With fresh snow on the ground and crews starting to groom trails for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling at Minnesota state parks and recreation areas, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a few reminders for visitors about winter trail rules.
Once ski trails have been groomed, with or without a set of tracks, pets are not allowed. Hikers, snowshoers, and pets are welcome on any park trails except those groomed for cross-country skiing.
Hiking and snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in Minnesota state parks, except on the groomed ski trails and trails posted “closed” for the winter. (Groomed trails quickly deteriorate when people and animals leave their footprints on the trails, detracting from the skiing experience.)
All skiers age 16 and older must carry a current, signed Minnesota Ski Pass with them when skiing in Minnesota state parks. Ski passes can be purchased three ways: daily ski passes ($5) are sold at park offices where staff is available; self-registration for one-season ($15); and threeseason ($40) ski passes are available at most state parks or by using Minnesota’s electronic license system (ELS), available at nearly 1,800 locations around the state.
Leave a Reply