January 13, 2011 Explore Minnesota Winter Trails Report
All regions of the state offer good to excellent cross-country ski and snowmobile trail conditions. The large amounts of fresh snow that have fallen throughout Minnesota have created a true winter wonderland. While temperatures will be cold, the forecast calls for continued stable weather conditions, making this a great time to head out and hit the trails!
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.
International Falls/Voyageurs National Park
The Koochiching State Forest Tilson Creek ski trail is in good condition. The trail has a 6-10 inch groomed surface. Local snow depth is 20-24 inches.
Side Lake - north of Hibbing
All ski trails at McCarthy Beach State Park have been groomed, tracked, and are in excellent condition. The ski trail base averages 8 inches. Snowshoers have been out on the ungroomed portions of the hiking trail system - follow their tracks or make your own to explore parts of the park normally not seen in winter. The park snowmobile trails are reported to be in very good shape, with a 5 inch groomed surface. Please note that heavy snow covers unstable lake ice, and caution must be used when venturing out onto the ice. Twenty-two inches of snow covers the ground at McCarthy Beach State Park.
Ely
The Ely vicinity received an additional 2 inches of snow on Monday night which puts total accumulation at 2 feet. Area snowmobile trails are listed in very good condition overall. The base of the trails averages 6-12 inches. All trails will be groomed again before the weekend. Please be aware that equipment is parked along a half mile area on the Tomahawk Trail near Nickel Lake. Crews are constructing a new trail over higher ground in order to bypass a swamp in this area. Most lakes are staked, and riders are asked to stay on the staked trails when choosing lake travel. The Hidden Valley, Birch Lake Plantation, and Babbitt Golf Course cross-country ski trails are all machine groomed, and listed in great shape, with a 9-14 inch base. The nearby Bear Head Lake State Park cross-country ski trails are groomed and in excellent condition, with an 8 inch base. The snowmobile trails have a 6 inch groomed surface, and are considered to be in good condition. Skiers and riders will travel through stunning snow-covered stands of pines. Area snowcover is approximately 20 inches. A grey wolf was spotted on the park road on Monday, January 11 at dusk. Now is the time to come and experience the beauty of the northwoods! Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis - please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.
Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail
Up the Gunflint Trail, the Pincushion Mountain Ski Trail has been groomed for both classic and skate skiing. The trail base consists of packed powder and measures 8-10 inches, and conditions are excellent. Area snowmobile trails are groomed, and in good condition, with a 10-18 inch base. Cold temperatures have frozen the lakes and swamps, leaving good solid ice conditions. The Banadad Ski Trail has a 14 inch rolled surface, with a total of 19 inches of snow on the ground. The Central Gunflint Trail, near Golden Eagle Lodge, is reported to be in good to excellent condition, with an 8-9 1/2 inch base. There is 16-18 inches of snow in the woods. Along the Upper Gunflint Ski Trail, the groomers report 18 inches of snow in the woods, with an 8 inch Snow Cat packed trail base. Conditions are good to excellent. The trails are beautiful with the snow-covered branches - this is winter at its best!
Lutsen
The ski and snowmobile trails at Tettegouche State Park are reported to be in good condition, with an 8 inch base. Snow depth ranges from 8 inches near Lake Superior to 24 inches near Tettegouche Camp. The Northwoods Ski Club ski trails near Silver Bay are in similar condition. Deer, moose and wolf tracks have been seen along the trails. As of late last week, the nearby Deeryard and Pioneer loops were fully re-groomed and in good to excellent condition. The trail base ranges from 3-16 inches. And the Hall and Massey Loops, and both Connectors to Lutsen and Cascade have a 2-12 inch groomed surface. Conditions are considered good to excellent for nearly all ski trails within the Lutsen/Tofte vicinity.
Two Harbors
The trails at Gooseberry Falls State Park are entirely groomed, and in good condition or better for skiing and snowmobiling. The trail base measures 5 inches for both trails. Local snow depth is 1 foot.
Duluth/Grand Marais
The majority of the North Shore State Snowmobile Trail is reported to be groomed and in good to very good condition. The trail base is 6-10 inches, with 14-30 inches of snow on the ground. Additional grooming will take place Friday and Saturday nights. There is a bridge on Forest Road 166 over Heartbreak Creek in Cook County just north of Tofte; a temporary crossing is in place just below the bridge site. Please use caution while riding, especially near logging operations, and remember that conditions can change rapidly due to heavy use.
