Explore Minnesota Winter Trails Report: January 29, 2009
Snow-coated branches. This is the Explore Minnesota Winter Trails Report as of Thursday, January 29, with information provided courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources. This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.
Excellent cross-country ski and/or snowmobile trail conditions can be found throughout the state, and specifically at Cascade River, Jay Cooke, Banning, St. Croix, Lake Bronson, Hayes Lake, Lake Bemidji, and Beaver Creek Valley state parks. Trails in the Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, Ely, International Falls and Carlton vicinities, and those running through Pillsbury State Forest, also offer excellent 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.
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Northeastern Region
International Falls
Tilson Creek cross-country ski trails, running through Koochiching State Forest, are groomed for classic and skate skiing. The trails are in excellent condition, with a 10 inch base. Watch for signs of moose, timberwolves, and pine martens along the way. Two feet of snow covers the ground.
Side Lake (north of Hibbing)
The snowmobile trails at McCarthy Beach State Park are groomed, with a 7 inch base. Conditions are reported to be good. The ski trails are in very good condition, with an 8 inch groomed surface. The Taconite State Trail, as well as other nearby and connecting snowmobile trails are in good condition. Please note that there is slush on Side and Big Sturgeon lakes, and caution must be used if venturing onto these lakes. Local snow depth is 19 inches.
Ely
The ground is covered in roughly 3 feet of snow. Most snowmobile trails are groomed at least twice a week, and are reported to be in excellent condition, with a solid 6 inch base. Most flowages and swampy areas are firming up nicely. Many area lakes are staked, and riders are encouraged to stay on the staked trails if choosing lake travel since you may still encounter slush on some of the lakes. Most cross-country ski trails in the area are groomed, tracked, and in excellent condition, with a 6-10 inch base. The Hidden Valley and Trezona trails in Ely, and the Golf Course Trails at Babbitt are groomed for skate skiing, and are also reported to be in excellent condition. At Bear Head Lake State Park, the ski trails are groomed and in very good condition, with an 8 inch base. The portion of the Taconite State Snowmobile Trail that runs through the park has a 2-6 inch groomed surface, and riders report conditions to also be very good. Local snow depth is 21 inches. Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis–please call ahead for the most current conditions.
Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail
Cross-country skiers and snowmobilers are enjoying very good to excellent trail conditions, as well as breathtaking scenery throughout the Grand Marais vicinity. At present, there is 40-50 inches of snow on the ground. Most trails have a packed powder base measuring at least 18 inches, and trails are groomed on a regular basis. Up the Gunflint Trail, the Central and Banadad ski trails are reported to be in good to excellent condition for both classic and skate skiing. On average, these trails have a 7-10 inch base. There is roughly 2 feet of snow on the ground. And closer to shore, the Pincushion Mountain ski trails are reported to be in excellent condition, with a 10-14 inch base. Snow depth is roughly 1 1/2- to 3-feet. And, don’t miss the Volks Ski Fest, a new family-oriented ski event, which will take place throughout Cook County from January 31 through February 8, with ski and snowshoe outings, clinics, bonfires, dog sled rides, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a scavenger hunt, and much more! For further information, check out
www.grandmarais.com, or dial 1-888-922-5000.
Lutsen
Cascade River State Park currently offers excellent conditions for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The trails are groomed, with a 10 inch base. Local snow depth is roughly 22 inches.
Duluth/Grand Marais
The North Shore State Trail is in fair to good condition for snowmobiling, with a 4-7 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 17-30 inches. Please note that some sections of the trail are icy–please use caution.
Carlton
The ski trails running through Fond du Lac State Forest are reported to be in excellent condition, with a 4-6 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails have a 6-8 inch groomed surface, and are listed in very good condition. Fourteen inches of snow covers the ground. At Jay Cooke State Park, both the ski and snowmobile trails are groomed, and in very good to excellent condition. The ski trails have a 12 inch base, and the snowmobile trails have an 8 inch base. Eighteen- to 24-inches of snow covers the ground at Jay Cooke State Park.
Sandstone
Banning State Park currently offers excellent conditions for both skiing and snowmobiling. The trails are fully groomed, with an 8-10 inch base. The ground is covered in roughly 16 inches of snow. Snowmobile trailer parking is available at Banning Junction Restaurant.
East of Hinckley
The snowmobile trails running through St. Croix State Park are groomed and in excellent condition, with 4 inch base. The Kettle River ice crossing is open with at least 18 inches of ice. The ski trails are also groomed, and in good condition, with a 6 inch base. Just over 1 foot of snow covers the ground in this area.
Northcentral/West Region
Lake Bronson (far northwest corner of Minnesota)
The cross-country ski and snowmobile trails at Lake Bronson State Park are fully groomed and in excellent condition, with an 8 inch base. Local snow depth is 22 inches.
Roseau
Roughly 2 feet of snow covers the ground at Hayes Lake State Park. Both the ski and snowmobile trails are fully groomed and in excellent condition, with a 12 inch base. The lake has at least 16 inches of ice, but caution must still 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.
Bemidji
The Lake Bemidji State Park ski and snowmobile trails have an 8-9 inch groomed surface, and both trails are listed in excellent condition! Roughly 16 inches of snow covers the ground in this area.
