Explore Minnesota Winter Trails Report: January 8, 2009
Excellent cross-country ski and/or snowmobile trail conditions can be found throughout the state, and specifically at Cascade River, George H. Crosby-Manitou, Temperance River, Tettegouche, Gooseberry, Savanna Portage, Jay Cooke, Banning, Lake Bronson, Lake Bemidji, Itasca, Maplewood, Glendalough, Lake Maria, Wild River, and Lac Qui Parle state parks. The Paul Bunyan State Trail, the Gunflint Trail, and trails in the Detroit Lakes and Grand Marais vicinities also offer excellent conditions. Snow is likely in the southern one-half of the state on Friday, January 9, and any accumulation could result in improved trail conditions. Please remember that trail conditions can change rapidly–please call ahead for the most current conditions.
A Snowmobile State Trail sticker is required for all snowmobiles operating on state or grant-in-aid trails, and all snowmobiles must have a $16 trail use permit. Cross-country skiers must also have a pass to use grant-in-aid and state-operated trails. For further information, contact the Department of Natural Resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-888-646-6367. You may order cross-country ski passes and snowmobile trail stickers at 1-888-665-4236. To locate a license center in Minnesota to purchase ski passes and snowmobile stickers, check out DNR License Agents.
Northeastern Region
Bigfork (north of Grand Rapids)
Scenic State Park cross-country ski trails are groomed, and in very good condition. The trails have a 7 inch base. The snowmobile trail that runs through the park is partially groomed, and riders report good conditions. The base of this trail averages 7 inches. The historic lodge building is open. There is a stone fireplace, and a supply of wood for a nice warm fire. Roughly 21 inches of snow covers the ground in this area.
Side Lake (north of Hibbing)
The snowmobile trails at McCarthy Beach State Park are groomed, with a 7 inch base. Conditions are currently good. The ski trails are partially groomed, and in very good condition, with an 8 inch base. Both Side and Big Sturgeon lakes have slush, so please use caution if venturing out onto these lakes. Local snow depth is 19 inches.
Ely
The ground is covered in roughly 30 inches of snow. The Taconite Spur snowmobile trail has been groomed from Babbitt to Giant’s Ridge, and this section is now in excellent condition. This is a high traffic section of trail, so conditions can change rapidly. Most other area snowmobile trails are groomed and in fair to good condition, with a 4-6 inch base. These trails will be regroomed by the weekend. Some segments of the Stony Spur and Taconite trails remain ungroomed due to flowages and swampy areas, and there is a detour on Spruce Road due to the swampy area near August Lake. Some area lakes have not yet been staked due to slushy conditions, and riders are encouraged to stay on the staked trails if choosing lake travel. Most cross-country ski trails in the area are groomed, tracked, and in excellent condition, with a 6-10 inch base. At Bear Head Lake State Park, the ski trails are groomed and in fair condition, with a 7 inch base. These trails should be regroomed by January 10. The portion of the Taconite State Snowmobile Trail that runs through the park has a 2-4 inch groomed surface, and riders report fair to good conditions. Local snow depth is 19 inches. Towards the city of Tower, the Arrowhead State Trail has been fully groomed and is in good condition, with a 2-6 inch base. Riders are encouraged to use caution and ride responsibly. Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis–please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.
Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail
Central Gunflint Trail cross-country ski trail conditions are reported to be excellent for both classic and skate skiing. On average, these trails have a 9-11 inch base. There is roughly 19 inches of snow on the ground. Nearby, the Banadad Ski Trail is in excellent condition, with a 16-18 inch base. Local snow depth is just over 2 feet. Just to the south, all 25 kilometers of the Pincushion Mountain ski trails have been packed and rolled, and conditions are reported to be very good to excellent. In general, most trails have an 8-12 inch base. At the city of Grand Marais, there is from 3- to 4-feet of snow in the woods! Area cross-country ski and snowmobile trails have been groomed and are in very good to excellent condition. The snowmobile trail base measures 18-24 inches!
