January 7, 2010 Explore Minnesota Winter Trails Report
Ski trail conditions are very good to excellent at parks such as McCarthy Beach, Hayes Lake, Maplewood, Lake Carlos, Sibley, Nerstrand Big Woods, Lac qui Parle, Rice Lake, and Upper Sioux Agency state parks, as well as in the Faribault, Ely and Grand Marais vicinities. Just some of the areas offering very good to excellent snowmobile trail conditions include Hayes Lake, Banning, Lake Carlos, Nerstrand Big Woods, Lake Shetek and Rice Lake state parks, along with trails running through Voyageurs National Park. Portions of the Sakatah Singing Hills, Luce Line and Willard Munger state trails are also great for snowmobiling. 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.
Northeast Region
International Falls
Snowmobiling is in full swing in Voyageurs National Park and travel is very good on all of the major snowmobile trails. Recent cold temperatures have minimized slush conditions. Please watch for and avoid all areas where "Thin Ice" signs are posted. Park staff continue to evaluate ice thickness in preparation for grooming operations in the near future. All ski and snowshoe trails are open. 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 good. The trails are packed and groomed. The snowmobile trail loop that runs through the park has not been groomed, however snowmobilers riding this portion of the trail 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. Local snow depth is 9 inches. The nearby Grand Rapids section of the Taconite State Snowmobile Trail is also reported to be in fair condition, with a 1-2 inch groomed surface.
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 most of the Red Top system. The snowmobile trails are groomed and in fair to good condition, with rough spots in the swampy areas. The trails have a 2-3 inch base. The area is covered in 8 inches of snow.
Ely
The Ely vicinity has roughly 8 inches of snow on the ground. The Hidden Valley and Babbitt Golf Course trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing. The ski trail base is approximately 3-6 inches, and ski conditions are reported to be good to excellent. There is a minimal base on the snowmobile trails at this time. Some trails are being packed, but grooming will have to wait until more snow is received. Conditions are poor. Trail conditions can change on a daily basis - please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.
Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail
The Grand Marais vicinity received 4-8 inches of snow this past week. 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. The cross-country ski trails in the western part of Cook County, near Lutsen and Tofte, have a 2-12 inch trail base, and many are groomed for both classic and skate skiing. The Deer Yard Lake Trail has the best ski trail conditions in this area. Closer to Grand Marais and up the Gunflint Trail, Pincushion Mountain offers excellent conditions for classic skiing and good conditions for skate skiing. The base is several inches thick. Up the Gunflint Trail, the Banadad Trails and the mid-Gunflint Trails are in good shape as well. The upper Gunflint Trails have less snow, but several trails are now groomed and tracked. Snowmobilers are reporting good early season conditions. Riders can access the State Trail from town.
Two Harbors
The ski trails at Gooseberry Falls State Park are groomed and in fair condition, with a 6 inch base. The snowmobile trails remain ungroomed and in poor condition. The ground is covered in 6-12 inches of snow, with lesser amounts towards Lake Superior. The ski and snowshoe trails are icy in some areas. The waterfalls are exceptionally beautiful with all of the snow and ice. Visitors are enjoying all of the wildlife sightings, along with lots of wolf, pine martin and fox tracks. To the north,
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. The trail will be narrow in some areas due to hanging brush. Please use caution while riding since trail conditions will vary.
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 3-4 inch base. Other sections of the Willard Munger Trail are in fair condition. Local snow depth is 8-16 inches.
Carlton
The CCC and Thomson Ski Trails at Jay Cooke State Park are partially groomed and in good condition. The trail base is roughly 1 foot. The snowmobile trails running through Jay Cooke are reportedly in fair condition, with a similar base. 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 groomed. They are in good condition, with a 6 inch base. Area snowmobile trails are also groomed, and these trails have a 4 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.
Hinckley
All snowmobile trails running through St. Croix State Park are groomed and in good Condition, with a 3 inch base. Snowmobile traffic has been very light. Please note that the Kettle River Crossing remains closed due to unknown ice conditions, open water and flooding. The cross-country ski trails are also groomed and in good condition. The ground is covered in roughly 9 inches of snow.
Northwest Region
Roseau
Roughly 19 inches of snow covers the ground at Hayes Lake State Park. The ski and snowmobile trails are groomed and in very good to excellent condition. Both have an 8 inch base. Anglers and snowmobilers should use caution due to flooding on the ice - always test ice thickness as you move across the lake.
Bemidji
Lake Bemidji State Park currently offers good 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.
