Explore Minnesota Winter Trails Update - Dec. 10, 2020

Snowmobiling on the Two Inlets Snowmobile Trail on Dec. 11, 2019 / Jim Formanek

Happy winter from Explore Minnesota!

As we enter the 2020-21 season, you’ll receive this Winter Trails Update with cross-country ski and snowmobile trail conditions every Thursday, with updates as conditions warrant.

Snow lovers are dreaming of cooler temperatures and accumulating snow. While most ski and snowmobile trails in Minnesota remain closed due to a lack of snow, some of the cross-country ski trails up the Gunflint Trail offer decent conditions. Cross-country skiers can also find open trails at sites with snowmaking facilities.

It won’t be long until the snow flies and Minnesota turns into a winter wonderland — Plan the Perfect Winter Getaway in Minnesota today!

Please note: skiers and snowmobilers are asked to use trails close to home, and practice social distancing. Learn more about safer ways to travel at Explore Minnesota's COVID-19 Information page.  

[Northeast] [Northwest] [Central] [Minneapolis-St. Paul Area] [Southern]

Northeast Region

Most cross-country ski and snowmobile trails remain closed due to a lack of snow, however, some ski trails up the Gunflint Trail offer decent conditions.

Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail

In Cook County, just north of Grand Marais up the Gunflint Trail, the Pincushion Mountain Ski Trail offers decent conditions for classic and skate skiing.

Similar trail conditions are reported for other ski trail systems along the Gunflint Trail. View some of these trails at Cook County Webcams.

Some cross-country ski trails are also open at sites with snowmaking facilities such as Vasaloppet Nordic Center in Mora, Snowflake Nordic Ski Center in Duluth, Spirit Mountain Ski & Recreation Area in Duluth, Mount Itasca Winter Sports Center near Grand Rapids.

Northwest Region

Most cross-country ski and snowmobile trails remain closed due to a lack of snow.

Once snowmaking begins, an early option for cross-country skiing can be found at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area in Detroit Lakes.

Central Region

Most cross-country ski and snowmobile trails remain closed due to a lack of snow.

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Most cross-country ski and snowmobile trails remain closed due to a lack of snow.

A few exceptions exist for cross-country skiers at sites with snowmaking facilities such as Theodore Wirth Regional Park in Minneapolis, Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, and Hyland Hills Ski Area in Bloomington.

Southern Region

Most cross-country ski and snowmobile trails remain closed due to a lack of snow.

Once snowmaking begins, an early option for cross-country skiing can be found at St. Mary's University in Winona.

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 contacting 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.

Have something else in mind?
OUR EXPERT TRAVEL COUNSELORS CAN HELP!