At present, conditions are good to excellent for cross-country skiing at McCarthy Beach, Cascade, Tettegouche, Gooseberry, Banning, St. Croix, Zipple Bay, Lake Bronson, Lake Bemidji, Itasca, Maplewood, Savanna Portage, and Myre Big Island state parks, as well as in the Ely, Grand Marais and Alexandria vicinities. Just some of the areas offering good to excellent conditions for snowmobiling include McCarthy Beach, Cascade, Tettegouche, Gooseberry, St. Croix, Zipple Bay, Lake Bemidji, Itasca, Savanna Portage, and Myre Big Island state parks. Some or all of the Arrowhead, Taconite, North Shore and Willard Munger state trails are also great for snowmobiling, as well as trails running through the Ely, Grand Marais and Alexandria vicinities. Temperatures will turn more moderate this weekend. No precipitation is in the forecast. As always, please call ahead for the most current 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
The Koochiching State Forest Tilson Creek ski trails are in very good condition. The trails have a 9 inch partially groomed surface. Local snow depth is 20 inches. The snowmobile trails running through Voyageurs National Park are open and staked, and park staff are working throughout the week to clear brush and windfall from last weekend's rain and snow mixture. Clearing of the Kettle Falls Portage Trail has been difficult and may not be completed by this weekend. Travel to Kettle Falls may be slow going in those areas where the portage trail has not been cleared. The Chain of Lakes Trail and the Blue Trail will not be brushed until next week. 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.
Hibbing
McCarthy Beach State Park ski trails are groomed and in good condition, with a 6 inch partially groomed surface. The snowmobile trails are fully groomed and in good condition overall, with some rough spots and areas with debris. The trail has a 4 inch base. Snow cover in the park measures roughly 8 inches. Towards the city of Tower, at the intersection with the Taconite Trail, the Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail has been partially groomed. Conditions are reported to be good, and best on the northerly end where the snow base is deeper. The trail base ranges from 4-6 inches. Local snow depth is 18-22 inches. Similar conditions are reported for the Taconite State Trail running through St. Louis County. Please note that there is a considerable amount of brush on the trails due to the recent snow storm. Please use extreme caution and a slower speed as some areas are dangerous. And, always use caution on lakes and inquire about current ice conditions before venturing out.
Ely
The Ely vicinity has roughly 14 inches of snow on the ground. The Hidden Valley, Trezona, Birch Lake Plantation and Babbitt Golf Course trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing. The ski trail base measures 8 inches or more, and ski conditions are reported to be good to excellent. Area lakes have been staked for lake travel. Please follow the staked snowmobile trails when choosing lake travel. The Tomahawk Trail from Ely to the Knotted Pine has now been rolled and packed, and conditions are fair to good, with a base measuring roughly 4 inches or more. The trail from Burntside Lake to Lake Vermilion has a 4 inch groomed surface, and is also in good condition. Other local trails are in the process of being groomed and should be in good condition once groomed. Don't forget the Eighth Annual Fun Run snowmobile event taking place in Ely, Babbitt and Tower this Saturday, January 30. To learn more, go to
www.ely.org. Please note that 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 up to 10 inches of snow late last weekend, with the majority falling in areas immediately inland, away from Lake Superior. The mid-Gunflint Trail reported the greatest accumulation, and the upper Gunflint Trail received up to half a foot. Grooming is in progress and the trails will have new tracks for skiing and snowmobiling this coming weekend. Once grooming is complete, all trails branching from the Gunflint Trail should be in excellent shape.
Lutsen
Cascade River State Park ski trails are groomed and in good to excellent condition, with the best conditions inland - lakeside trails are in poor condition. The trail base measures 3 inches. The DeerYard & Pioneer loops groomed by Cascade Lodge are also reported to be in good to excellent condition. The ground is covered in 7 inches of snow. To the south, Tettegouche State Park ski trails are in very good condition, with a 12 inch groomed surface after last Sunday's 5-10 inch snowfall. The snowmobile trails are in good condition, with an 8 inch base. These trails are also groomed. Please watch for stumps, rocks and logs along the way. The snow is roughly 6 inches deep near the shore, and roughly 2 feet away from shore.
Two Harbors
The ski and snowmobile trails at Gooseberry Falls State Park are groomed and in good condition, with a 6 inch base. The ground is covered in 6-12 inches of snow, with lesser amounts towards Lake Superior. Some sections remain icy. 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.
Duluth/Grand Marais
Conditions for the North Shore State Snowmobile Trail are good. Overall, there is an 8 inch base along the trail, with approximately 18 inches of snow on the ground. The entire trail is being groomed this week. The snow and ice storm that occurred last weekend has made the trail narrow in some areas due to trees, branches and brush hanging over the trail. The trail will be groomed again on Friday & Saturday night. Please note that the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon starts in Duluth at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 31 and runs the entire length of trail until Thursday, February 4. The trail remains open to snowmobilers, however extreme caution must be used.
