Last weekend's winter storm improved conditions throughout most of the state. At present, Lake Bemidji and Savanna Portage state parks offer excellent conditions for both cross-country skiing and snowmobiling! The ski trails at Glendalough, Zipple Bay and Buffalo River state parks are considered to be excellent, and excellent snowmobile trail conditions can be found at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. Maplewood and Lake Carlos state parks are reported to offer excellent conditions for skiing, and very good conditions for snowmobiling. Other parks with good to very good ski and/or snowmobile trail conditions include Hayes Lake, Itasca, Banning, Mille Lacs Kathio, Sibley, Myre-Big Island and Rice Lake. The Sakatah Singing Hills, Glacial Lakes, and Heartland state trails are also recommended. And, the Gunflint Trail can be counted on for some great skiing. As always, please call ahead for the most up-to-date 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 ATV 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. 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
International Falls
Snowmobiling is in full swing in Voyageurs National Park. The entire Green Trail, from Rainy Lake to Ash River and on to the Crane Lake community, is open and staked. The Yellow Trail from the Ash River community to Kettle Falls is now open and staked. Please note that there are areas of thin ice, and a major pressure ridge from Springer's Point to Big American Island on Rainy Lake continues to hinder efforts to open the Purple Trail to Kettle Falls from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Travel is not recommended in this area of the park. With the recent heavy snowfall, pockets of frozen slush have developed on portions of the Green Trail. Otherwise, snowmobile conditions are good on lake surfaces, and the overland portages have plenty of snow for traveling, however conditions are occasionally rough. Please remember that the snowmobile speed limit within Voyageurs National Park is 45 mph on frozen lake surfaces and 25 mph on all overland portages. Regular weekly winter trail conditions reports will be available through Voyageurs National Park. Information may also be obtained by contacting the city of International Falls.
Bigfork -north of Grand Rapids
Cross-country ski trail conditions at Scenic State Park are very good. The trails are packed and groomed. The snowmobile trail loop that runs through the park has not been groomed, however snowmobilers are riding this portion of the trail and report fair conditions. Both trails have a 3 inch base. 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.
Hibbing
McCarthy Beach State Park ski trails are groomed and in very good condition. The whole system has been packed, and tracks were set on the Big Hole Trail and part of the Red Top system. The snowmobile trails are groomed and in fair condition. Both trails have a 3 inch base. The area is covered in 9 inches of snow.
Ely
The Grand Marais vicinity received roughly 20 inches of snow last weekend. Cross-country ski trails throughout out the area have been packed and tracked for classic skiing. The base is reported to measure 5-8 inches. Trails located further inland, away from Lake Superior, have the best conditions. In particular, the Banadad Ski Trail, located up the Gunflint Trail, currently has an 8-9 inch packed base on the eastern end of trail, and slightly less on western end. Snow depth ranges from 10-15 inches. The Lace Lake and Tall Pines trails are also groomed and tracked, and conditions are very good. Along the Central Gunflint Trail System, the Upper Beaver Dam, east end of Ridge Run, Moose pasture and west end Logging Camp ski trails are groomed and in good condition, with a 3-4 inch base. Otters have been playing on the Logging Camp trail and apparently having lots of fun! The snowmobile trails are groomed, and the best riding is on the Gunflint and Arrowhead trail systems. Devil's Track Lake has roughly 14 inches of ice, so lake travel has not been a problem.
Two Harbors
Some of the ski trails at Gooseberry Falls State Park have been freshly groomed. They have been upgraded to fair to good condition, and have a 6 inch base. The snowmobile trails remain in poor condition. While the area received 12 inches of heavy wet snow last weekend, it was followed by six hours of rain which left the snow very icy. The trails are packed but remain untracked due to icy conditions. The waterfalls are exceptionally beautiful with all of the snow and ice.
Duluth/Grand Marais
Conditions for the North Shore State Snowmobile Trail are fair after grooming. Overall, there is an 8 inch base along the trail, with approximately 20 inches of snow on the ground.
