Explore Minnesota Winter Trails Report February 11, 2010
Last weekend's snowstorm dropped large amounts of snow on most areas of the state, resulting in greatly improved ski and snowmobile trail conditions.
Very good to excellent cross-country ski trail conditions can be found throughout the state, including at Cascade River, Tettegouche, Jay Cooke, Savanna Portage, Zipple Bay, Hayes Lake, Lake Bronson, Old Mill, Lake Bemidji, Itasca, Maplewood, Lake Carlos, Mille Lacs-Kathio, Sibley, Lake Maria, Afton, William O'Brien, Nerstrand Big Woods, Frontenac, Great River Bluffs, Forestville/Mystery Cave, Whitewater, Rice Lake, Sakatah Lake, Flandrau and Upper Sioux Agency state parks, as well as in the Ely, Grand Marais and Brainerd vicinities. Just some of the areas offering very good to excellent conditions for snowmobiling include Jay Cooke, Savanna Portage, Zipple Bay, Hayes Lake, Big Bog State Recreation Area, Lake Bemidji, Maplewood, Lake Carlos, Sibley, Nerstrand Big Woods, Forestville/Mystery Cave, Rice Lake, Sakatah Lake and Lake Shetek state parks. Some or all of the Willard Munger and Paul Bunyan state trails are also great for snowmobiling, as well as trails running through the International Falls/Voyageurs National Park, Detroit Lakes and Brainerd Lakes vicinities. Temperatures will be more moderate this weekend. 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 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.
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Northeast Region
International Falls
The Koochiching State Forest Tilson Creek ski trails are in excellent shape. The trails have a 10 inch groomed surface. Local snow depth is 20 inches. The snowmobile trails running through Voyageurs National Park are open and staked, and conditions are great. The groomers are operating on a regular schedule. Please note that there may be some thin patches where trails meet logging operations, but they are short. All cross-country ski and snowshoe trails are open and tracked. New ice roads have been opened, and anglers now have greater access to areas east of Black Bay, with lots of walleye, crappies and northern pike being pulled through the ice. Regularly updated trail conditions are available through Voyageurs National Park.
Hibbing/Tower
At the intersection with the Taconite Trail, the Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail has been groomed. Conditions are reported to be good. The trail base is 4-6 inches. There is still quite a bit of brush on the trails since the January 23-24 ice storm, and trees over-hanging the trail have left it narrow in many areas. Please use extreme caution. Local snow depth is 18-22 inches. Good conditions are also reported for the Taconite State Trail running through St. Louis County. There is also a considerable amount of brush on the trails. And, always use caution on lakes and inquire about current ice conditions before venturing out.
Ely
The Ely vicinity received a couple more inches of snow last Sunday night which brings area snow depth to roughly 16 inches. The snowmobile trails are groomed twice weekly and are mostly in good condition, with a 4-6 inch base. Conditions on the Tomahawk Trail from Ely to Knotted Pine are fair, with some exposed rocks - more snow is still needed on this section of trail. Trail conditions are good from Knotted Pine to the North Shore Trail. Crews continue to work on clearing the trails of low and broken branches. Area lakes have been staked for lake travel. Please follow the staked snowmobile trails when choosing lake travel. The Hidden Valley, Trezona, Birch Lake Plantation and Babbitt Golf Course trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing. The ski trail base measures 10 or more inches, and conditions are reported to be good to excellent. Trails are groomed on Friday afternoons. Back country skiing has greatly improved, however, please watch for low and fallen branches on all trails. 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 4-6 inch groomed surface, and are reported to be in very good condition. Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis - please call ahead for the most current trail conditions. And, the Ely Winter Festival will continue through February 14, offering additional fun outdoor activities, as well as lots of indoor entertainment. This is a great time to visit Ely!
Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail
The Grand Marais vicinity received 2-10 inches of new snow this past week. This snowfall has resulted in beautiful cross-country and snowmobile trails which are freshly groomed. Temperatures will be in the mid-teens to lower 20s this weekend, great for outdoor activities. At the mid-Gunflint Trail, trails are in good to excellent condition. The base of the area trails measures 9 inches or more. Similar conditions are reported for area snowmobile trails. Inland, up the Gunflint Trail, the Central Gunflint Trails are in excellent condition, with a 9 inch base. Area snow depth is 21-24 inches. The base is firm for skating and the tracks are good for classic skiing. The nearby Banadad Ski Trail has been re-opened following the recent snowstorm now that the ice-covered alder brush and small trees have been removed. A Candlelite Ski and Snowshoe Hike will be offered Saturday evening, February 13, beginning at the Oberg Mountain Trailhead. For more information, dial 1-888-922-5000.
