Fair to good conditions for skiing are being reported for the Root and Harmony/Preston ski trails in southeastern Minnesota's bluff country, along trails at Elm Creek Park Reserve at Maple Grove, and on the North-South Link Trail and other trails along the Mid- to Upper Gunflint Trail.
Explore Minnesota Tourism will report winter trail conditions each Thursday afternoon during the winter season, with updates as changes in conditions warrant. Information used to compile the Winter Trails Report is provided courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources Climatology Office, the Three Rivers Park District, and communities throughout the state. For a customized travel planner to help you plan your Minnesota getaway, contact one of our travel counselors at 888-TOURISM (888-868-7476), or request a planner at Contact a Travel Counselor.
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 old 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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Northeast Region
International Falls
The Koochiching State ForestTilson Creek ski trail is in poor condition, but it is skiable. The trails are packed, but not tracked, and groomed for skate skiing only. The base of the trail measures roughly 1 inch. There is adequate snow coverage for rock skis; parts of the trail have exposed rock. More than 5 inches of snow covers the ground along the trail.
Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail
The North-South Link Trail in the mid- Gunflint Trail vicinity is reported to be in fair to good condition for skate skiing. Businesses along the trail have been out grooming the network of ski trails, and other trails in the mid- to upper Gunflint Trail vicinity are also packed, with a base measuring approximately 3 inches.
All other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are closed due to a lack of snow.
Northwest Region
All ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are closed due to a lack of snow.
Central Region
All ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are closed due to a lack of snow.
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity
Marine on St. Croix - north of Stillwater
William O'Brien State Park ski trails are officially open! The groomer was out packing the trails earlier this week, and recommends "rock skis" since the trails are rough and in mostly poor condition, with a 1 inch base. Some sections, however, are considered to be in decent shape. Please note that hikers, snowshoers, and pets are allowed on the River Trail only--this trail has been packed as well. Roughly 3 inches of snow covers the ground at William O'Brien.
St. Paul
Trails at Fort Snelling State Park are mostly packed for skiing, but cannot be tracked until more snow is received. The trail base varies, and snowcover measures more than 4 inches. Please note that lake and river ice is extremely dangerous right now--please stay off the ice.
Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott and Wright county parks
As of Tuesday, December 6, Elm Creek Park Reserve within the Three Rivers Park District was reported to offer good conditions for skiing along 1K of the Valley Trail. The trail is packed and tracked, and the lights are on. The chalet is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. And while in poor condition, skate skiers will find packed trails at Cleary Lake Regional Park and Hyland Lake Park Reserve. All other traditional and skate ski trails within the Three Rivers Park District remain closed.
All other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are closed due to a lack of snow.
Southern Region
Frontenac -south of Red Wing
Frontenac State Park received 4 inches of wet snow on December 3. While not enough to groom, there is enough for skiers and snowshoers to use the trails. Expect grass, twigs and rocks along the way. Area snowcover is roughly 4 inches. Great River Bluffs State Park, located near the city of Winona, is reported to offer similar conditions for cross-country skiing.
Lanesboro/Preston
The Harmony-Preston Valley and Root River state trails are reported to be in fair to good condition for classic skiing! From 2-4 inches of snow covers these trails, with approximately 4-5 inches of snow on the ground. Skiers report that they are also enjoying very picturesque scenery.
All other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are closed due to a lack of snow.
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