At press time, local ski and snowmobile groups provided the following snow report:
Sugarbush Trail Association
Feb. 16 update: There is good XC skiing in Cook County, although conditions near Lake Superior and on the Sugarbush trails are treacherous due to warm weather and low snow. Keep in mind that if some portions of the Sugarbush Trail have more snow, getting there from the access points can be very challenging and risky.
We welcome you to try the cross country ski trails that are more east and north of Sugarbush, which are in better shape, due to more snow cover. XC ski options include Deeryard Lake near Lutsen, Pincushion in Grand Marais, central Gunflint trails, and the end of the Sawbill Trail at Sawbill Outfitters. We encourage you to come and ski somewhere in Cook County.
Meanwhile, the Sugarbush Trail groomers are ready to go out as soon as we get enough snow.
See www.sugarbushtrail.org for the latest conditions.
Lutsen Area
Feb. 17 report: The Deeryard Lake main loop, Firetower and Short loop are all skiing fine. Twotrack classic skiing throughout the system. We have closed the Pioneer Loop until further snow accumulates. Base depth is a scant 1-6 inches.
See www.norpinetrails.org for a complete report.
Pincushion
Groomer’s Feb. 22 report: This morning Pincushion Trail was groomed for classic and skate skiing, Upper and Lower Snowman and West Overlook groomed for classic and skate skiing. I set a double track for classic skiing on those loops. The North Advanced System will be groomed tonight.
Visit pincushiontrails.org/trailreports for the latest.
Golden Eagle
Feb. 18 update: We received a little more snow this week to freshen up the trails for the weekend. Both groomers were out yesterday and a dusting of snow fell overnight. Trail conditions are rated as good to excellent. It looks like a beautiful weekend to get out and ski! For the latest report you can call us at 1-800-346-2203 or 218-388-2203.
North Shore snowmobiling
Forrest of Hungry Jack Lodge files this Feb. 14 report: The conditions have not changed much since my last report. We have a chance for a little bit of snow this week but nothing significant. Any little bit will help. I had a few sledders through yesterday who rode up from Devil Track and another group who rode over from Grand Portage. The Expressway and Gunflint Trail are overall in good shape, but there are a few rough sections here and there. The Swamper Trail is being groomed this morning. There have been reports of a few bare spots in the corners but nothing too bad. Overall conditions are very rideable. The lakes are good going. Visit snowmobiletrails.com for all the latest conditions and trail recommendations.
Gunflint Pines
Shari Baker reports on Feb. 20: You all may not have winter down south wherever you are, but we have been having a great winter. We have good playable snow and mild temperatures. We’ve had many fishermen and skiers over the past couple weeks. The best part is there is more snow in the forecast for the next couple days!! Perhaps this will be one of those years when we’re able to play into April…The ski trails are still well covered with excellent snow conditions. The snowmobile trail also remains in good condition. See gunflintpines.com for the latest news.
Sawbill Trail
There is snow at Sawbill! You are welcome to ski the trail. Groomed for classic style skiing. Drive to the bitter end of the Sawbill Trail (24 miles north of Tofte) and you will see the trail starting where the plowed road ends. Best skied in counter-clockwise direction. Suitable for all skill levels. Call (218) 663-7150 for more information.
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