February 4, 2010 Explore Minnesota Winter Trails Report
At present, conditions are good to excellent for cross-country skiing at McCarthy Beach, Cascade River, Tettegouche, Banning, St. Croix, Zipple Bay, Lake Bemidji, Maplewood, Charels A. Lindbergh, Lake Maria, Sibley, Wild River, Afton, Sakatah Lake, Flandrau, Lac Qui Parle, Forestville, and Myre Big Island state parks, as well as in the Ely and Grand Marais vicinities. The Three Rivers Park District parks also offer good conditions on their ski trails. Just some of the areas offering good to excellent conditions for snowmobiling include McCarthy Beach, St. Croix, Zipple Bay, Lake Bronson, Old Mill, Lake Bemidji, Sibley, Sakatah Lake, Lake Shetek and Myre Big Island state parks. Some or all of the Arrowhead, Taconite, North Shore, Willard Munger, Luce Line and Sakatah Singing Hills state trails are also great for snowmobiling, as well as trails running through the International Falls/Voyageurs National Park, Ely and Grand Marais vicinities. Temperatures will turn more moderate this weekend. Snow is in the forecast for much of the state over the next few days, which should improve conditions even more. 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.
Northeast Region
International Falls
The snowmobile trails running through Voyageurs National Park are open and staked, and conditions are great. Regularly updated trail conditions are 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 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 6 inches. Local snow depth is 18-22 inches. Good 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. At Bear Head Lake State Park, the snowmobile trails are groomed and in good condition, with a base measuring 4 inches. The ski trails have a 5-7 inch groomed surface, and are reported to be in very good condition. The Ely Winter Festival, held February 4-14, offers additional fun outdoor activities, as well as lots of indoor entertainment. This is a great time to visit the area! 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 3-6 inches of snow this past week. The total amount of snow increases rapidly as you move inland, away from Lake Superior. At the mid-Gunflint Trail, trails are in good to excellent condition. The base of the trails measures roughly 10 inches. Similar conditions are reported for area snowmobile trails.
Lutsen
Cascade River State Park ski trails are rolled within the park and tracked further inland. The inland trails are reported to be in good condition, and lakeside trails are considered poor. The trail base measures roughly 3 inches. The DeerYard & Pioneer loops groomed by Cascade Lodge are reported to be in good to excellent condition. The snowmobile trails are in fair condition, with a 3 inch base. 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. The snowmobile trails have an 8 inch base, and are also in very good condition. Both trails are groomed. The snow is roughly 6 inches deep near the shore, and approximately 2 feet away from shore.
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 22 inches of snow on the ground. The entire trail has been groomed, and will be regroomed later this week.
Hinckley/ Duluth
Most sections of the Willard Munger State Trail are in 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 there is considerable logging activity taking place along the Gandy Dancer Trail. Local snow depth is 6-22 inches.
Sandstone
Banning State Park ski trails are groomed and in very good condition, with a 5 inch base. Area snowmobile trails are also groomed. These trails have a 3 inch base, and conditions are reported to be good. 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 2-3 inch base. The cross-country ski trails are also groomed and are reported to be in very good condition. The trail base measures 4-6 inches. The Kettle River Crossing has 18-20 inches of ice at the crossing point. Crossing is at your own risk, and caution must be used. The ground is covered in roughly 8 inches of snow.
Northwest Region
Williams -northwest of Baudette
Zippel Bay State Park offers excellent conditions for skiing and snowmobiling! All trails are groomed, with a 6 inch base. The ground is covered in roughly 16 inches of snow.
Lake Bronson -southeast of Hallock
Skiers report fair conditions at Lake Bronson State Park. There is a 4 inch base, with 9 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 very good condition. The overall base measures 3 inches. 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.
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 just over 1 foot.
Central Region
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. Snow on the ground is roughly 16 inches.
Little Falls
The ski trails at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park are groomed with a 5 inch base. The park's new grooming equipment has dramatically improved the quality of the grooming, and conditions are now good. Don't miss the Candlelight Ski, Snowshoe & Hike held at the park on Saturday, February 6, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Area snowcover measures roughly 9 inches.
Monticello
Three inches of snow fell on February 2, and all ski trails within Lake Maria State Park have now been freshly groomed and tracked. The base measures 6 inches, and conditions are very good. 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 14 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 very good. The trails have a 6 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails have 3-5 inch groomed surface, and are also reported to be in very good shape. There is just over a foot of snow on the ground in this area. The nearby Glacial Lakes State Snowmobile Trail is considered to be in good condition, with a 3-5 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 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.
Minnetonka/Glencoe
The Luce Line State Trail is freshly groomed and is reported to be in excellent condition for snowmobiling. The trail base measures 4-5 inches. The trail will be regroomed Friday, February 5. 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 8-10 inches.
Almelund -east of North Branch
An additional 2-1/2 inches of snow fell on February 2 and groomers are out on the trails. All trails should be fully groomed by Friday, when conditions are expected to vary from good to excellent. There is currently 10 inches of snow on the ground at Wild River State Park, and the ski trails have a 2-5 inch base on the trails. 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.
St. Paul/Stillwater
The Gateway State Trail is an 18-mile, converted rail-trail for non-motorized trail use. The trail begins in the city of St. Paul and travels northeast through the cities of Maplewood, North St. Paul and Oakdale, ending at Pine Point Regional Park located just 4 miles northwest of the city of Stillwater. The trail was tracked and groomed for skiing on February 2, and conditions are good. The trail base measures 5 inches. Roughly 11 inches of snow is on the ground in this area.
Afton -north of Hastings
The fifteen miles of ski trails within Afton State Park are currently being groomed and trail conditions have been good. If conditions remain the same through Saturday, February 6, the Candlelight Hike, Snowshoe & Ski will take place. Most sections of trail have a 5 inch base. Local snow depth is 8 inches.
Southern Region
Frontenac -south of Red Wing
The ski and snowmobile trails are groomed at Frontenac State Park, but conditions are fair to poor. The trails have a 1-2 inch base. Snowshoe rental is available at the park office. Approximately 7 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 nearby Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail and Root River State Trail are partially groomed and in good condition for skiing, with a 3 inch base. The ground is covered in 10-12 inches of snow. And, towards the city of Caledonia, Beaver Creek Valley State Park also offers good conditions for skiing. Local snow depth is roughly 9 inches.
Albert Lea
The ski trails are groomed and in very good to excellent condition at Myre-Big Island State Park. The trail base measures 3-7 inches. The base of the snowmobile trails is 2-5 inches, and conditions are good. Please call ahead for up-to-date trail conditions before traveling. Local snow depth remains roughly 11 inches.
Faribault/Mankato
The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail was groomed for skiing and snowmobiling after a few inches of new snowfall a few days earlier. Skiers and snowmobilers report good to very good conditions. The ski trail base measures 2 inches. The snowmobile trail base measures 2-5 inches. There is 10-17 inches of snow covering the ground in this area. At nearby Sakatah Lake State Park, conditions are good to very good for both skiing and snowmobiling. The trail base is somewhat deeper than the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail base.
New Ulm
The cross country ski trails at Flandrau State Park are groomed and in good 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 excellent condition. The trails are groomed with a base measuring up to 1 foot. Rain is falling at the time of this report, however it is expected to turn to snow shortly. Grooming will be done as needed.
Currie - north of Slayton
The snowmobile trails are in good condition at Lake Shetek State Park. The trail base measures 3 inches. Roughly 1 1/2 feet of snow covers the ground in this area.