Hinckley/ Duluth
Most sections of the Willard Munger State Trail are in fair to good condition for snowmobiling. The trail is mostly groomed, with a 2-5 inch base. Some of the best conditions can be found on the northernmost portion of the trail and within the Nemadji State Forest - please note that a large amount of logging activity is taking place along the Gandy Dancer Trail. Local snow depth is 6-22 inches.
Carlton
The ski trails at Jay Cooke State Park are mostly groomed and in fair condition. The trail base is roughly 8 inches. The snowmobile trails running through Jay Cooke are also in fair condition, with a similar base. Approximately 11 inches of snow covers the ground in this area.
Sandstone
Banning State Park ski trails are groomed. They are in good condition, with a 5 inch base. Segments of the trails may be glazed due to limited fresh snow coverage. Area snowmobile trails have not been groomed since January 5. These trails have a 3 inch base, with ground exposed along some portions of the trail. Conditions are reported to be fair. There is a snowmobile parking lot at Banning Junction Restaurant & C-Store. Local snow depth is roughly 9 inches.
Hinckley
All snowmobile trails running through St. Croix State Park are groomed and in good condition, with a 5 inch base. The eastern section of the trail loop has a lot of branches leaning into it so use caution when travelling on this portion of the snowmobile trail. The cross-country ski trails are also groomed and are reported to be in very good condition. The ground is covered in roughly 14 inches of snow.
Northwest Region
Williams -northwest of Baudette
Zippel Bay State Park offers excellent conditions for skiing. All trails are groomed and tracked after 5 inches of new snow over the weekend. The trails will be spruced up the end of this week in time for the Friday night Candlelight Ski. The snowmobile trails are ungroomed and in good condition, with a 6 inch base. The ground is covered in roughly 16 inches of snow.
Lake Bronson -southeast of Hallock
Skiers report very good conditions at Lake Bronson State Park. There is a 4 inch base, with 8 inches of snow on the ground. A warming area with flush toilets is available at the Visitors Center. The snowmobile trail is groomed and in fair condition. The overall base measures 2 inches. The annual Candlelight Ski will be held this Saturday, January 30, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Similar snowmobile trails conditions are being reported for nearby Old Mill State Park. The park ski trails are reported to be in fair condition. Dried kindling and firewood are available in the Picnic Shelter to warm the building. Old Mill's Candlelight Snowshoe event has been rescheduled for Friday, January 29.
Bemidji
Lake Bemidji State Park currently offers excellent conditions on their cross-country ski and snowmobile trails. The trails have been groomed, and have a 5 inch base. The trail center is typically open daily, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Local snow depth is roughly 15 inches.
Lake Itasca - north of Park Rapids
The ski trails at Itasca State Park are packed and tracked for classic and skate skiing, and conditions are reported to be good. Good conditions are also being reported for the snowmobile trails, however expect some trees and branches to be hanging over the trails after the recent snow and ice storm. Just over a foot of snow covers the ground in this area.
Detroit Lakes
The Winter Wonderland Snowmobile Trails in the Detroit Lakes vicinity are groomed, with a 0-3 inch base after the recent warm temperatures. Grooming has been suspended until more snow is received, at which point the trails may once again be in good to excellent condition. Area snow depth is 8-10 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
McGregor
Conditions for skiing within Savanna Portage State Park are good. The trails have a 3-6 inch base, and have been groomed. There are more than 20 miles of groomed ski trails within the park and the adjoining Remote Lake Solitude Area. The trails through the park are 6 feet wide with a track down the middle, whereas the Remote Lake trails are 12-16 feet wide with a track down one side. There are thirty-two miles of groomed snowmobile trails accessible from the park. These trails have a 2-4 inch base, and are also groomed and in good condition. The ground is covered in roughly 16 inches of snow.
Pelican Rapids
The 11 kilometers of ski trails at Maplewood State Park are groomed, tracked, and in very good condition. The snowmobile trails are partially groomed, and considered to be in fair condition. The ski trails have a 4-8 inch base, and the snowmobile trail base measures 0-4 inches. The snowmobile trails are showing some bare areas. Snow on the ground is roughly 15 inches.
Alexandria Lakes Area
The Douglas Area Trails Association (DATA) trails in the Alexandria Lakes area are entirely open. Recent snowfall has left the trails in good to very good condition. The trails will be groomed twice this week - once to "repair" the trails and a later session to spruce them up in time for the weekend riders. Local snow depth ranges from 6-18 inches. Lake Carlos State Park snowmobile trails have a 4 inch groomed surface, and are in very good condition. The cross-country ski trails are in the process of being groomed, and should be in very good condition once grooming is complete. Local snow depth is just over one foot.