Lutsen
Cascade River State Park currently offers excellent conditions for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The trails are groomed, with a 7-8 inch base. Local snow depth is roughly 19 inches. Nearby, the ski trails at Cascade Lodge and Solbakken Resort have a 15-20 inch packed powder surface, and conditions are reported to be great! From 30-40 inches of snow covers the ground along these trails. And, horse-drawn sleigh rides are offered from Cascade Lodge into Cascade River State Park–please call ahead to make reservations!
Silver Bay
Tettegouche State Park trails are groomed and tracked, and both skiers and snowmobilers report excellent conditions! Snowshoeing should also be excellent. Similar conditions are reported for snowmobiling at
Temperance River State Park. There are lots of signs of wildlife along the trail, including fox, coyotes, otter, beaver and deer. Watch for signs of wolves also! Please note that the snowmobile trails may have some exposed rocks and stumps. Water continues to flow in the local rivers, and the waterfalls are stunning with ice beginning to form. Local snow depth is 30 inches.
Finland
The snowmobile trails running through George H. Crosby-Manitou State Park are in excellent condition, with an 8 inch base. And, while trails are not groomed for skiing, the backcountry skiing is great on the Yellow Birch, Matt Willis and Middle trails. All park trails are open for snowshoeing and offer great backcountry hikes. Please note that this park is very remote–please plan accordingly before visiting the park. Local snow depth is approximately 30 inches.
Two Harbors
Gooseberry Falls State Park is covered in 19 inches of snow. The snowmobile trails are currently in very good condition. The ski trails are in excellent condition. Both trails have a 10 inch groomed surface. There are beautiful ice formations on the waterfalls and along the Lake Superior shoreline. Visitors report seeing signs of fox, pine marten, deer, wolf and eagles.
Duluth/Grand Marais
The North Shore State Trail is in poor to good condition for snowmobiling. The southernmost portion, nearest Duluth, is in poor condition, with a 5 inch base. The remainder of the southern section of trail is in fair condition, with a 6-8 inch base. The northern section is in good condition, with a 7-8 inch base. The entire trail has been groomed this week, and it will be regroomed on Friday and Saturday nights. Trail conditions vary–please use caution while riding. Trailside snow depth ranges from 14- to 32-inches.
McGregor
The ski trails within Savanna Portage State Park and Savanna State Forest are in excellent condition, with a 4 inch base. More than 16 miles of trails have been groomed. The snowmobile trails are in very good condition, with a 2 inch groomed surface. The Hay Point, Tamarack, and Cromwell snowmobile clubs have groomed 32 miles of trails within and around the park. Local snow depth is 16 inches.
Carlton
The ski trails within Jay Cooke State Park are partially groomed and in excellent condition, with an 8 inch base. The snowmobile trails are in very good condition, with a 4 inch groomed surface. Local snow depth is 12-14 inches. Just to the west, the ski trails running through Fond du Lac State Forest are reported to be in very good condition, with a 5-8 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails have a 3-4 inch groomed surface, and are listed in good condition.
Sandstone
Banning State Park currently offers excellent conditions for both skiing and snowmobiling. The trails are fully groomed, with a 6-7 inch base. The ground is covered in roughly 15 inches of snow. Snowmobile trailer parking is available at Banning Junction Restaurant. Just to the north, all 6 miles of ski trails running through Moose Lake State Park are groomed and in very good to excellent condition, with an 8 inch base.
East of Hinckley
The snowmobile trails running through St. Croix State Park are groomed and in good condition, with 5 inch base. The Kettle River ice crossing is open with approximately 18 inches of ice. The ski trails are also groomed, but in fair condition, with a 5 inch base. Just over 1 foot of snow covers the ground in this area.
Northcentral/West Region
Warroad
The southern portion of the trail running through Beltrami Island State Forest is in fair condition for both cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The trails have a 7 inch ungroomed surface. There is roughly 2 feet of snow in the woods.
Roseau
Over 2 feet of snow covers the ground at Hayes Lake State Park. The ski trails are fully groomed and in excellent condition, with 16 inch base! The snowmobile trails are in very good condition, with a 12 inch base. The lake has at least 16 inches of ice, but caution must be used near the springs and river currents. The crappies are biting near the dam face, and the northerns are active near the fishing pier.