Lutsen
Cascade River State Park ski trails are rolled and tracked. The inland trails are reported to be in very good condition, and lakeside trails are considered fair. The trail base measures roughly 5 inches. The DeerYard & Pioneer loops groomed by Cascade Lodge are reported to be in excellent condition. The snowmobile trails are in good condition, with a 5 inch base after the 6-10 inches of new snowfall this week. The trails are in the best condition this year! The ground is covered in nearly 1 foot of snow. To the south, Tettegouche State Park ski trails are in excellent 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 30 inches away from shore. There have been lots of wolf and deer signs in the woods.
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 to very good condition for snowmobiling. The trail is mostly groomed, with a 4-6 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 12-23 inches.
Carlton
The ski trails at Jay Cooke State Park are groomed and in excellent condition. The trail base is roughly 10 inches. The snowmobile trails running through Jay Cooke are in very good condition, with a similar base. Approximately 20 inches of snow covers the ground in this area.
Hinckley
All snowmobile trails running through St. Croix State Park are groomed and in good condition, with a 3 inch base. The cross-country ski trails are also groomed and are reported to be in good condition. The trail base measures 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 10 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 17 inches of snow. To the south, at the city of Waskish, Big Bog State Recreation Area snowmobile trails were recently groomed and have been upgraded to excellent condition. Snowmobilers are enjoying the five park cabins and staying overnight along the trail system.
Roseau
Nearly 2 feet of snow covers the ground at Hayes Lake State Park. The ski and snowmobile trails are groomed and in excellent condition! Both have a 16 inch base. All ski trails have a classic track and a skate ski lane. Anglers and snowmobilers should use extreme caution when venturing out onto the ice - always test ice thickness as you move across the lake.
Lake Bronson -southeast of Hallock
Skiers report excellent conditions at Lake Bronson State Park. There is a 6 inch base, with 15 inches of snow on the ground. A warming area with flush toilets is available at the Visitors Center. Join them for their Candlelight Snowshoe on Saturday, February 20, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The snowmobile trail should be groomed by this weekend - the trail is currently in good condition. The base measures 5 inches. Similar ski and snowmobile trail conditions are being reported for nearby Old Mill State Park. Dried kindling and firewood are available in the Picnic Shelter to warm the building. Old Mill State Park will offer a Candlelight Ski on Saturday, February 27. Please note that the park no longer rents skis.
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 6 inch base. The trail center is typically open daily, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Local snow depth is approximately 16 inches.
Itasca - north of Park Rapids
Fresh snow has improved trail conditions, and the ski trails at Itasca State Park are in very good condition. Snowmobilers report good conditions. Nearly 1 1/2 feet of snow covers the ground in this area.
Glyndon -east of Moorhead
The ski trails at Buffalo River State Park are groomed and in excellent condition. The base of the trail is 10 inches, with roughly 18 inches of snow on the ground. The sliding hill is also in excellent condition. The warming house is typically open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Detroit Lakes
The Winter Wonderland Snowmobile Trails in the Detroit Lakes vicinity have been fully groomed since the recent 8 inches of new snow. The trails now have a 5-8 inch base, and conditions are considered to be very good to excellent! Area snow depth is 15-20 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 excellent! The trails have a 3-7 inch base, and have been fully 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 partially groomed. Conditions are reported to be very good! Local snow depth is just over 17 inches.
Pelican Rapids
The 11 kilometers of ski trails at Maplewood State Park are groomed, tracked, and in very good condition. The snowmobile trails are ungroomed, but considered to be in very good condition. The ski trails have a 10 inch base, and the snowmobile trail base measures 6-10 inches. Snow on the ground is roughly 20 inches deep.
Carlos - north of Alexandria
Lake Carlos State Park cross-country ski and snowmobile trails have a 5-6 inch groomed surface, and both trails are in excellent condition after nearly 1 foot of new snow! Local snow depth is 21 inches.
Brainerd Lakes Area
Crow Wing State Park offers very good conditions for skiing and snowmobiling after 5 inches of new snowfall. The ski trails have a 7 inch groomed surface, and the snowmobile trails are groomed with a 4 inch base. The ground is covered in a foot of snow. And, area cross-country ski trails are in excellent condition, and have been fully groomed since the recent snowstorm. Skiers highly recommend the trails in this area. The nearby Pillsbury State Forest ski and snowmobile trails have a 7 inch base and are in excellent condition. Similar conditions are reported for the Paul Bunyan State Snowmobile Trail to the north. To learn more, visit the Brainerd Lakes Area web site.
