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Unlike some winters, cross country and downhill skiers have been blessed with an abundance of snow this winter to ply their sports. That said, Lutsen Mountains is reporting great downhill skiing. For a full report on what hills are open, please go to the Lutsen Mountains website.
Nordic skiers have over 350 miles of groomed ski trails to choose from in Cook County. Golden Eagle Lodge reports that as of December 26, “All trails are cleared and freshly groomed again including lake crossings across Flour and Aspen Lakes. About 85 percent of the trail system is open for both classic and skate – Ox Cart Trail and Poplar Creek Trail are temporarily closed due to a combination of flooding from the high water this summer and excessive snowfall this winter.
The trail base is incredible already with almost 12 inches of solid skate deck. Things have been grooming up fantastic, and with the amount of snow we’ve received this year, trail conditions have been fast-tracked to those seen normally in mid-February. Expect some debris on trails from the winds from the recent blizzard if you will be out skiing today, mostly consisting of small twigs and pine needles, but nothing we would consider damaging to good skies. It is likely most debris will get buried anyway in the next couple days after the forecasted snowfall on Tuesday and subsequent grooming.
As always, grooming frequently occurs between the release of new trail reports. For the most up to date grooming information, as well specific trail conditions, please contact Golden Eagle Lodge (218-388-2203) or Bearskin Lodge (218-388-2292). Central Gunflint Ski Pass Required.
On the Pincushion trail system all of the more than 100 trees blown over by the big windstorm have been cleared by volunteers, and the trails have been groomed and tracked.
The Sugarbush Trail Association reports the ski trails in the Lutsen/Tofte area have a packed base of 16 inches and most trails have been groomed as of December 27. Skiers are reporting excellent skiing, although the Picnic Loop is currently closed. Check for updates on the Sugarbush Trail Association website.
No current information was available about the Banadad ski trail system. At 41 km, the Banadad is the BWCA’s longest tracked cross country ski trail and is likely the longest tracked wilderness ski trail in the U.S.A. For trail conditions go to the Banadad Trail Association website.
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.
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