Fergus Falls/Battle Lake
Otter Country snowmobile trails are groomed and in good to very good condition, with an 8-12 inch base. Approximately 28-32 inches of snow covers the ground. Trails throughout the entire Otter Tail County vicinity pass rolling hills, an abundance of lakes, wooded farmland, and even Inspiration Peak, with numerous connections to other trail systems. And at nearby Glendalough State Park, the ski trails are in good condition, with a 9 inch groomed surface. Ski rental is available, and more youth sizes were recently added.
Brainerd
The ski and snowmobile trails within Pillsbury State Forest are reported to be in very good to excellent condition, with a 5 inch base. Both trails are fully groomed. Local snow depth is 15 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 5 inch groomed surface.
Little Falls
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park ski trails have been completely groomed. The base is running 6 inches, and conditions are fair. There is roughly 14 inches of snow in the woods. The park’s log cabin shelter is open and wood is available for a warm fire in the woodstove. Please note that some tracks are starting to wear at the edges.
Onamia
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park ski and snowmobile trails are groomed and in very good condition, with a 7 inch base. Local snow depth is roughly 16 inches. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available. Camper Cabin reservations can be made by calling 1-866-857-2757, or by logging on to the reservation website at
www.stayatmnparks.comOrrock (west of Zimmerman)
The Ann Lake Trail, running through the Sand Dunes State Forest, offers good conditions for snowmobiling, and fair conditions for skiing. The trails are groomed, with a 2-3 inch base. The ski trails are hard, and leaves are a problem in some locations. Roughly 15 inches of snow covers the ground.
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity
Monticello
Lake Maria State Park ski trails are in good condition, with a 4 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 more 1 foot of snow. And don’t forget Winter Fun Day scheduled for this Saturday, January 31, and enjoy guided snowshoe hikes, dog sled demonstrations, children’s Snow Ranger activities, winter camping demonstrations, ice skating, skiing, and sliding. Lunch and refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Lake Maria.
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, 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. Rentals are available at many of the parks within the Three Rivers Park District. Please call ahead to secure equipment rental.
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 very good. The trails have a 5 inch base. Roughly 1 foot of snow is in the woods. Wild River offers ski and snowshoe rental throughout the winter season when trails have suitable snow cover. For rental information, dial 651/257-0685
Marine On St. Croix (north of Stillwater)
The William O’Brien State Park ski trails are in good condition, with a 3 inch groomed surface. The ground is covered with 7 inches of snow. Please note that the water from the marsh is flowing across the trail just east of the railroad crossing–please watch out for ice and slush.
Afton (south of Hastings)
The ski trails at Afton State Park are groomed, with 3 inch base. Conditions are reported to be very good. The ground is covered in roughly 6 inches of snow.
Southern Region
Frontenac (south of Red Wing)
The Frontenac State Park ski and snowmobile trails are groomed, with a 2-3 inch base. Conditions are reported to be good for skiing and for snowmobiling. The prairie ski trails have some areas where the snow has drifted and filled in the tracks. Local snow depth is roughly 1 foot.
Preston
Ski and snowmobile trail conditions within Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park are reported to be good. Both trails have an 8 inch base. The ski trails are groomed, and the snowmobile trails are partially groomed. At the city of Caledonia, within nearby Beaver Creek Valley State Park, there is a 12 inch base on tracked, but ungroomed, cross-country ski trails. Trail conditions are reported to be excellent. The ground is covered in approximately 16 inches of snow. And, skiers report very good conditions along the Root River State Trail. The trail is groomed, and the base is averaging 6 inches. The ground is covered in roughly 12 inches of snow.
Waterville (southwest of Faribault)
From 9-11 inches of snow covers the ground at Sakatah Lake State Park. The ski trails are in good condition, with a 3-4 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails are reported to be in good condition, with a 1-3 inch base. Leaves and twigs cover some sections of these trails. The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, which travels past Sakatah Lake State Park, is reported to be in good condition for both skiing and snowmobiling. The trail is groomed, with a 1-3 inch base. Please note that drifting and heavy use last weekend has left the trail rough in some areas.
Owatonna
Rice Lake State Park cross-country ski and snowmobile trails are open and fully groomed. The ski trails are in very good condition, and the snowmobile trails are in good condition. The trail base is averaging 8 inches. Local snow depth is nearly 15 inches.
Luverne
Blue Mounds State Park currently offers fair conditions and a 6 inch base along their snowmobile trails. Local snow depth is 6 inches. Riders and visitors will also enjoy the approximately 350 white-tailed deer within the park this winter. There is also a good chance to see the resident buffalo that are fed each Friday along the fence next to the Buffalo observation platform.
Watson (northwest of Montevideo)
The ski trail running through Lac qui Parle State Park is in good condition, with a 13 inch groomed surface. The ground is covered in 16 inches of snow. Expect some icy spots along the way. The WPA shelter building is open–bring some marshmallows, make a fire, and enjoy a wonderful day of skiing!
New London
Sibley State Park ski trails are groomed, and in very good condition, with a 6 inch base. The snowmobile trails are in good condition, with a 3-4 inch groomed surface. Roughly 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. And, towards the city of Willmar, the Glacial Lakes State Trail is in good condition for snowmobiling, with a 2-6 inch groomed surface. Groomers anticipate very high use this weekend. Please watch for drifts and icy patches. Local snow depth is 14 inches.
“The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources State Climatology Office and Explore Minnesota Tourism.”