Lake Bronson (far northwest corner of Minnesota)
The ski trails running through Lake Bronson State Park are groomed, and conditions are excellent. The snowmobile trails are partially groomed, and in good to excellent condition. Both trails have an 8 inch base on average. Local snow depth is 22 inches. A Moonlight Ski will be offered at Lake Bronson State Park on Saturday, January 10, from 6-9 pm. Come enjoy skiing by the glow of flickering luminaries and a nearly full moon, with snacks and hot drinks offered after the outing! And, Lake Bronson anglers are pulling walleyes from 8-10 feet of water, with red glow jigs working best. Perch and northern pike are also being taken.
Bemidji
The Lake Bemidji State Park ski trails have a 9 inch groomed surface, and skiers report excellent conditions. The snowmobile trails have a 7 inch ungroomed surface, and riders report good conditions. Roughly 15 inches of snow covers the ground in this area. Nearby, the Bemidji-Itasca State Trail is also in good condition for snowmobiling. The trail base ranges from 4- to 6-inches. Please note that river and lake ice remain unsafe in some areas.
Walker/Nevis
The northern section of the Heartland State Trail is groomed and currently in good condition. The trail base averages 6 inches. Roughly 1 1/2 feet of snow covers the ground in this area. Similar conditions are reported for the western section near Nevis.
Lake Itasca (north of Park Rapids)
The ski trails within Itasca State Park have an 8 inch groomed surface, and conditions are reported to be excellent. The snowmobile trails are also groomed, but reported to be in fair condition, with a 2 inch base. Local snow depth is averaging 20 inches. Please remember that the Itasca Suites are open during the winter months, with ski and snowmobile trails beginning right outside, along the south shore of Lake Itasca!
Detroit Lakes
The Winter Wonderland snowmobile trails in Becker County are groomed and in very good to excellent condition. The trail base is measuring 6-12 inches, and there is 25-30 inches of snow on the ground! The Detroit Lakes area has over 200 miles of snowmobile trails that run through rolling prairie and secluded woodlands. There are connections with neighboring trails in all directions.
Fergus Falls/Battle Lake
Otter Country snowmobile trails are groomed and in good condition, with a 6-8 inch base. Approximately 2 feet of snow covers the ground in this area. The ski and snowmobile trails running through Maplewood State Park are in excellent condition, with at least a 4 inch base. Most trails have been groomed. And at nearby Glendalough State Park, the ski trails are in excellent condition, with a 10 inch groomed surface. Ski rental is available, and more youth sizes were recently added.
Brainerd
The snowmobile trails within Pillsbury State Forest are reported to be in very good condition, with a 5 inch groomed surface. The ski trails have a 9 inch groomed surface, and are in excellent condition. Local snow depth is approximately 18 inches. Nearby, the section of the Paul Bunyan State Snowmobile Trail running through Pequot Lakes is reported to be in very good condition, with a 4 inch groomed surface. Please use caution on area lakes and streams, and watch for areas of open water and deep slush. At Crow Wing State Park, both the ski and snowmobile trails are reported to be groomed and in very good condition. The ski trails have a 7 inch base, and the snowmobile trails have a 5 inch base. Local snow depth is 16 inches.
Orrock (west of Zimmerman)
The Ann Lake Trail, running through the Sand Dunes State Forest, offers good conditions for both skiing and snowmobiling. The ski trail is partially groomed, with a 3 inch base. The snowmobile trail is groomed, with a 2-3 inch base. Roughly 1 foot of snow covers the ground.
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity
Monticello
Lake Maria State Park received 4 inches of new snow on January 4, and all trails have been regroomed. Conditions are reported to be excellent, and there is a 3 inch base on all 22 kilometers of traditional ski trails and 5 kilometers of skate ski trails. Ski-in cabins are also available–please call the state park reservation line at 1-866-857-2757 to reserve a cabin. The ground is covered in nearly 1 foot of snow.