Onamia
Both the ski and snowmobile trails have a 4 inch base at Mille Lacs-Kathio State Park. Conditions, however, are very good for skiing, and fair for snowmobiling. Only the ski trails have been groomed. The ground is covered in 1 foot of snow.
Monticello
An additional 5-6 inchesf snow fell on this area earlier this week, and all ski trails within Lake Maria State Park are being freshly groomed and tracked. The base measures 8-10 inches, and conditions should be excellent once grooming is complete. 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 20 inches. Ski-in camper cabins are available for winter dates - to learn more, dial 1-866-857-2757. Don't miss Lake Maria's Candlelight Snowshoe & Walk this Saturday, February 13.
New London - north of Willmar
Conditions for skiing at Sibley State Park are reported to be excellent. The trails have an 8-10 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails have 6-8 inch ungroomed surface, and are in very good shape. There is approximately 20 inches of snow on the ground in this area. The nearby Glacial Lakes State Snowmobile Trail is considered to be in good condition, with a 4-8 inch groomed surface. The Spicer to New London segment may become choppy this weekend due to heavy traffic, despite regular grooming operations.
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, and Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington. Most sliding hills are open and in good condition. 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 trails should be fully groomed by Friday, when conditions are expected to vary from good to very good. There is currently 11 inches of snow on the ground at Wild River State Park, and the ski trails have a 2-5 inch base. 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.
Marine On St. Croix
William O'Brien State Park is covered with a fresh coating of snow, and ski trail conditions are very good. Once the fallen leaves and debris are removed, they should be in excellent condition. The trail base measures 5 inches. Roughly 10 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 freshly groomed, and trail conditions are considered excellent - the best condition they've been in a very long time! The trails have a 5 inch base. Local snow depth is 10 inches.
Southern Region
Nerstrand -south of Northfield
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park ski and snowmobile trails are groomed and in very good condition. The base on both trails measures 10-12 inches. Conditions are also perfect for snowshoeing. Local snow depth is roughly 2 feet! 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.
Frontenac -south of Red Wing
Both the ski and snowmobile trails have a 5 inch groomed surface at Frontenac State Park. Conditions are excellent for skiing, and very good for snowmobiling. Snowshoe rental and a sliding hill are available at the park. Approximately 1 foot of snow covers the ground. Nearby, at Great River Bluffs State Park, the ski trails are also in excellent condition. The base of the trails measures 1 foot after grooming.
Preston
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park ski trails are reported to be in excellent condition. The trails are mostly groomed, with a 9 inch base. The snowmobile trails are considered to be very good. Roughly 1 1/2 feet of snow covers the ground at Forestville. Nearby, the Harmony-Preston Valley and Root River state trails are partially groomed and in excellent condition for skiing, with a 5 inch base.
Elba - west of Winona
Whitewater State Park ski trails are entirely groomed, and conditions are excellent. The trail base averages 8 inches. Snow cover measures roughly 16 inches. Snowshoes are available at the Visitors Center.
Owatonna
The ski and snowmobile trails are fully groomed for the weekend at Rice Lake State Park. The ski trail base measures 1 foot, and conditions are excellent. The base of the snowmobile trails is 11 inches, with riders reporting very good conditions. Local snow depth is roughly 16 inches.
Waterville - west of Faribault
Sakatah Lake State Park offers excellent conditions for skiing, and very good conditions for snowmobiling. The ski trail is partially groomed, with trail base measuring 10-12 inches. The snowmobile trail base is roughly 5 inches, and the trail is fully groomed. Nearly 2 feet of snow covers the ground in this area.
New Ulm
The cross country ski trails at Flandrau State Park are groomed and in excellent condition, with an 8 inch base. Flandrau rents cross country ski equipment and snowshoes. Please call ahead to reserve. Local snow depth is 20 inches.
Currie - north of Slayton
The snowmobile trails are in excellent condition at Lake Shetek State Park. The trail base measures 7 inches after grooming. Roughly 22 inches of snow covers the ground in this area.
Granite Falls
Upper Sioux Agency State Park ski trails are reported to be in excellent condition. The ski trail has a 6 inch base, and it will be regroomed prior to the weekend. The snowmobile trails are in good condition, with a 6 inch ungroomed surface. Local snow depth ranges from 8-22 inches.
