Cook County News Herald

Cross country skiing trail report



Following more than 24 inches of snow that has fallen over most of the county in the past week, most of the county’s more than 400k of cross country ski trails are in peak condition. So ready or not, here’s your chance to get out and experience winter in all of its glory. . Upper Gunflint Trail groomer’s report: Dec. 30: We had 10.5 inches of snow fall in the last couple of days, bringing our seasonal total up to 40.5 inches. There is 17 – 22 inches of snow beside the trails. We have a base of at least 5.5 inches. The ski conditions on the Upper Gunflint Trail system are amazing right now! It is definitely worth the trip to come up here and check out our trails. Upper Gunflint 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). More information can be found at www.gunflint.com/, www.gunflintpines.com/, or http:// www.hestons.com/. Gunflint Pines ski trail report For additional information and ski passes contact Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Pines Resort, & Heston’s Lodge.

Daily, weekend, week, and seasonal passes are available.

. Central Gunflint Ski Trail report: We have received 25 5/8 inches of snow since December 23 (yes, that is not a typo)! The groomers have been out grooming nearly every day this week in order to stay ahead of the snowfall. Trail conditions are excellent – you really couldn’t ask for better skiing conditions. To top it off, the forest is absolutely gorgeous right now with that fresh blanket of snow on the trees. This is cross country skiing at its finest.

. George Washington Pines groomer’s report: Grooming will continue through the weekend as we roll and pack the fresh amount we just received from the last storm. The trail is 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 cleanup 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 ski system: On Dec. 28 the report said, “We will be grooming and cleaning up the trails! The storm left us with plenty of fresh snow to pack down. Grooming will continue this season, and the trails will be rolled and packed. This system is 25.0 km track set, 11.0 km skate-ski, and there are trails for all abilities of skiers.”

This is part of a 196 km ski-through network along the North Shore. There is a variety of cedar swamp, balsam and pine forest to ski through and the path meanders along a wildlife pond. Ski 17.6 km from Bally Creek to Cascade State Park. Maps are along the trail. A Minnesota ski pass is required. For more information, call 387-1162.

. Sugarbush trails: Dec. 30: On the heels of receiving 24 inches of new snow on Britton Peak and Oberg Mountain trailheads earlier in the week, Picnic Loop and Moose Fence trails were Pisten Bully groomed and the remainder of the trails were groomed. The condition of most trails is very good to excellent.

. Norpine—Deer Yard and Lutsen trails: The groomer’s notes said there is plenty of new snow, but added that there have been some windfall trees and branches to be aware of. Crews will be out ASAP to clear the windfalls, clear away leaning brush and the trails will be re-rolled.

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