Brainerd Lakes Area
The Land O' Lakes State Forest Washburn Lake ski trails are groomed and in fair condition. The base of the trail measures 4-5 inches, with a foot of snow on the ground. Crow Wing State Park offers fair conditions along their ski and snowmobile trails. The trails are partially groomed, with a 3-5 inch base. The snowmobile trails are becoming thin with tufts of grass showing at some of the corners. At the nearby Pillsbury State Forest, both the ski and snowmobile trails are in fair condition. The ski trail has a 3-5 inch groomed surface, and the snowmobile trail is groomed with a 0-2 inch base. Local snow depth is 8-12 inches. Trail conditions in the Brainerd Lakes Area are mostly fair due to last week's rain and heavy traffic, despite several inches of new snowfall. To learn more, visit the Brainerd Lakes area web site.
Onamia
Both the ski and snowmobile trails have a 4 inch groomed surface at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, and conditions are reported to be fair. The ski trails will be regroomed this week for the annual Candlelight Ski held this Saturday, January 30. The ground is covered in 10 inches of snow.
Monticello
All ski trails within Lake Maria State Park have been groomed and tracked. The base measures 4-6 inches, and conditions are mostly good, aside from some icy patches along the way. 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 10 inches. Ski-in camper cabins are available for winter dates - to learn more, dial 1-866-857-2757.
New London/north of Willmar
Conditions for skiing at Sibley State Park are reported to be in fair to good condition after last week's rainstorm. The trails have a 5 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails have 2-4 inch groomed surface, and are reported to be in good shape. There is approximately 1 foot of snow on the ground in this area. The nearby Glacial Lakes State Snowmobile Trail is also in good condition, with a 2-4 inch groomed surface.
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 fair to good condition, including at Baker Park Reserve in Maple Plain, 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. 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 freshly groomed and in fair to good condition for snowmobiling. The trail base measures roughly 3-4 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. This eastern ski trail segment is ungroomed and in fair condition, with a 2 inch base. Local snow depth is 6-9 inches.
Almelund -east of North Branch
Despite the recent warm temperatures, the trails are holding up well. All of Wild River State Park's ski trails have been groomed and tracked. There is roughly 7 inches of snow on the ground, with a 1-4 inch base on the trails. Most trails are in fair condition. Trails in the wooded areas of the park are in the best condition. There may be some thin, windblown spots on the open sections of the trails, as well as areas of hard-packed frozen slush. Lots of Trumpeter Swans can be seen on the river below the 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. And don't miss the Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe event on Saturday, January 30. For rental information or to learn more, dial 651/257-0685.
Afton -north of Hastings
The fifteen miles of ski trails within Afton State Park are icy and in poor to fair condition. Grooming will not resume until more snow is received. Most sections of trail have a 2 inch base. Local snow depth is 4 inches. Snowshoe rentals have been selling out so reservations are recommended.
Southern Region
Nerstrand -south of Northfield
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park ski and snowmobile trails are groomed and in fair condition. The trail base measures 4-6 inches. Conditions are also fair for snowshoeing. Local snow depth is roughly 15 inches. Ice is building on the falls as the creek continues to flow. Please keep in mind that Prairie Creek may look snow covered in areas but there is open water in some places. Mark your calendar for the Moonlight Ski on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Please call ahead for information.
Frontenac -south of Red Wing
The ski and snowmobile trails are groomed, but very icy and in poor condition at Frontenac State Park. Snowshoe rental is available at the park office and the sledding hill has been very popular. Approximately 8 inches of snow covers the ground.
Preston
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park ski and snowmobile trails are reported to be in good condition. The trails are mostly groomed, with a 6 inch base. The ground is covered in 10 inches of snow. The nearby Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail and Root River State Trail are groomed and in fair condition for skiing, but the tracks are icy and rough in some areas. And, towards the city of Caledonia, sleet and rain fell for several days on Beaver Creek Valley State Park, resulting in poor and icy conditions for skiing. Local snow depth is 6 inches.
Albert Lea
The ski and snowmobile trails are groomed and in good condition at Myre-Big Island State Park. The ski trail base measures 2-7 inches. The base of the snowmobile trails is 2-6 inches. Recent warm temperatures and freezing rain did not impact the trails as much as expected. Please call ahead for up-to-date trail conditions before traveling. Local snow depth remains roughly 10 inches.
Faribault/Mankato
The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail is partially groomed for skiing and snowmobiling. Skiers and snowmobilers report fair to good conditions. The ski trail base measures 2 inches. The snowmobile trail base measures 1-5 inches. There is 10-14 inches of snow covering the ground in this area. At nearby Sakatah Lake State Park, conditions are fair for both skiing and snowmobiling. The trail base is deeper than the base on the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, however it is icy in some places. The fresh snow on top has helped to improve traction.
New Ulm
The cross country ski trails at Flandrau State Park are groomed, but in poor condition, with a 5 inch base. Flandrau rents cross country ski equipment and snowshoes. Please call ahead to reserve. Local snow depth is 14 inches.
Montevideo
Park staff report that the ski trails at Lac qui Parle State Park are in poor condition after the rain storm turned to ice late last weekend.
