At press time, local ski and snowmobile groups provided the following snow report:
Gunflint Trail/Cook County Ridgeriders
On March 8, Sky Dan said, “Trails are in great condition and we have had a couple of nice snowfalls this week. 110 miles of riding on Saturday and there were only a couple corners showing any sign of spring conditions. It appears we have at least a few weeks of good riding yet this season. Grooming continues on a regular basis with the groomers out early on Monday and Tuesday.”
And on March 11, Forrest of Hungry Jack Lodge reports, “We have received a few inches of fresh snow in the past few days. Yesterday and today look like absolutely beautiful days. We probably got 5+ inches of snow here along the mid-Trail area. Closer to Grand Marais I heard amounts of 8 inches-plus in some areas. The groomers have been out grooming the trails back into shape after the weekend. The new snow has been a big help as far as getting the trails in better shape. I know the trails were pretty beat-up last weekend. We hope to get the trails back in to shape for another couple of weekends if the weather holds. The temps are absolutely beautiful for riding.”
For all the latest trail conditions, listen to the club’s recorded message at (218) 387-9392 or visit www.boreal.org/ RidgeRiders/ Updated information on the Grand Portage trails may be had by calling the lodge at (218) 475-2401 or toll-free (800) 543-1384.
Golden Eagle
March 11 comments: “We groomed all the trails on the north side of Flour Lake last night with the exception of Moose Ridge which was done on Tuesday and reported in good shape. We also groomed Ridge Run, Moose Pasture, Upper Beaver Dam and Wolf Point. The West End Logging Camp had been groomed on Wednesday. The trails are still in great shape. In the areas that see full sun for much of the day, the tracks did not set in as well but the majority of tracks are good and the base firm for skating. We are beginning to see warm days with cold nights, typical weather to begin the spring ski conditions.” For the most current conditions see golden-eagle.com.
Lutsen Area
Groomer’s March 10 comments: “We power-tilled the entire system with our Pisten Bully. Ski conditions are springlike and will be hard and fast in the early hours, softening up considerably in the afternoon. Expect some difficult skiing as from time to time, a lot of snow piled up behind our grooming equipment and track setting suffered. Time for no wax skis!”
Cascade/Deeryard Lake has a 5-24-inch base. Hall Massie/ North Shore trails have a base of 5-20 inches. See www.norpinetrails.org for a complete update and for the latest grooming reports.
Pincushion Trails
Dave Bartol went out on March 8, and had this report: Excellent skiing conditions! Fresh snow and packed powder snow base. All trails re-groomed by Pisten Bully Monday morning, Monday evening and Tuesday morning. Compacted Base: 16-20 inches; snow depth in woods: 30-40 inches; new snow last 24 hours: 2 inches; new snow last week: 12 inches; groomed for skating: 25 km PB groomed with skating lanes. Total snow for the season since Nov. 12 is 108 inches. See pincushiontrails.org for all the latest.
Sugarbush Trail Association
Groomer’s March 13 report: “Skate lanes have been reconditioned. Both classic and skate skiing should be great.” With 7-10 inches of new snow last week, total accumulation for the season stands at 102 inches. There is a packed base of 10-24 inches. See www.sugarbushtrail.org for an update.
West End Snowmobile Trails
As of March 14, the lower trail system is starting to show brown snow on hill crests. The upper trail system still has an excellent base. Tofte and Leveaux were groomed Tuesday, and the Gasco and Temperance trails Wednesday and Thursday. Thanks to the Superior Timber Wolves for the report!
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