Sugarbush Trail Association
As of Dec. 27, all trails, except for the Moose Fence trails, Summit View, and the Tofte ski down, have been regroomed for both classic and skate skiing. Conditions are excellent and the surface should be considerably firmer than before due to a second or third pass with the groomers. The Sugarbush Trail Association reports a packed base of 6-10 inches, with total snowfall for the season measuring between 22 and 30 inches; 8-10 inches of snow fell during the past week. See www. sugarbushtrail.org for an update.
Golden Eagle
Conditions are described as “good to great.” The groomer has been out… but we didn’t get the high amounts of snow they got to the south of us. We did get a good, dense snow that is grooming up really nice. The North-South Link across Flour Lake has been packed with no signs of slush. The Logging Camp Trail through the Boundary Waters has been groomed… and we went in right before the snow to cut more stubble by hand so it should be in the best shape it’s been so far this season. On the other trails, tracks are firm and there’s a good base for skating. Both classical skiers and skaters should find very good conditions. See golden-eagle. com for up-to-the-minute conditions and groomer’s report, or call (800) 346-2203.
Bally Creek Trails
Dave Williams reports the grooming is packed and tracked, and the ski-through to Cascade is closed due to open water and downed trees from the October storm. Work on the trails is ongoing.
Banadad Trails
The entire Banadad is opened and rolled as of Dec. 21. The October wind storm and November rain/snow resulted in the dropping of many trees and ice/snow covered brush into the trail. This made opening the trail very difficult. As of Dec. 23, there was 16 inches of snow on the ground, and a 13-inch packed trail base where rolled. For more information check the latest at boundarycountry.com.
Cook County Ridgeriders
Sky Dan reports on Dec. 28: “Well…. another 8-12 inches of snow has covered the trails over the holidays in the Grand Marais and Gunflint Trail area. The grooming has continued and is ramping up to full speed as the area trails are being groomed regularly to prepare for the New Year’s weekend. Devil Track Lake has 14-16 inches of ice. Other area lakes may have more and some of the large lakes up the trail have much less. Use caution around inlets, outlets, rivers and any moving water. The groomers are yet to cross most ice.
“Trail conditions are good with a 12-18 inch base. Grooming continues to keep them in good shape. The trail to Grand Marais is groomed into town and remember that the path along the south side of Highway 61 going west is a usable snowmobile route to access businesses that accommodate sledders. They would like to see you! Ride safely, stay right and remember — you are not the only snowmobile on the trail. Happy New Year and many more Happy Trails!” For more information, listen to the club’s recorded message at (218) 387-9392 or see 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.
West End snowmobile trails
Jerry Gervais, the “Snowmobile Doctor,” said the West End trails are excellent. At press time they were freshly groomed the night before and that morning. He added, “There are very few sleds on the trails, so come out and ride.”
Pincushion Mountain Ski Trails
The Pincushion trails received about 6 inches of new snow in the recent storm. The entire trail system was Pisten Bully groomed Dec. 22 and conditions for classic are excellent. Skating is good but will likely be a little soft until colder temps overnight cause the trails to set up. It’s a winter wonderland at Pincushion, so get out there and enjoy the great skiing. Go to pincushiontrails.org for the latest conditions.
Lutsen Area
Groomer’s Dec. 23 comments regarding Cascade/Deeryard Lake: “Perfect timing, perfect snow. After packing the entire system with a roller and clearing trees we did a seven-hour Pisten bully run and set nearly flawless tracks on the entire system. No need for rock skis anymore, this is the best skiing of the season. The first run of the season with the Bully can result in some trail resets — these are in a few easy spots.”
Conditions on the Hall Massie/North Shore Trail: “We have packed the entire system and we will be opening a skate lane as well as a single-track classic skiing lane. It should be skiable by late afternoon but be careful as we will have our Pisten Bully out there! Also, note that the smaller loops near Solbakken will be tidd-tech groomed.”
Visit norpinetrails.org for all the latest conditions.
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