Early snow and cold temperatures brought Nordic skiers out onto trails whether they were groomed or not. However, some rain that fell Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 erased some of the white fluff near the lake. By December 1 all thoughts of rain were gone as the entire region was covered with snow that seems to fall more days than not. Some, but not all of the county’s 500 kilometers of cross-country ski trails have been groomed and are ready for action.
All skiers between the ages of 16-64 who ski on non-federal trails must pick up a Minnesota State Ski Pass. Nordic skiers who ski the central and upper Gunflint Trails must purchase a ski pass.
Banadad Trails
Dec. 1 report: The East end Banadad Trails are tracked and ready for some great Nordic skiing. As of December 1 there was 11 inches of snow on the ground with a compacted trail base of 6 to 8 inches.
Tracked Trail: East end trail – 1.6 km of the Banadad, Lace Lake 4 km and part of the Tall Pines (currently blocked by open water on the trail) 1 km are open.
“This is the first tracks on the Banadad Trails this season; we are working to reopen, pack and then we will track the remaining 18 km of the Banadad. We will keep you posted when the entire Banadad is ready for skiing,” reported Ted Young.
Additional Comment: The Banadad offers 41 kilometers of intimate classical groomed trails, most going through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). The trail system is located in northern Minnesota along the Gunflint Trail and 32 miles inland from Grand Marais.
For more information call 218-388-4487 or email bct@boundarycountry.com
Upper Gunflint Trail
Snow is coming down – grooming report to follow soon. Upper Gunflint Ski Trail Ski Trail Passes are required. Please support these trails by purchasing the pass at Gunflint Lodge (800-328-3325), Gunflint Pines (800-533-5814), or Heston’s Lodge (800-338- 7230). All of these resorts are located on the South Gunflint Lake road. Daily, weekend, week, and seasonal passes are available.
Sugarbush Trails-Britton Peak
Dec. 1 report: We received 4 inches of new snow yesterday, much of it lake-effect snow. Onion River Road and West Oberg Loop were rolled late yesterday. Onion River Road was groomed for skate and classic skiing late today. Expect soft snow conditions, due to the warm weather. Once the weather cools, the snow will set up and grooming will continue.
Thanks to Lutsen Resort for providing firewood for the USFS warming cabin at the Oberg trailhead. The cabin is now open. Lastly, please remember to purchase your Minnesota XC Ski Pass, which is required on our trails. These are available locally at the Holiday Station store in Tofte and Clearview General in Lutsen.
More information on the pass and a link to purchase online is located at mnnordicski.org Check our website for more detailed information: sugarbushtrail.org MN Ski Pass required.
Central Gunflint Trails
We’re grooming! Call for more details. For the most up-to-date grooming information, as well as specific trail conditions, contact Bearskin Lodge (1-800-338-4170) or Golden Eagle Lodge (1-800-346-2203). Central Gunflint Ski Pass Required.
Pincushion Trails
People are skiing on at least some of the trails. For more information contact: pincushiontrails.org
George Washington
The George Washington Pine trails are shared between cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and people using dogs for skijoring. For those who are snowshoeing, please do not walk on the groomed cross-country ski tracks. Dog owners need to clean up after their pets. Multiple use silent sports trail 6.5 miles from Grand Marais on the Gunflint Trail Additional SNF info at: www.fs.usda.gov/superior Multiple use silent sports trail 6.5 miles from Grand Marais on the Gunflint Trail
Bally Creek Trail report:
Trail report coming soon! This system is 25.0 km trackset. 11.0 km skateski. There are trails for all skill levels. Part of a 196 km ski-through network is along the North Shore. Trails run through a variety of cedar swamp, balsam and pine forest and meander along wildlife pond. Ski 17.6km from Bally Creek to Cascade State Park. Maps along trail. MN Ski Pass required. For more information, call 387-1162.
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