Sandstone
Banning State Park ski and snowmobile trails have a 6-7 inch groomed surface. Conditions are very good for both trails. Skiers should use caution on steep hills due to a hard snow base . A snowmobile parking lot is available at nearby Banning Junction Restaurant & C-Store. Local snow depth is roughly 1 foot. At nearby Moose Lake State Park, the ski and snowmobile trails are groomed, and conditions are good . The base of the trails measures 5 inches. Snowcover at the park measures roughly 14 inches.
Isle
The ski trails at Father Hennepin State Park were last groomed on December 23, and should be regroomed by this weekend. Many skiers have been out, and have set a nice track. The trails have a 3-4 inch base, with 10 inches of snow in the woods. Snowshoers can use any trail that has not been groomed for skiing.
Northwest Region
Williams - northwest of Baudette
Zippel Bay State Park is covered in approximately 18 inches of snow. The ski and snowmobile trails have a 10 inch freshly groomed surface, and both are listed in excellent condition. And don't miss the Candlelight Ski offered this Sunday, January 16, from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Waskish
The snowmobile trails running through Big Bog State Recreation Area are reported to be in very good condition, with a 5 inch groomed surface. Many snowmobilers using the Grant-in-Aid Snowmobile Trail System have been staying at the park cabins overnight. Area snow cover measures 18 inches.
Bemidji
Lake Bemidji State Park currently offers excellent conditions for cross-country skiing. The ski trails are groomed, and have a 5 inch base. A 2 kilometer skate lane has been set along the Fish Hawk Trail. The snowmobile trails have a 3-4 inch groomed surface, and conditions are very good. Local snow depth is approximately 18 inches. The lake ice is slushy in some areas near shore due to heavy snow - overall, the ice measures 15 inches.
Moorhead
Buffalo River State Park cross-country ski trails are in very good condition. The trails have a 10 inch groomed surface. The sliding hill has been packed, and is also in very good condition. The ground is covered in roughly 20 inches of snow.
Central Region
McGregor
Conditions for skiing within Savanna Portage State Park are good. The trails have a 5 inch partially groomed surface. The snowmobile trails, however, are fully groomed, and reported to be in very good condition, with a 3 inch base. Similar conditions are reported for the ski and snowmobile trails running through Savanna State Forest. Local snow depth is approximately 16 inches.
Fergus Falls/Otter Tail County
The Otter Country Trail Association's 273 miles of snowmobile trails will be entirely regroomed prior to the weekend. The trails have a 9-18 inch base, with 2-3 feet of snow covering the ground. All of the trails are in good to excellent condition! There are also numerous connections to other trail systems in the Fergus Falls/Otter Tail County vicinity. Please use caution around lakes and streams as ice conditions vary due to the blanket of heavy snow. The ski trails running through nearby Maplewood State Park are in very good condition, with a 10 inch partially groomed surface. The snowmobile trails are reported to be in excellent condition, with an 8-10 inch groomed surface.
Ottertail/Perham
The Otter Trail Riders Snowmobile Trail is open, and riders report excellent conditions! Overall, the base measures 3-8 inches. All trails have been freshly groomed. There are over 140 miles of groomed trail running through the Ottertail vicinity, including the cities of Henning, Deer Creek, Bluffton, New York Mills, Perham, Vergas and Dent. A new section of trail from Henning to Vining has opened, so snowmobilers can now travel from Ottertail all the way down to Inspiration Peak - what a view!
Brainerd Lakes Area
Snowmobilers and cross-country skiers are out enjoying the trails at Crow Wing State Park - both trails are reported to be in excellent condition, with a 6 inch groomed surface. The trails are considered to be the best they've been in years! Just under a foot of snow covers the ground within the park. The nearby Pillsbury State Forest ski trails were groomed today and have a 10-14 inch base - conditions are excellent! The snowmobile trails were recently groomed, and are reported to also be in excellent condition. The trail base measures 4-6 inches. The ground is covered in 26 inches of snow.
Little Falls
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park ski trails were groomed and tracked on January 11, following 2-3 of fresh snow. Skiers report good conditions. The trail base measures 5 inches, with nearly a foot of snow in the woods. A Candlelight Ski, Snowshoe and Hike will be offered Saturday, January 22 from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
New London -north of Willmar
The classic and skate ski trails at Sibley State Park are fully groomed, with a 9 inch base. Conditions are reported to be excellent. The snowmobile trails are also groomed and in excellent condition. The sliding hill has been groomed as well, and the snowshoe and hiking trails have been packed. Approximately 16 inches of snow covers the ground at Sibley. Nearby, the Glacial Lakes State Trail is fully groomed, and in good condition for skiing, and very good condition for snowmobiling. There is 17-18 inches of snow on the ground. Please note that the snowmobile trail entrance is located about 3/4-mile south of the park entrance.
