Looks like the warm weather is finally gone, which means no more rain, not until spring, anyway.
That’s good news for cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, downhill skiers, snowshoe enthusiasts, and hikers. With the recent snowfall, most of the county’s 500 kilometers of cross-country ski trails have been groomed and are ready for action.
All skiers between the ages of 16-64 who ski on non—Federal trails must pick up a Minnesota State Ski pass. Nordic skiers who ski the central and upper Gunflint Trails must also purchase a ski pass.
Banadad Trails
As of January 4 all of the 41 kilometers of the Banadad trail system were groomed.
For the latest conditions, see bct@boundarycountry.com
Upper Gunflint Trails
All the upper Gunflint ski trails are groomed with gyro groomers and track setters. Most of the trails are double-tracked for skier enjoyment. A few trails are single-tracked; they are narrower and more remote. The staff from the three resorts is out on the trails every few days, making sure everything is kept in the best shape.
Trail information is available from any of the three resorts on Gunflint Lake: Gunflint Lodge, Gunflint Pines Resort, and Heston’s Country Store and Lodge. From these businesses that know these trails, valuable information can be learned before a skier’s trek. Feel free to ask questions and enjoy over 100 km of some of the most fabulous Nordic skiing anywhere.
Central Gunflint Ski Trails
On January 4 the groomer reported that the area received just shy of 14 inches of snow in the end-of-the-year snowstorm. All of the ski trails are open and groomed.
Lakes are, not surprisingly, a bit slushy after all the fresh snow, so if you are looking to cross them on your desired ski route, be prepared for a little slop – there is still plenty of ice to cross safely.
Note: Expect trail grooming after every significant snowfall. For the most up to date grooming information, as well as specific trail conditions, please contact Golden Eagle Lodge (1-800-346-2203) or Bearskin Lodge (1-800-338-4170). Central Gunflint ski pass is required.
Pincushion
This past week the groomer report said all of the skate lanes were compacted and combed, and most of the trails received new classic tracks.
The system is in superb condition.
George Washington Pines
Both skiers and snowshoers are welcome on the George Washington Pines Trail. The trail is groomed for classic skiing on one side and snowshoeing or skate skiing on the other. Please respect other users by not snowshoeing on groomed ski tracks. The trails are also open to skijoring, where a harnessed dog pulls a person on cross-country skis.
Norpine system
The Deeryard loop, Pioneer loop, Cascade connector Hall/Massies loop and Caribou to Lutsen trails are all groomed for single track and skate and in good conditions.
Fat tire bike trails
Caribou Trail to Cascade Road and Lutsen Mountains to the ski hill road are groomed for fat tire biking. But take note, if the temperature is above 30 degrees, consider the trails closed. This year is an experimental year to determine whether fat tire biking can co-exist on the Cascade Trail. Fat tire bikers should check with the Visit Cook County website for current information.
Sugarbush (Britton, Moose Fence, Oberg)
The Sugarbush Ski Trails (including the Moose Fence area) is a huge area of cross-country ski trails with 60 kilometers of trail. There are distances and skill levels to match every skier from a novice headed out over lunch to a serious skier headed out for the day. There is also snowshoeing on the Superior Hiking Trail and a section of ski trail up Carlton Peak where skijoring is permitted.
The trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing. Some of the trails are very long with no crossing trails or shortcuts back, and cell phone reception is sporadic. Before setting out on a long trail, be sure you have adequate equipment to deal with an emergency and someone knows where you are and when you are expected to return.
Access is from three parking lots. On the Sawbill Trail (Co. 2) there is a lot at Britton Peak with restroom facilities. Farther north on the Sawbill is a parking lot at the ‘Moose Fence’, so named for a fence built to keep browsing moose out of an experimental plot of disease resistant white pine. To the east, there is a parking lot off the Onion River road at the Oberg and LeVeaux Mountain Trails trailhead.
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