Winter has fully overtaken the Northland and the skiing on the cross-country trails is great. Most of the trails are groomed and packed for either skate skiing or traditional skiing. With more than 500 kilometers (over 300 miles) of cross-country ski trails, Cook County is a cross-country skier’s paradise.
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 purchase a ski pass.
Sugarbush trails:
As of December 17 the total snowfall was 44” with a snow depth of 24” in the woods and a base of 10” to 12” on the trails.
According to the groomers report, the Summit View, Britton Peak loops, Hogback, and Homestead loop were groomed on December 16 “with our new Pisten Bully.” Grooming will continue on the rest of the system. Detailed updates are located at www.sugarbushtrail.org/ski_trails.php
Banadad ski trails
The Banadad ski trails offer 41 kilometers (25 miles) of intimate classical groomed trails most going through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). The trail system is located in Northern Minnesota along the Gunflint Trail and 32 miles inland from the Lake Superior coastal town of Grand Marais.
A Minnesota ski pass is required to ski the trail.
Central Gunflint Trail System
With 70 kilometers (44 miles) of trails, there is some great skiing as you head out of Bearskin or Golden Eagle lodges.
As of December 22, 2019 the groomers reported, “The ski trails were re-groomed again this morning! Conditions are great right now! All trails are open except for the BWCA section of Logging Camp. This trail should be ready in the upcoming days. Your good skis can be used on all trails with the exception of only a couple; we recommend B-skis on the west end of Logging Camp Trail and on the North- South Link trail north of Summer Home Road. Don’t miss out on the beautiful weather and skiing – we’ve got a lot of snow! 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 Required.
Upper Gunflint Trail:
As of December 18, 2019: We have had 37 inches of snow this season on the Upper Gunflint Nordic Ski Trails. The last measurable snowfall was on Sunday night with 2 1/2 inches coming down. Our trail base is 4 – 7 inches, and the snow off-trail ranges from 17 – 21 inches. The temperature got down to -26 Fahrenheit last night, but is much warmer now. Most of our trails were groomed and tracked last weekend.
Please support our trails by purchasing an Upper Gunflint Trail Ski Pass available at any business on the South Gunflint Lake Road.
Pincushion trails:
There is an interesting cobweb of trails on Pincushion with a base of 12 inches of snow. All of the 25K, (15 miles) of trails are groomed for skate and classic with a “Pisten Bully”. Dress warm and get out there to enjoy excellent mid-winter skiing conditions.
Bally Creek ski trails:
A multiple short loop cross-country ski trail system with several access points. The main access is a parking area off of Forest Road 158 just short of Bear Track Camp. Depending on snow conditions and grooming, access is also off of Cook County Road 45 and a trail branches off of the Cascade River Ski Trails. Heavy snows will limit grooming some trails; travel on ungroomed trails is not recommended. This system has 25.0 km (15 miles) track set and 11.0 km (7 miles) skate-ski. All skill level trails, they are part of a 196 km (122 miles) ski-through network along the North Shore. Trails include a variety of cedar swamp, balsam and pine forest surroundings and meander along a wildlife pond. Ski 17.6 km (11 miles) from Bally Creek to Cascade State Park. There are maps along the trail.
George Washington Pines Trail
George Washington Pines Winter Recreation Trail is a relatively short 3.3 km (2 miles) and easy trail located fairly close to Grand Marais, only 6 miles up the Gunflint Trail. It passes through a beautiful grove of pines, the George Washington Memorial Pine Plantation. People ski, snowshoe, and go skijoring with their dogs on this trail.
People also might walk their dogs on the trail. Please respect other users by not allowing your dog to spoil groomed ski tracks. Encourage your dog to use off-trail areas for potty stops and clean up after your pets.
Skiers, please alert dog users of your presence so as not to spook the dogs by rapidly passing them on skis.
This is an easy trail, suitable for beginning skiers or for people looking for a quick ski close to town.
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