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity
Center City
The Wild River State Park ski trails are in very good condition, with all trails being regroomed this week. The classic and skate ski trails have a 2-4 inch base. Local snow depth is roughly 1 foot. Ski and snowshoe rental concessions are available on weekends and holidays at the park's Trail Center. For more information, dial 651/257-0685. And don't miss the free, family-friendly Candlelight Ski event at Wild River from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. this Saturday, January 15.
Afton - north of Hastings
The beginner loop and the river trails at Afton State Park are groomed and in very good condition. The prairie loops and Oliver Charley area have a good track, and will be groomed before the weekend. The trails are covered with 1-2 inches of fresh snow. Overall, the base measures 6 inches. Snowshoeing is great, and new rentals are available. Nearly 1 foot of snow covers the ground at Afton.
St. Paul/Stillwater
The Gateway State Trail is reported to be in good shape. The base is roughly 6 inches thick, with snowcover measuring 16 inches. The section from Cayuga to Hwy. 12 has been plowed. The section from Hwy. 12 to Pine Point Park has been groomed and track has been set. Parking lots are at 55th Avenue and Hwy 96 - they have been cleared of snow, and parking is available.
Monticello -north of Buffalo
All Lake Maria State Park ski trails have been groomed and tracked. Overall, conditions are very good to excellent. The base averages 4 inches, and snowcover is roughly 15 inches. There are 22 kilometers of classic ski trail, and 5 kilometers of skate ski trail within the park. In addition, 3 miles of packed trail are available for winter hiking and snowshoeing, and there are ski-in camper cabins and secluded log cabins with wood stoves for rent. Reserve on-line or at 1-866-857-2757.
Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott and Wright county parks
All traditional and skate ski trails within the Three Rivers Park District are open, packed and tracked, with most reported to be 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 Golf Course in Minnetonka, Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington, and Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage. Sliding hills are also open and in good condition. For the most current trail conditions, dial 763/559-6778. Please note that high school Nordic ski races are held in some parks during the winter season - skiers are asked to check the race schedule prior to planning an outing. 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 groomed and in good condition for snowmobiling. The trail base measures 5-7 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. Local snow depth is 9 inches.
Southern Region
Frontenac -south of Red Wing
Frontenac State Park trails have been freshly groomed, with conditions having improved considerably. The cross country ski trails are reported to be in excellent condition, and the snowmobile trails are now in very good condition. The base of the trails measures 6 inches. Snowshoes are available for rent, and reports have been very good from recent visitors. The sliding hill is also in very good shape. Area snowcover is just over one foot.
Preston
All three ski loops have been freshly tracked at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. The ski trails are in excellent condition, and the snowmobile trails are in very good condition. Both have a 6 inch base. Three local snowmobile clubs worked together late last fall to make the trails through the park wider. In addition, a temporary bridge was installed over Canfield Creek, making the stream crossing much easier. Local snow depth is just under a foot. Nearby, the Harmony-Preston Valley and Root River state trails are groomed and in very good condition for skiing. Nearly a foot of snow covers the ground in this area.
Waterville - west of Faribault
Sakatah Lake State Park trail conditions are good for skiing and snowmobiling. The trail base measures 8 inches for skiing, and 4 inches for snowmobiling. The trails should be regroomed for the weekend. Area snow cover is 22 inches. The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail that runs through the park currently offers very good conditions for skiing, and good conditions for snowmobiling. The snowmobile trail is only partially groomed. The ski trail base is 3-4 inches, and the snowmobile trails has a base measuring 3-10 inches. Local snow depth is 12-16 inches. Please note that the area around the new Hwy. 12 bridge and trail crossover, just outside Mankato, is an active construction site and everyone must stay on the trail.
Owatonna
Rice Lake State Park offers trails for both skiing and snowmobiling. Conditions are excellent for both, and the trails are groomed. The base of the trails measures 12-14 inches. Local snow depth is nearly a foot and a half.
Fairfax - northwest of New Ulm
The Fort Ridgely State Park ski trails are groomed, with a 10 inch base. Snow has drifted into the tracks in the exposed areas, and conditions have been downgraded to good. The snowmobile trails have been groomed, and are in excellent condition, with an 8 inch base. A tubing hill is also available. Just over a foot of snow is on the ground in this area.
Luverne
Blue Mounds State Park staff report that the snowmobile trail is groomed and in good condition, with a 6 inch base. Local snow depth is 20 inches. Parking is available at the trailhead.