Hinckley/ Duluth
The Hinckley to Duluth segment of the Willard Munger State Trail is 63 miles in length, and the portion of trail running between Hinckley and Carlton is in very good condition for snowmobiling. The trail is groomed, with a 4-5 inch base. Local snow depth is just over 1 foot. Other sections of the Willard Munger Trail are in fair condition.
Carlton
The CCC and Thomson Ski Trails at Jay Cooke State Park have been traditionally tracked and are in very good condition. Approximately 20 inches of snow fell last weekend, followed by an inch of rain, reducing the base to roughly 1 foot. The snowmobile trails running through Jay Cooke are reportedly in fair condition. There are many downed branches and even a few trees to remove before tracks can be set on the other trails.
Sandstone
Banning State Park ski trails are being groomed. They are in good condition, with a 7 inch base. Area snowmobile trails have been groomed, and these trails have a 5 inch base. Conditions are reported to be very good. There is a snowmobile parking lot at Banning Junction Restaurant & C-Store. Local snow depth is roughly 1 foot.
Northwest Region
Williams -northwest of Baudette
Zippel Bay State Park offers excellent conditions for skiing and and good conditions for snowmobiling. All trails are freshly groomed, with a 6 inch base. The ground is covered in just over 1 foot of snow.
Lake Bronson -southeast of Hallock
Skiers are enjoying excellent conditions along the groomed trails at Lake Bronson State Park. The snowmobile trails remain ungroomed, but are considered to be in good condition. Both trails have a 4 inch base, with 1 foot of snow on the ground. A warming area with flush toilets is available at the Visitors Center. At nearby Old Mill State Park, conditions are mostly the same, except riders report that the snowmobile trails are in fair condition.
Roseau
Roughly 16 inches of snow fell on Hayes Lake State Park over the holiday weekend. All ski trails are groomed with a classic track and skate ski lane. Trails are in very good condition. The snowmobile trails are in good condition. Both have an 8 inch base. Local snow depth is 19 inches.
Bemidji
Lake Bemidji State Park currently offers excellent conditions on their cross-country ski and snowmobile trails. The ski trails have been groomed and tracked for classic skiing. Both trails have a 5 inch base. The trail center is open daily, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Local snow depth is 1 foot.
Walker/Akeley
The Heartland State Snowmobile Trail is in good condition, with a 3 inch groomed surface. A one-half mile stretch of trail just west of Akeley and a one-half mile section north of Walker at the Kabekona Narrows remain ungroomed . All gates are open. Local snow depth is 10-12 inches.
Park Rapids
The ski trails at Itasca State Park are open, packed and tracked for both classic and skate skiing, and conditions are reported to be very good. Similar conditions are reported for the snowmobile trails.
Glyndon -east of Moorhead
The ski trails at Buffalo River State Park are groomed and in excellent condition. The base of the trail measures 10 inches, with roughly 1 1/2 feet of snow on the ground. The sliding hill is also in great condition, and the warming house will be open all week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Detroit Lakes
The Winter Wonderland Snowmobile Trails in the Detroit Lakes vicinity are groomed, with a 2-4 inch base. Trail conditions throughout Becker County are considered to be fair to good. The Winter Wonderland Trails joins 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 and snowmobiling at Savanna Portage State Park are excellent! Both trails have been are groomed. The ski trails have an 8 inch base, and the snowmobile trails have a 4 inch base. There are more than 20 miles of groomed ski trails within the park and the adjoining Remote Lake Solitude Area. Thirty-two miles of groomed snowmobile trails are accessible from the park. Local snow depth is 15 inches.
Pelican Rapids
The 11 kilometers of ski trails at Maplewood State Park are groomed and tracked, and in excellent condition. Some of the snowmobile trails have been groomed, and reported to be in very good condition. The trails have a 4-8 inch base. Snow on the ground measures 14 inches.
Battle Lake
The ski trails at Glendalough State Park are reported to be in excellent condition. The trails are entirely groomed, with a 5 inch base. Some drifting may be found on the south sides of Annie and Blanche lakes. There is roughly 15 inches of snow on the ground.
Carlos - north of Alexandria
Lake Carlos State Park cross-country ski and snowmobile trails have a 4-5 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails are in very good condition, and the ski trails are in excellent condition. Local snow depth is just over 1 foot.