Park Rapids
The ski trails at Itasca State Park are partially packed and tracked for classic and skate skiing, and conditions are reported to be good. Fair conditions are reported for the snowmobile trails. The trails are somewhat rough after heavy use over the New Year's weekend. Nearly 1 foot of snow covers the ground in this area.
Glyndon -east of Moorhead
The ski trails at Buffalo River State Park are groomed and in good 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 3-5 inch base. Trail conditions throughout Becker County are considered mostly good. Area snow depth is 10-12 inches. 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
Pelican Rapids
The 11 kilometers of ski trails at Maplewood State Park are groomed, tracked, and in excellent condition. The snowmobile trails are also groomed, and reported to be in good condition. The trails have a 4-8 inch base. Some drifting has occured in the open areas. Snow on the ground measures 14 inches.
Carlos - north of Alexandria
Lake Carlos State Park cross-country ski and snowmobile trails have a 4-5 inch groomed surface. Both trails are in very good condition. Local snow depth is just over 1 foot.
Onamia
Both the ski and snowmobile trails have been groomed at Mille Lacs-Kathio State Park, and conditions are reported to be good. Both trails have a 4 inch base. The ground is covered in 14 inches of snow. Towards the city of Brainerd, Crow Wing State Park offers good conditions along their groomed ski and snowmobile trails. The snowmobile trails are becoming thin with tufts of grass showing at some of the corners.
Monticello
All ski trails within Lake Maria State Park have been groomed and tracked. The base measures 4-6 inches, and conditions are fair to good. The cold temperatures have left the track very hard and fast. Milder temperatures should help soften the track. 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 12-14 inches. And on Saturday, January 16, head to Lake Maria for Winter Fun Day!
New London/north of Willmar
Conditions for skiing at Sibley State Park are very good, and the trails have a 6 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails have 2-4 inch groomed surface, and are reported to be in good shape. There is approximately 13 inches of snow on the ground in this area. The nearby Glacial Lakes State Snowmobile Trail is in fair condition, and partially groomed.
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. All 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.
Minnetonka/Glencoe
The Luce Line State Trail is groomed and reported to offer very good conditions for snowmobiling. The trail base measures roughly 6-7 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. Please note that the trail will be closed for approximately 2 days due to construction between Hutchinson Road and Rose Avenue in Carver County the week of January 11-15 . Check back later for exact dates. The eastern ski trail is ungroomed and in fair condition, with a 2 inch base. Local snow depth is 14 inches.
Almelund -east of North Branch
All of Wild River State Park's ski trails have been groomed and tracked. Groomers will be out touching things up and regroomng on Thursday and Friday after the Wednesday night - Thursday morning snowfall. 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. 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 are fully groomed, tracked and in good condition. The track is hard and fast, however, and will not be regroomed until more snow is received. Most sections of trail have a 5 inch base. Snowshoe rentals have been selling out so reservations are recommended. Local snow depth is 9 inches.
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 very good condition, with some rough spots at the trail entrances and a couple of areas along the trail where the grooming equipment became stuck. Both trails have a base measuring 8-10 inches. Current conditions are perfect for snowshoeing. Local snow depth is 20 inches.
Frontenac -south of Red Wing
The ski and snowmobile trails have been groomed at Frontenac State Park. The base measures 4 inches thick on both trails, and conditions are good. Approximately 10 inches of snow covers the ground. And just to the south, near the city of Winona, Great River Bluffs State Park is blanketed in 12 inches of snow. The ski trails are hard packed and icy in the open areas, and slightly better under the canopy. Overall, the trails are in fair condition, with an 8 inch base. Grooming has been suspended until more snow is received.
Elba - west of Winona
Whitewater State Park ski trails are entirely groomed, and conditions are good. The trail base averages 4 inches. Snow cover measures 11 inches. Snowshoes are available at the Visitors Center.
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 snowmobiling. Skiers and snowmobilers report very good conditions. The ski trail base measures 2 inches. The snowmobile trail base measures 2-6 inches. There is 14-16 inches of snow on the ground in this area. At nearby Sakatah Lake State Park, conditions are similar.
Montivideo
Local skiers claim that the Lac qui Parle State Park ski trails are the best they've ever been, and conditions are reported to be excellent! The trails have a base measuring up to 1 foot, and all trails are groomed.
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 is hard and measures 6 inches. Local snow depth is 12-20 inches.
Currie - north of Slayton
Park officials report the best snowmobile trail conditions at Lake Shetek State Park in years! The base of the trail measures 4-6 inches, and riders consider the trails to be in excellent condition. Local snow depth is nearly 2 feet.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources State Climatology Office and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
