Explore Minnesota Winter Trails Update - Dec. 23, 2020

Snowmobiling near Thief River Falls / Visit Thief River Falls

Greetings!

Here is your Winter Trails Update featuring cross-country ski and snowmobile trail conditions throughout the state.

Ski and snowmobile trails in Minnesota are opening up with each snowfall, and snow lovers are about to receive a gift of abundant snowfall! Up to a foot of snow is expected today and tonight for much of the state, so it won't be long until our ski and snowmobile trails are groomed and in great shape.

At the time of this report, good conditions were reported for many ski and some snowmobile trails in northeastern Minnesota. Cross-country skiers could also find decent trail conditions at sites with snowmaking facilities.

It's time to Plan the Perfect Winter Getaway in Minnesota!

Please note: Cross-country skiers and snowmobilers are asked to practice safe social distancing on the trails. Learn more about safer ways to travel at Explore Minnesota's COVID-19 Information page.  

Happy Holidays from Explore Minnesota!

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

Northeast Region

Some cross-country ski and snowmobile trails are open and in good shape. Heavy snow is in the forecast and this should lead to excellent conditions once the ski and snowmobile trails are regroomed.

International Falls/Voyageurs National Park

According to the International Falls, Rainy Lake and Ranier Visitors Bureau, area cross-country ski trails are in pretty good shape. The groomers have been out, and more snow in the forecast. For snowmobilers, the local club has been able to groom trails on the east end of the district and are now working their way west. Area lake trails will be groomed once ice depth is thick enough to support the groomer. The upcoming snowfall over the next several days will improve ski and snowmobile trail conditions immensely.

Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail

In Cook County, just north of Grand Marais up the Gunflint Trail, the Central Gunflint Ski Trail System offers good conditions for classic and skate skiing. Most trails are groomed, with a 7-inch base on average. From 8-12 inches of snow is expected today, which will significantly improve conditions once the trails are regroomed. 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 many of the other ski trail systems along the Gunflint Trail. Check the Cook County Winter Trail Conditions page to learn more. And view some of these trails at Cook County Webcams.

Ely

Snow depth in the Ely vicinity is currently 3-10 inches, but at the time of this report, most area ski and snowmobile trails were still in poor condition. One exception, however, was the Hidden Valley Ski Trail which was considered to be in decent shape. More than a foot of snow is expected over the next day or so, so it won't be long until all trails are groomed and in great shape! For the most current conditions, check the Ely Trail Conditions & Winter Fishing web page.

Cross-country ski trails are also open and in good condition 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. Heavy snow is in the forecast and this should lead to excellent conditions once the ski and snowmobile trails are groomed.

Once snowmaking begins, an early option for cross-country skiing can also 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. Heavy snow is in the forecast and this should lead to excellent conditions once the ski and snowmobile trails are groomed.

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Most cross-country ski and snowmobile trails remain closed due to a lack of snow. Heavy snow is in the forecast and this should lead to excellent conditions once the ski and snowmobile trails are groomed.

Additional options exist for cross-country skiing 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.

Classic and skate ski rental is offered at some parks within the Three Rivers Park District, including Elm Creek and Hyland Lake park reserves. 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. Heavy snow is in the forecast and this should lead to excellent conditions once the ski and snowmobile trails are groomed.

Once snowmaking begins, an early option for cross-country skiing can also 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!