to melt some open areas and south facing slopes. Overall, the trail base measures 2-4 inches. Please be sure to use caution on area lakes and inquire about current ice conditions before venturing out. Local snow depth is 12-18 inches.
Ely
The Ely vicinity received a couple more inches of snow last Sunday night which brings area snow depth to 15 inches. The snowmobile trails are groomed twice weekly and are mostly in good condition, with a 4-6 inch base. Conditions on the Tomahawk Trail from Ely to Mattila's Shelter are fair, with some exposed rocks - more snow is still needed on this section of trail. Trail conditions are good from Mattila's Shelter to the North Shore Trail. Area lakes have been staked for lake travel - please follow the staked snowmobile trails when choosing lake travel. All trails will be groomed again before the weekend, just in time for this weekends' Poker Run on February 27. The Hidden Valley, Trezona, Birch Lake Plantation and Babbitt Golf Course trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing. The ski trail base measures 6-10 or more inches, and conditions are good. Logging activity has ended at the Birch Lake Plantation, and with recent grooming these trails are in good condition, with a 5-7 inch base. Watch for areas where the trail was crossed by equipment. Trails are groomed on Friday afternoons. At Bear Head Lake State Park, the snowmobile trails are groomed and in good condition, with a base measuring 4-6 inches. The ski trails have a 5-7 inch groomed surface, and conditions are also good. Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis - please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.
Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail
Overall, area cross-country ski remain in very good to excellent condition in the Grand Marais vicinity. Up the Gunflint Trail, the Pincushion Mountain ski trail conditions are very good. The Banadad Trail and many of the Central Gunflint trails are in excellent condition. The base of these trails generally measure 6-12 inches. Trails located closer to Lake Superior are lacking good snow cover. There is just over 2 feet of snow in the woods. Area snowmobile trails are groomed and in very good condition - reports are more favorable along the inland trails than for the south-facing trails closer to Lake Superior. And don't miss the Winter Tracks Festival held along the Gunflint Trail this weekend, February 25-28 . To learn more, visit
www.wintertracks.comLutsen
Cascade River State Park ski trails are rolled and tracked. The inland trails are reported to be in very good condition, and lakeside trails are considered poor. The trail base measures roughly 5 inches. The snowmobile trails are in good condition, with a 5 inch base. The ground is covered in nearly 1 foot of snow. The nearby Deeryard & Pioneer loops are groomed for skiing by Cascade Lodge, and are reported to be in good excellent condition. While some melting is creating fast conditions for skiing, there is still plenty of snow and great skiing opportunities at nearby Tettegouche State Park. The main ski loop is in very good condition, with the best condition inland, away from Lake Superior. The Palisade Valley trail will be groomed on Friday and should be in excellent condition for the weekend. The ski trails have a 12 inch base. The snowmobile trails have been groomed by the local club and are in good condition, with an 8 inch base. Expect to see signs of wolves and deer throughout the area.
Duluth/Grand Marais
Conditions for the North Shore State Snowmobile Trail are good. Overall, there is an 8 inch base along the trail, with approximately 25 inches of snow on the ground. The entire trail has been groomed, and will be regroomed later this week. Trail conditions will vary due to use and weather conditions, with warmer temperatures in the forecast for the weekend. Please use caution while riding.
Hinckley/ Duluth
Most of the Willard Munger State Trail is in good condition for snowmobiling. The trail is mostly groomed, with a 4 inch base. Some of the best conditions can be found on the northernmost portion of the trail and within the Nemadji State Forest . Please note that there is considerable logging activity taking place along the Gandy Dancer Trail. The Moose Junction Trail is also plowed due to the logging activity. Use extreme caution in these areas. Local snow depth is 9-18 inches.
Sandstone
Banning State Park ski trails are groomed. They are in good condition, with a 6 inch base. Segments of trail have developed a glaze of ice due to recent warm temperatures. Caution must be used on the steep slopes. Area snowmobile trails are also groomed. These trails have a 4 inch base. Conditions are reported to be good. There is a snowmobile parking lot at Banning Junction Restaurant & C-Store. Local snow depth is roughly 1 foot.
Northwest Region
Roseau
Nearly 2 feet of snow covers the ground at Hayes Lake State Park. The ski and snowmobile trails are groomed and in excellent condition. Both have a 16 inch base. Fishing has been good, with most fish found suspended at roughly eight feet of water. Please remember to always test ice thickness as you move across the lake. And the snowmobile trails running through the nearby Beltrami Island State Forest are freshly groomed, and also considered to be in excellent condition. The base of the trail here measures 5 inches.