Three Rivers Park District -Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott and Wright county parks
Packed and tracked trails, as well as good classic and skate ski trail conditions, can be found at Baker Park Reserve in Maple Plain, Carver Park Reserve in Victoria, and Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. Skate skiers will also find good conditions at Cleary Lake Regional Park in Prior Lake, Eagle Lake Regional Park in Plymouth, French Regional Park in Plymouth, Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington, and Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage. Rentals are available at many of the parks within the Three Rivers Park District. Please call ahead to secure equipment rental.
Jordan
The Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area offers both skiing and snowmobiling. The ski trails have 3 inch ungroomed surface, and conditions are reported to be poor to fair. The snowmobile trails are groomed and in good condition, with a 2 inch base. Local snow depth is 1 foot.
Almelund (east of North Branch)
The ski trail system within Wild River State Park has been groomed and tracked, and conditions are reported to be excellent. The trails have a 4 inch base. Just over 1 foot of snow is in the woods.
Marine On St. Croix (north of Stillwater)
The William O’Brien State Park ski trails are in fair to good condition, with a 3 inch groomed surface. The ground is covered with 7 inches of snow.
Southern Region
Nerstrand (south of Northfield)
Nerstrand State Park trails have a 5 inch groomed surface, and conditions are reported to be fair to good for both skiing and snowmobiling. Trails were last groomed on December 31, and the trails are somewhat icy. Trailside snow depth is 5-7 inches.
Frontenac (south of Red Wing)
The Frontenac State Park ski and snowmobile trails have been groomed, but conditions are reported to be poor due to icy sections of trail. Both trails are covered in 2 inches of snow. Local snow depth is roughly 9 inches.
Preston
The snowmobile trails within Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park and throughout the area vary greatly–the wooded areas offer good conditions, and the less protected areas are in poor to fair condition with thin spots. The ski trails are partially groomed, and in fair condition. Both trails have a 6 inch base overall. Approximately 11 inches of snow covers the ground within the park.
Elba (north of St. Charles)
The ski trails within Whitewater State Park are in fair to good condition, with a 4-5 inch groomed surface. Trails are somewhat icy, with a dusting of snow. Overall, there is 8 inches of snow on the ground.
Owatonna
Rice Lake State Park cross-country ski trails are in good condition, with a 5 inch partially groomed surface. The snowmobile trails also have a 5 inch base and are in good condition, however these trails are ungroomed. Local snow depth is just over 1 foot.
Waterville (southwest of Faribault)
From 6-9 inches of snow covers the ground at Sakatah Lake State Park. The ski trails are in fair condition, with a 1-3 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails are reported to be in poor condition, with a 0-2 inch base. The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, which travels past Sakatah Lake State Park, has been down-graded to poor condition for skiing and snowmobiling due to an icy base.
New Ulm
Flandrau State Park ski trails are groomed and in fair condition, with a 3 inch base. Recent freezing rain left the trails somewhat icy. Overall, there is approximately 6 inches of snow on the ground in this area. Flandrau State Park rents cross-country skis, boots and poles, as well as snowshoes.
Granite Falls
Upper Sioux Agency State Park is reported to offer fair conditions for both skiing and snowmobiling, with the trail base averaging 2 inches. The ski trails are groomed, and the snowmobile trails remain ungroomed. Local snow depth is 6-8 inches.
Watson (northwest of Montevideo)
The ski trail running through Lac qui Parle State Park is in very good condition, with a 7 inch groomed surface. The ground is covered in 1 foot of snow.
New London
Sibley State Park ski trails are groomed, and in very good condition, with a 4-6 inch base. The snowmobile trails are in good condition, with a 3-4 inch groomed surface. Over 1 foot of snow covers the ground in this area. The sliding hill is snow covered, and in good condition. The heated trail center has a supply of wood for the fireplace. Towards the city of Willmar, the Glacial Lakes State Trail is in good condition for snowmobiling, with a 1-3 inch groomed surface. Local snow depth is 1 foot.
“The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources State Climatology Office and Explore Minnesota Tourism.”
