It is midwinter, there is lots of snow, and there are reasonable temperatures – at least compared to the -20s or -30s we’ve had recently. Ski trails on the Superior National Forest are in excellent shape, thanks to the partner organizations who do the grooming. Snowmobile trails are also in good condition.
For people looking to get off the trail on foot, the deep snow is making snowshoeing more fun. People ice fishing who were plagued by a slush layer on the lakes in January are finding that the recent cold snap froze most of the slush, making fishing a lot more enjoyable and safer.
In other words, this is the kind of winter weather that people in northern Minnesota love, so make sure to set down the snow shovel, turn off the TV, ignore the laundry for a while, and get out into the forest and enjoy it.
The Forest Service is uploading georeferenced pdf maps of ski trails onto our website, www.fs.usda.gov/activity/superior/recreation/wintersports.
If you are not familiar with what a georeferenced pdf is, it is a map, which can be downloaded onto a phone and used like a conventional map, and additionally, if you have a wayfinding app such as Avenza on your phone, you can use the phone like a GPS. It will place a dot on the map right where you are, and you don’t need cell service or a Wi-Fi connection once the map is downloaded.
Right now, the forest map with roads and recreation sites is available for purchase as a georeferenced pdf. Our motor vehicle use maps can be downloaded free, and we are beginning to make these maps available for ski trails.
Currently, the only trail system with a downloadable georeferenced map is the Flathorn Gegoka Ski Trail system. It is only fair that we started with that area: developed in the 1960s, it was the first designated ski trail system on the forest.
Over the rest of the winter, we will be adding georeferenced maps for other ski trails on the Gunflint and Tofte District. Although the pdf maps should make finding your way easier, skiers should still bring a hard copy of the trail map with them since phone batteries die and phones can be broken when you miss the corner and crash into the brush.
You don’t have to go skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling to have fun in winter. You can also enjoy the forest while staying warm in your car. While many forest roads are not plowed during the winter, those which are kept open are presently in good shape.
When you are out on the roads, be watchful for log trucks hauling on the Wanless Road, Lake County 7, and the Greenwood Road. Be especially careful on the Firebox Road, which is a dual use road with snowmobiles.
Whether you are going for a drive, or just driving to get to a trailhead, be sure your car is equipped for winter with traction aids, shovel, ice scraper, and an extra bottle of windshield squirter fluid. For yourself, pack along extra warm clothing or a sleeping bag or blanket, some food, and other emergency supplies.
This really is the best of Minnesota winter, so get out into the woods whether you’re traveling by snowmobile, skis, snowshoes, or by car on a drive. Just make sure you are prepared for winter weather and have fun out there!
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