Newfolden - northwest of Thief River Falls
Old Mill State Park currently offers excellent conditions for snowmobiling. The trails have a 6 inch groomed surface. The ski trails are groomed up to each side of both suspension bridges, but skiers will have to break their own trail over the bridges. These are in fair condition, with a 7 inch base. Dried kindling and firewood are available in the Picnic Shelter to warm the building. A Candlelight Ski will be offered Saturday, February 27 - please note that the park no longer has skis for rent so please come equipped with a pair of skis.
Waskish/Upper Red Lake
Big Bog State Recreation Area snowmobile trails are freshly groomed and considered to be in excellent condition. The trail base measures 7 inches, and there is approximately 17 inches of snow on the ground. Snowmobilers are also enjoying overnight stays at the five park cabins along the trail system.
Bemidji
Lake Bemidji State Park currently offers very good conditions on their cross-country ski and snowmobile trails. The trails are groomed, with a 6 inch base. Warm temperatures forecasted for this weekend should make both outdoor activities all the more enjoyable! The trail center is typically open daily, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Local snow depth is approximately 15 inches.
Lake Itasca - north of Park Rapids
The ski trails at Itasca State Park are partially packed and tracked for classic and skate skiing, and conditions are reported to be good. Very good conditions are reported for the snowmobile trails. These trails are also groomed. Just over 1 foot of snow covers the ground in this area. Warmer temperatures are beginning to compact the snow.
Detroit Lakes
The Winter Wonderland Snowmobile Trails in the Detroit Lakes vicinity have been fully groomed, and conditions are considered to be very good to excellent! The trails now have a 6-12 inch base. Area snow depth is more than 2 feet! The Winter Wonderland Trails join neighboring trails in all directions, equaling more than 250 miles traversing rolling hills and secluded wooded areas filled with wildlife.
Glyndon -east of Moorhead
The ski trails at Buffalo River State Park are groomed, but in poor to fair condition due to blowing snow. They will be regroomed on Friday, February 26 after the winds calm down, at which point conditions should improve. The trail base measures 10 inches, with roughly 1 1/2 feet of snow on the ground. The sliding hill remains in excellent condition, and the warming house is open all week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Central Region
McGregor
Conditions for skiing within Savanna Portage State Park are very good. The trails have a 3-7 inch base, and have been fully groomed. There are more than 20 miles of groomed ski trails within the park and the adjoining Remote Lake Solitude Area. The trails through the park are 6 feet wide with a track down the middle, whereas the Remote Lake trails are 12-16 feet wide with a track down one side. There are thirty-two miles of groomed snowmobile trails accessible from the park. These trails have a 2-4 inch base, and are also fully groomed. Conditions are reported to be good. Local snow depth is just over 16 inches.
Pelican Rapids
The 11 kilometers of ski trails at Maplewood State Park are partially groomed and in excellent condition. The snowmobile trails are fully groomed and in very good condition. The ski trails have a 10 inch base, and the snowmobile trail base measures 6-10 inches. Expect drifting on some of the ski trails. Snow on the ground measures roughly 20 inches. Nearby, the 440 miles of trails traveling throughout Otter Tail County are freshly groomed and in good to excellent condition. These trails are well-signed. Trails running through the wooded areas are in the best condition. There is 14-22 inches of snow on the ground. For more information, check out the Fergus Falls web site.
Brainerd Lakes Area
The nearby Pillsbury State Forest ski and snowmobile trails have a 4-6 inch base and are in very good condition. Similar conditions are reported for the Paul Bunyan State Snowmobile Trail to the north. Area snow depth ranges from 11-19 inches. To learn more, visit the Brainerd Lakes Area web site.
Onamia
Both the ski and snowmobile trails have a 4 inch groomed surface at Mille Lacs-Kathio State Park, and conditions are reported to be good. The ground is covered in 1 foot of snow.
Monticello
All ski trails within Lake Maria State Park are freshly groomed. While most of the trails in wooded areas are shaded and in very good condition, some areas open to sunshine will show signs of thawing and may be icy. The base of the trails measures 8-10 inches. The three-mile winter hiking and snowshoe trail is packed and open. Lake Maria offers 22 kilometers of traditional ski trail and 5 kilometers of skate ski trail. Local snow depth is 16 inches. Ski-in camper cabins are available for winter dates - to learn more, dial 1-866-857-2757.
New London - north of Willmar
Conditions for skiing and snowmobiling at Sibley State Park are reported to be very good. The trails have a 6-8 inch groomed surface. The sledding hill next to the trail center is freshly groomed and ready for use. There is approximately 18 inches of snow on the ground in this area. The nearby Glacial Lakes State Snowmobile Trail is considered to be in good condition, with a 4-8 inch groomed surface. Expect some portions of the trail to be choppy due to heavy use. Nearly two feet of snow covers the ground in this area.
