Cross-country skiing along the Gunflint Trail
Good cross-country ski trail conditions and fair snowmobile trail conditions can still be found in far northeastern Minnesota near Grand Marais. Most other cross-country ski and snowmobile trails are either in poor condition, or have been closed due to a lack of snow. Grooming operations have ceased for most trails. Enjoy the trails while you can -- this will be one of the last weekends for skiing and sledding this season. Please call ahead before traveling for the most current conditions. This will be the final Winter Trails Update of the season.
Northeast Region
Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail
In Cook County, just outside of Grand Marais up the Gunflint Trail, all 41 kilometers of the Banadad Ski Trail System remain in good spring condition for cross-country skiing. The trail base measures 20 inches on average, with roughly 22 inches of snow on the ground. The trails are freshly groomed. More snow is expected this weekend.
The most comprehensive source for information on ski and snowmobile trails in this vicinity can be found at Visit Cook County's Winter Trail Conditions web page. To view the most current conditions, check out the Cook County Web Cams!
Grand Marais
At Cascade River State Park, from 10 to 20 inches of snow covers the ground. The cross-country ski trails are groomed, with a 4 to 10 inch trail base. Conditions remain good to very good away from Lake Superior due to a solid base and extra efforts by the groomers. Expect fast conditions until temperatures rise above 32 degrees. Area snowmobile trails are considered to be in fair condition. The base of these trails measures 3 to 5 inches in most areas.
The section of the C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Snowmobile Trail from Finland to Grand Marais was groomed last week. Currently, this portion of the trail is in fair condition with a 1 to 6 inch base. Expect spring riding conditions, as well as bare and icy spots at the corners, hills and south-facing exposures.
Silver Bay
The inland cross-country ski trails at Tettegouche State Park remain in fair condition, with the best conditions around Mount Baldy. Area snowmobile trails are rideable but there are bare areas along the way. Snow is in the forecast early this weekend. If an adequate amount of snow is received, the groomers will head out once more this season.
Northwest Region
All cross-country ski and snowmobile trails are either in poor condition, or have been closed due to a lack of snow.
Central Region
All cross-country ski and snowmobile trails are either in poor condition, or have been closed due to a lack of snow.
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity
All cross-country ski and snowmobile trails are either in poor condition, or have been closed due to a lack of snow.
Southern Region
All cross-country ski and snowmobile trails are either in poor condition, or have been closed due to a lack of snow.
Explore Minnesota will report winter trail conditions each Thursday during the winter season, with updates as changes in conditions warrant. Information used to compile the Winter Trails Update is provided courtesy of the Minnesota DNR, Voyageurs National Park, the Three Rivers Park District, and communities throughout the state.
Begin planning your winter getaway by one of our travel counselors at 888-VISITMN (888-847-4866), or request a customized travel planner at Contact a Travel Counselor.
Please note that a Snowmobile State Trail sticker is required for all snowmobiles operating on state or grant-in-aid trails. All cross-country skiers on state park or forest ski trails, or on state or grant-in-aid trails, who are 16 years or older must have a Minnesota Ski Pass. For further information, contact the Department of Natural Resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-888-646-6367. To order cross-country ski passes and snowmobile trail stickers, dial 1-888-665-4236 or access the DNR Online License Sales web site. To locate a license center in Minnesota to purchase ski passes and snowmobile stickers, check out DNR License Agents
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