Cook County News Herald

Ski Trail Report




Lots of snow and warmer temperatures have made early March a great time to be out cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking or snowmobiling. Enjoy the snow while you can, it won’t last forever.

. Upper Gunflint Trail:

Gunflint Lodge naturalist John Sillman reports: “We have amazing ski trail conditions right now on the Upper Gunflint Trail System. Even with the recent warm spell, we still have a ski trail snow base of 12 – 15 inches, as well as 22 – 27 inches off the trail. With the great snowfall of the last few weeks, we have had a total of 60.7 inches of snow for the year.

“In March, we sometimes see some days with temperatures around the freezing mark. When that happens, it is best to ski either early or late in the day.

“Please support our ski trails by purchasing an Upper Gunflint Trail Ski Pass from any of the business along the South Gunflint Lake Road.”

. George Washington Pines trail:

The trail is groomed and in good shape. Most icy sections are covered with packed powder. The path is shared between cross country skiers, snowshoers, and people using dogs for skijoring. For those who are snowshoeing, please do not walk on the groomed crosscountry ski tracks.

. Banadad ski report:

The skiing is excellent! All of the 41k Banadad Trail system trails are tracked. There are 19 inches of snow on the ground with a compact base of 17 inches. Both west and east end trails are tracked. For more information, check out banadad.blogspot.com or call 218- 388-4487.

. Bally Creek Trails:

The Bally Creek Trail system is groomed and in good shape. Watch out for skijorers and other trail users.

. Pincushion Mountain:

All of the trails in the Pincushion System have been Pisten Bully and Ginzu groomed. All of the classic tracks have been reset, and the skate deck is as smooth as it has been all winter. pincushiontrails.org Minnesota Ski Pass required.

. Norpine Trail Association:

Skate lanes are groomed, and all west end trails have been rolled, and tracks are set! Snow cover is excellent.

. Central Gunflint Trail report:

The trails have been groomed and set with a classic track; 70 km groomed with skate lane: 64 km surface conditions. Conditions are still excellent on the Central Gunflint Ski Trail System! All trails are open, groomed, and in remarkable shape. Catch the great skiing while you can.

For the most up-to-date grooming information, as well as specific trail conditions contact Golden Eagle Lodge (1-800-346-2203) or Bearskin Lodge (1-800-338-4170). Central Gunflint Ski Pass required.

. Sugarbush Trail report

As of March 6, “All of our priority trails and Picnic Loop ridge were groomed for skate and classic last night with the Pisten Bully. The icy classic tracks and rough skate lanes created as a result of recent warm weather are now re-set with the powder snow that was below the surface. Skiing should be great. Details on individual trail sections can be found at http:// sugarbushtrail.org/ski_ trails.php

For skiers using the Oberg trailhead, remember that our warming cabin is open and we’d love to hear from you in our guest book. Groomers update our trail report page at www.sugarbushtrail.org/ski_trails.php when they have completed grooming. The warming cabin at Oberg Trailhead was opened for the season early this week. Stop in and sign the guestbook. We’ve added a page to the guest book with a short history of our trail system. If you want to read this online, go to www.sugarbushtrail.org/images/SugarbushHistory.pdf Check our website for more detailed information: sugarbushtrail.org MN Ski Pass required.”

. Sawbill Campground-Tofte:

On Feb. 27 the report stated, “Warmer temps are here, but the level of snow around the Sawbill Lake area remains high due to the heavy snowfall in the week. Great classical skiing is being enjoyed in the area.”



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