Lutsen Area
The 30+ degree sunny days just keep on coming up on the North Shore this winter…as does a lack of snow by the lake (keep in mind there is still plenty of snow back in the woods for XC skiing and snowmobiling). Around Cascade Resort, spring-like lakeside conditions have prematurely tricked grass into turning green, trees to bud and all kinds of birds including a fair number of robins, into action. Indeed highly unusual for this time of winter. Snow depth ranges from 8 to 50 inches. Base depth is up to 24 inches. Visit www.norpinetrails.org for the latest information.
Cook County Ridgeriders and Grand Portage Trail Riders
Sky Dan reports on March 2: “The trails in the Grand Marais area vary quite a bit. The State Trail running toward Lutsen is in good shape with a few corners getting low on snow. The Gunflint Trail up to Hungry Jack Lodge, Trail Center and Windigo is in great shape except for a few portions near the resorts where there has been a lot of traffic. There are a few areas getting low on snow. The lower Gunflint Trail is in excellent condition but for the remainder of the season expect to trailer from Grand Marais up to the Devil Track Landing as the trail out of town is bare. Do not be concerned traveling up the North Shore and not seeing any snow. It is all up over the hill. There is plenty of parking at Devil Track Landing.
“The Expressway (X-trail) has some dirt and rock from Devil Track to Two Island but is in good condition beyond that. Always cross between the X-trail and the Gunflint Trail on the Musquash Trail as it is always the best trail in the system. Plenty of snow, great scenery and just plain fun. For the most part there is still a lot of snow and the club is doing its best to keep them groomed.
“There is still good snow to get up to the end of the trail system near Gunflint Lodge. Some of the best riding on the lakes is happening now. They are starting to settle and smooth out. Come and get it while it lasts and enjoy the great outdoors here in Cook County.”
Call the snowmobile club at (218) 387-9392 or visit www. boreal.org/RidgeRiders/ or call Grand Portage Lodge at (218) 475-2401 or toll-free (800) 543-1384 for the latest conditions.
West end snowmobile trails
One West End snowmobiler said she had ridden from Lutsen to Finland and the trails were fabulous. “When you get up over the hill there is plenty of snow,” she said.
Pincushion Mountain Ski Trails
Even though we have not had snow recently, the trails are in very good condition, although a bit dirty in spots. The classic tracks are holding up very well, with a few icy spots but nothing serious. The skating conditions are very good. All of the loops are currently well groomed and quite skiable. Go to pincushiontrails.org for the latest conditions.
Sugarbush Trail Association
The skate deck and tracks are in good shape throughout the trail system. There are some icy spots on hills with southern exposure — use caution. The Picnic Loop Ridge has been totally regroomed for skating and a new set of tracks has been set. The packed base is 6-10 inches; total snowfall for the season is 41 inches. More details may be found at www.sugarbushtrail. org.
Banadad Ski Trail
As of Feb. 26, there is still about 23 inches of snow on the ground, with a 16-inch packed trail base. All trails have been recently groomed and tracked, and the skiing is considered “excellent.” Visit www.boundarycountry.com for the latest trail conditions.
Bearskin Lodge
Not much new to report…We’ve had the kind of weather that Minnesotans always imagine when we think of an idyllic winter. Glistening snow, bright sun, blue skies, warm winter temps, and almost no wind. For the past week, we’ve mostly just been doing occasional touch-up grooming. We’ve been surrounded by extremely happy guests, as conditions have been nearly perfect. Right now the ski trails are in excellent shape, and it’s a good time to take advantage of the milder temperatures. All trails have been recently groomed. For a more complete round-up, see bearskintrailreports.wordpress. com or call (218) 388-2292.
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