Explore Minnesota Winter Trails Update - Dec. 17, 2020

Cross-country skiing near Ely

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 cross-country ski trails up the Gunflint Trail are reported to be in fair to good condition. Cross-country skiers can also find decent trail conditions 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 are reported to be in fair to good condition.

Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail

In Cook County, just north of Grand Marais up the Gunflint Trail, the Central Gunflint Ski Trail System offers decent conditions for classic and skate skiing. Trails are currently being groomed by snowmobile only. The trail base is too thin to set a classic track but it has been groomed with a skate lane. The exception is the Summer Home Road Trail which does have classic track set. There have been recent light dustings of snow, but a couple more inches are needed before trails can be groomed using the Pisten Bully. Check out the Bearskin Virtual Nordic Race Series where you can race these premier ski trails when the time is right for you. 

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

Ely

Most area ski and snowmobile trails in the Ely vicinity remain closed, but with a bit more snow, trails will open and grooming will begin.  For the most current conditions, check the Ely Trail Conditions & Winter Fishing web page.

Cross-country ski trails are open at sites with snowmaking facilities such as Vasaloppet Nordic Center in Mora, Snowflake Nordic Ski Center in Duluth, the Grand Avenue Nordic Center at 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 Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington.

Ski rental is offered at some parks within the Three Rivers Park District, including Elm Creek and Hyland Lake park reserves. Classic and skate ski rentals will begin on Friday, Dec. 18. Learn more at the Three Rivers Park District rates and reservations web page.

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.

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