Onamia
The ski trails that have been groomed at Mille Lacs-Kathio State Park are reported to be in very good condition. The snowmobile trails are in good condition. Both trails have a 4 inch base. The ground is covered in 14 inches of snow.
Little Falls
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park ski trails are groomed and in very good condition, with a light dusting of snow covering the tracks. The trail base measures 5 inches. Roughly a foot of snow covers the ground. The 1938 log cabin shelter building is available for rent or free on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Monticello
All ski trails within Lake Maria State Park have been groomed and tracked. There is a 4-6 inch base, and conditions are very good. The 3 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 12-14 inches.
New London/north of Willmar
Conditions for skiing at Sibley State Park are very good, and the trails have a 6-8 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails have 2 inch ungroomed surface, and are reported to be in good shape. There is approximately 16 inches of snow on the ground in this area. The nearby Glacial Lakes State Snowmobile Trail is in very good condition. It is groomed, with a 2-4 inch base.
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, Glen Lake in Minnetonka, Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington, and Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage. Most sliding hills are also open. 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.
Almelund -east of North Branch
All of Wild River State Park's ski trails have been groomed and tracked. There is roughly 9 inches of snow on the ground, with a 2-3 inch base on the trails. Most trails are fast, but in good condition. You may encounter a few areas of frozen slush. Trails in the wooded areas of the park are in the best condition. Reports from skiers have been positive. Trumpeter swans can be seen on the river below 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. For rental information, dial 651/257-0685.
Afton -north of Hastings
The fifteen miles of ski trails within Afton State Park will be fully groomed, tracked and in good condition by the end of today, Thursday, December 31. Most sections of trail have a 5 inch base, however some sections have less and are icy in spots. Snowshoe rentals have been selling out so reservations are recommended.
Southern Region
Nerstrand -south of Northfield
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park snowmobile trails are groomed and in excellent condition. In fact, all Rice County trails are snow covered and in the best condition in years. The ski trails are groomed and in good condition, with some rough spots at the trail entrances and a couple of areas along the trail where the grooming equipment became stuck. Current conditions are perfect for snowshoeing. Local snow depth is 20 inches.
Dakota -southeast of Winona
The Great River Bluffs State Park ski trails are hard packed and icy in the open areas, and in slightly better shape under the tree canopy. Wind has left leaves and other debris on the trails in some places. While there is an 8 inch base, conditions are reported to be fair. Trail grooming has been suspended until additional snowfall improves conditions. One foot of snow covers the ground in this area.
Preston
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park ski and snowmobile trails are in good condition. The trails have a 4 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails outside of the park may have some windblown areas to watch out for. The ground is covered in nearly a foot of snow. The nearby Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail also offers good conditions for skiing, with a 3 inch partially groomed surface. Expect patchy ice in some areas. Similar conditions are reported for the Root River State Trail.
Albert Lea
The recently tracked ski trails at Myre-Big Island State Park have a fresh blanket of snow, and are reportedly in very good to excellent condition. The base of the trail is 4-5 inches. The snowmobile trails are ungroomed and in good condition. Local snow depth is 10 inches.
Owatonna
Both the ski and snowmobile trails running through Rice Lake State Park are reported to be in very good condition. The ski trails have an 8 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails are also groomed, with a 6-7 inch base. Just over 1 foot of snow covers the ground.
Faribault/Mankato
The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail is entirely groomed for skiing, and partially groomed for snowmobiling. Both riders and skiers report very good conditions. The ski trail has a 2 inch base, and the snowmobile has a 2-6 inch base. There is 14-16 inches of snow on the ground in this area.
New Ulm
The ski trails at Flandrau State Park are in very good condition, with a 7 inch base. Flandrau rents cross-country ski equipment and snowshoes. Local snow depth measures just over 1 1/2 feet.
Granite Falls
Upper Sioux Agency State Park currently offers excellent conditions for skiing, and good conditions for snowmobiling. The ski trail is groomed, but the snowmobile trail remains ungroomed. The trail base measures 6 inches on both trails. Local snow depth is 12-20 inches.
