This report includes not only cross county ski trails but snowmobile trails.
Pincushion trails
Groomers report a base of 24 plus inches on the Pincushion cross country ski trails. With the recent heavy snowfall there is 18 to 20 inches of new snow.
“Expect soft and lumpy skate lanes, poorly defined or nonexistent classic tracks, ridges and clods strewn about the system. Conditions will improve as the snow firms up and additional grooming occurs. Ski with caution.”
Central Gunflint trail conditions
The groomers have been busy, grooming every day, sometimes twice a day, to stay on top of all the new snow. Conditions are excellent across the board! Total winter snowfall has now broken 70 inches on the season, more snow than was received in all of the 2017 and 2018 ski seasons, and it’s not even February yet! All trails are open. Lakes are groomed – no slush. Skate lanes and classic lanes on all trails. Beautiful scenery. Wonderful skiing!
For the most up-to-date grooming information, as well as specific trail conditions please contact Bearskin Lodge (1-800- 338-4170) or Golden Eagle Lodge (1-800-346-2203). Central Gunflint Ski Pass Required.
Upper Gunflint Trail
All the Upper Gunflint ski trails are groomed with gyro groomers and track setters. Most of the trails are double tracked for skier enjoyment. A few trails are single tracked; they are narrower and more remote but offer the skier a sense of being one with the environment. The staff from the three resorts are out on the trails every few days making sure everything is kept in the best shape.
Banadad trail system
The Banadad trail system is a public ski trail managed by the Banadad Ski Trail Association, in agreement with the Gunflint Ranger District — USFS and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The Minnesota Ski Pass is required to ski the trail. Free public parking is provided at the eastern and western trail heads. The System consists of the 27-kilometer Banadad trail, a single tracked intimate trail through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), and another 14 kilometers of trails taking off from the Banadad’s eastern end. The eastern end of the Banadad connects with the Central Gunflint Trails and at the western end skiers can ski into the Upper Gunflint Trail System.
Sugarbush trail report
Groomers have been out working the trails into great shape. The Oberg warming cabin is open for the season. The cabin used to be a US Forest Service cabin and was moved to its present location in 2012. There is a wood stove, table, and guest book inside of the cabin.
Snowmobile trails
There are 450 miles of snowmobile trails in Cook County. Make sure to watch out for wildlife when you are riding. Recently a man hit a moose and was knocked unconscious.
Grand Portage snowmobile trails
All of the 19 snowmobile trails in the Grand Portage forest are groomed and in good condition. Make sure to buy a pass to ride on the trails.
Gunflint Trail
All of the snowmobile trails are groomed either late at night or early morning. Riders say the trails are in good shape.
C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail
The trail is 146 miles long and runs from Duluth to Grand Marais, much of the time the trail winds its way over ridgelines overlooking Lake Superior.
The C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail threading through stunning backcountry and connects with trails in Lutsen and Tofte and numerous other locations.
Snowmobilers riding on the Minnesota “State Trail” need to purchase a Snowmobile Permit Sticker; this is an addition to the regular registration. You are required to have this permit only if you are riding the designated MN State Trail System or a Grant-In- Aid Trail. This includes the Gunflint Snowmobile Trail System and the Expressway Trail near Devil Track Lake. Grand Portage Trail system does not require this permit.
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