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity
Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott and Wright county parks
Most traditional and skate ski trails within the Three Rivers Park District are packed, tracked and in good condition, including at Baker Park Reserve in Maple Plain, Carver Park Reserve in Victoria, Cleary Lake Regional Park in Prior Lake, Eagle Lake Regional Park in Plymouth, Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, French Regional Park in Plymouth, Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington, and Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage. Most sliding hills are open and in good condition. For the most current trail conditions, dial 763/559-6778. Rentals are available at many of the parks within the Three Rivers Park District - please call ahead to secure equipment rental.
Minnetonka/Glencoe
The Luce Line State Trail is freshly groomed and in very good condition for snowmobiling. The trail base measures 4-6 inches. Snowmobiling is only allowed on the section of the trail between Stubbs Bay Road and the McLeod County Line. The first seven miles of the trail, from Vicksburg Lane to Stubbs Bay Road, is non-motorized. This eastern ski trail segment is ungroomed and in fair condition, with a 2 inch base. Local snow depth is 9-12 inches.
St. Paul
At Fort Snelling State Park, local snow depth is 14 inches. Trails have been packed throughout the park, and they are in very good condition. Overall, there is an 8 inch base. Fort Snelling offers 11 kilometers of trails for classical skiing, with a 1 kilometer section for skate skiing on Picnic Island. Please limit walking to the Minnehaha Trail, Mendota Trail and 3 mile winter walking trail on Pike Island. Please remember to stay of the river ice as it is always unsafe.
Almelund -east of North Branch
There is currently 10 inches of snow on the ground at Wild River State Park, and the ski trails have a 2-5 inch base. Overall, conditions are reported to be good. The wooded trails are firm and in very good condition. Trumpeter Swans are a frequent sight on the river below the Never's Dam. A warming house is available at the Trail Center. Wild River offers ski and snowshoe rental throughout the winter season when trails have suitable snow cover.
Afton -north of Hastings
The fifteen miles of ski trails within Afton State Park are in the process of being groomed, and trail conditions are considered good - once the grooming is complete, trail conditions should be very good! The trails have a 6 inch base. In addition, there are over seven miles of trails available for snowshoeing and hiking, and there is a small sliding hill near the Trail Center. Local snow depth is 11 inches.
Southern Region
Preston
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park ski trails are reported to be in good condition. The trails are groomed, with a 9 inch base. The snowmobile trails are considered very good to excellent, with a 9 inch partially groomed surface. Please note that the Canfield Creek crossing on the Big Spring Trail has steep, icy banks and requires travel across thirty feet of open water about a foot deep. The crossing is not recommended for northbound traffic. Roughly 1 1/2 feet of snow covers the ground at Forestville. Nearby, the Harmony-Preston Valley and Root River state trails are groomed and in good condition for skiing, with a 5 inch base.
Elba - west of Winona
Whitewater State Park ski trails are entirely groomed, and conditions are very good. The trail base averages 8 inches. Area snow cover measures roughly 14 inches. Snowshoeing is also great, and snowshoes are available for rent at the Visitors Center.
Albert Lea
The ski and snowmobile trails have been regroomed at Myre-Big Island State Park, and conditions are reported to be very good. The ski trails have a 7-13 inch base, and 6-8 inches of snow covers the snowmobile trails. Local snow depth is 17 inches.
Waterville - west of Faribault
Sakatah Lake State Park offers very good conditions for skiing and snowmobiling. The ski trail is groomed, with trail base measuring 10-12 inches. The snowmobile trail base is roughly 5 inches, and the trail is also fully groomed. Nearly 2 feet of snow covers the ground in this area. The nearby Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail is groomed, with good conditions for skiing, and very good conditions for snowmobiling. The base of the trails measures 3-6 inches.
Lynd - southwest of Marshall
Camden State Park ski trails are in very good condition, with a 14 inch partially groomed surface. The snowmobile trails are ungroomed, with a base measuring 1 foot. Conditions are reported to be fair. The park grounds are covered in 2 feet of snow.
Granite Falls
Upper Sioux Agency State Park ski trails are reported to be in excellent condition. The ski trail is groomed, with an 8 inch base. The snowmobile trails are in good condition, with an 8 inch ungroomed surface. Local snow depth ranges from 12-26 inches.
Montevideo
Park staff report that the ski trails at Lac qui Parle State Park are in excellent condition, and skiers are enjoying the best trail conditions for this area in a very long time! The trails are groomed, with a base measuring up to 1 foot.
