February 18, 2010 Explore Minnesota Winter Trails Report
In general, very good to excellent cross-country ski trail conditions can be found throughout the state, including at McCarthy Beach, Cascade River, Tettegouche, St. Croix, Lake Bemidji, Savanna Portage, Maplewood, Crow Wing, Lake Maria, Sibley, Afton, Nerstrand Big Woods, Frontenac, Forestville/Mystery Cave, Whitewater, Sakatah Lake, Upper Sioux Agency, and Lac qui Parle state parks, as well as in the Brainerd, Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail, Ely and International Falls vicinities. Just some of the areas offering very good to excellent conditions for snowmobiling include St. Croix, Lake Bemidji, Savanna Portage, Maplewood, Crow Wing, Sibley, Nerstrand Big Woods, Frontenac, and Sakatah Lake state parks. Some of the the Luce Line State Trail is also great for snowmobiling, as well as trails running through the Big Bog State Recreation Area, and the Brainerd, Alexandria, Detroit Lakes, Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail and International Falls vicinities. Temperatures will be moderate this weekend and the weather should remain stable while will provide great conditions for venturing outdoors! As always, please call ahead for the most current conditions before traveling.
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.
Subscribe here to receive any or all of our reports by email or RSS/news feed.
Northeast Region
International Falls
The Koochiching State Forest Tilson Creek ski trails are in excellent shape. The trails have an 8-10 inch groomed surface. Local snow depth is 18 inches. The snowmobile trails running through Voyageurs National Park are open and staked, and conditions are excellent. 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.
Hibbing/Tower
McCarthy Beach State Park ski trails are in very good condition, with a 6 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails are fully groomed and in good condition overall, with some rough spots and areas with debris. The trail has a 4 inch base. Snow cover in the park measures roughly 8 inches. Towards the city of Tower, at the intersection with the Taconite Trail, the Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail has been groomed. Conditions are reported to be good. The trail base is 4-6 inches. There is still quite a bit of brush on the trails since the January 23-24 ice storm, and trees over-hanging the trail have left it narrow in many areas. Please use extreme caution. Local snow depth is 18-20 inches. Good conditions are also reported for the Taconite State Trail running through St. Louis County. There is also a considerable amount of brush on the trails. And, always use caution on area lakes and inquire about current ice conditions before venturing out.
Ely
The Ely vicinity received a couple more inches of snow last Sunday night which brings area snow depth to 17-18 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 Knotted Pine are fair, with some exposed rocks - more snow is still needed on this section of trail. Trail conditions are good from Knotted Pine to the North Shore Trail. Area lakes have been staked for lake travel - please follow the staked snowmobile trails when choosing lake travel. The Hidden Valley, Trezona, Birch Lake Plantation and Babbitt Golf Course trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing. The ski trail base measures 10 or more inches, and conditions are reported to be good to excellent. 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 7 inches. The ski trails have a 4-6 inch groomed surface, and are reported to be in good condition. Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis - please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.
Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail
Some areas in the Grand Marais vicinity received 3-10 inches of new snow this week. This new snow has resulted in beautiful cross-country and snowmobile trails which are in excellent condition after being freshly groomed. Some skiers feel that this is the best it's been all year. Snowmobilers report that the trails are a bit thin right in Grand Marais, but trailering to the old airport at Devil Track Lake, or parking at the South Brule River have been great options. At Central mid-Gunflint Trail, the ski trails are in excellent condition. The base of the area trails measures 9-12 inches. Area snow depth is 21-24 inches. The nearby Banadad Ski Trail is also in excellent condition, with a 16-18 inch groomed surface.
Lutsen
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 DeerYard & Pioneer loops groomed by Cascade Lodge are reported to be in good excellent condition. The snowmobile trails are in good condition, with a 5 inch base. The ground is covered in nearly 1 foot of snow. To the south, Tettegouche State Park ski trails are in very good condition, with a 12 inch surface. The snowmobile trails have an 8 inch base, and are in good condition. Both trails are groomed. The snow is roughly 6 inches deep near the shore, and approximately 2 foot away from shore. While some melting is creating fast conditions, there is still plenty of snow and some great skiing. There have been lots of wolf and deer signs in the woods.
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. Please use caution while riding.
Hinckley/ Duluth
The Willard Munger State Trail ranges from poor to very good condition for snowmobiling. The trail is mostly groomed, with a 1-5 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 4-20 inches.
Hinckley
All snowmobile trails running through St. Croix State Park are groomed and in very good condition, with a 3 inch base. The cross-country ski trails are also groomed and are reported to be in very good condition. The trail base measures 6 inches. The Kettle River Crossing had more than 20 inches of ice at the crossing point on February 11. Still, crossing is at your own risk, and caution must be used. The ground is covered in roughly 11 inches of snow.
Northwest Region
Waskish/Upper Red Lake
Big Bog State Recreation Area snowmobile trails were recently groomed and have been upgraded to excellent condition. The trail base measures 6 inches, and there is approximately 16 inches of snow on the ground. Snowmobilers are enjoying the five park cabins and staying overnight along the trail system.
Bemidji
Lake Bemidji State Park currently offers excellent conditions on their cross-country ski trails and very good conditions on their snowmobile trails. The trails are groomed, with a 6 inch base. The trail center is typically open daily, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Local snow depth is approximately 15 inches.
Nevis/Walker
The Heartland State Trail is in good condition for snowmobiling. The trail is mostly groomed, with a 2-4 inch base. From 10-14 inches of snow covers the ground in this area.
Detroit Lakes
The Winter Wonderland Snowmobile Trails in the Detroit Lakes vicinity have been fully groomed since the recent snowfall. The trails now have a 6-12 inch base, and conditions are considered to be very good to excellent! 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.
Central Region
McGregor
Conditions for skiing within Savanna Portage State Park are excellent! 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 very good! Local snow depth is just over 17 inches.
Pelican Rapids
The 11 kilometers of ski trails at Maplewood State Park are partially groomed and in very good condition. The snowmobile trails are fully groomed and also in very good condition. The ski trails have a 10 inch base, and the snowmobile trail base measures 6-10 inches. Snow on the ground is roughly 20 inches deep. Nearby, the 138 miles of Ottertail Country Trails traveling throughout Otter Tail County are freshly groomed and in very good to excellent condition. There is approximately 16 inches of snow on the ground. The base of the trails is roughly 4-6 inches, however some portions measure over 1 foot!
Alexandria Lakes Area
The Douglas Area Trails Association trails (DATA trails), running through the Alexandria Lakes area are entirely open, with conditions reported to be very good. Additional grooming will occur this week due to the popularity of this trail. Area snow depth ranges from 8 to 24 inches. Lake Carlos State Park cross-country ski and snowmobile trails have a 5-6 inch groomed surface, and both trails are in good condition. Local snow depth is 17 inches.
Brainerd Lakes Area
Crow Wing State Park offers very good conditions for skiing and snowmobiling after 5 inches of new snowfall. The ski trails have a 7 inch groomed surface, and the snowmobile trails are groomed with a 4 inch base. The ground is covered in a foot of snow. In general, area cross-country ski trails are in excellent condition, and have been fully groomed since the recent snowstorm. Skiers highly recommend the trails in this area. The nearby Pillsbury State Forest ski and snowmobile trails have a 5-6 inch base and are in very good to excellent condition. Similar conditions are reported for the Paul Bunyan State Snowmobile Trail to the north. Area snow depth is 13-14 inches. To learn more, visit the Brainerd Lakes Area web site.
Monticello
All ski trails within Lake Maria State Park are freshly groomed. Despite some scattered leaf litter, the trails are still in very good to excellent condition. The base 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 18 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 excellent. The trails have a 6-10 inch groomed surface. There is approximately 20 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. Nearly two feet of snow now cover 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 5-6 inches. Snowmobiling is 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 10-12 inches.
Almelund -east of North Branch
All trails should be fully groomed by Friday, when conditions are expected to vary from good to very good. There is currently 11 inches of snow on the ground at Wild River State Park, and the ski trails have a 2-5 inch base. 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 very good - once the grooming is complete, trail conditions should be upgraded to excellent! The trails have an 8 inch base. Local snow depth is 13 inches.
Southern Region
Nerstrand -south of Northfield
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park ski and snowmobile trails are groomed and in very good to excellent condition. The base on both trails measures 10-12 inches. Conditions are also perfect for snowshoeing. Local snow depth is roughly 27 inches! Ice is building on the falls as the creek continues to flow. Please keep in mind that Prairie Creek may look snow covered in areas but there is open water in some places.
Frontenac -south of Red Wing
Both the ski and snowmobile trails have a 7 inch groomed surface at Frontenac State Park. Conditions are excellent for skiing and for snowmobiling. Snowshoe rental and a sliding hill are available at the park. Approximately 16 inches of snow covers the ground.
Preston
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park ski trails are reported to be in very good condition. The trails are groomed, with a 9 inch base. The snowmobile trails are considered to be good, with a 9 inch partially groomed surface. Roughly 1 1/2 feet of snow covers the ground at Forestville. Nearby, the Harmony-Preston Valley and Root River state trails are partially groomed and in very good condition for skiing, with a 5 inch base.
Elba - west of Winona
Whitewater State Park ski trails are entirely groomed, and conditions are excellent. The trail base averages 8 inches. Snow cover measures roughly 16 inches. Snowshoes are available at the Visitors Center.
Waterville - west of Faribault
Sakatah Lake State Park offers very good to excellent conditions for skiing, and very good conditions for 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.
New Ulm
The cross country ski trails at Flandrau State Park are groomed and in good condition, with an 8 inch base. Flandrau rents cross country ski equipment and snowshoes. Please call ahead to reserve. Local snow depth is 20 inches.
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 a 6 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.
