Minnesota snow conditions

Most trails remain closed due to a lack of snow. Some exceptions include skiable trails in the far northeast at Ely and Grand Marias, and at facilities with snow-making equipment in the Twin Cities vicinity.
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
Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail
Up the Gunflint Trail, the Banadad Ski Trail has a 3 inch packed base, with roughly 7 inches of snow on the ground. The east end is tracked for 8 kilometers, from the East End Trail Head to the Meads Lake Portage. Roughly 1.6 kilometers of the Knapp Trail is also tracked. Overall, conditions are good to very good. Most of the other trails are packed and rolled, but will not be tracked until more snow is received. Also on the Gunflint Trail, Bearskin and Golden Eagle lodges have groomed the roads leading to their summer homes and campgrounds. Woodland trails that are open and groomed include the "Lit Trail" and "Oxcart Trail" near Bearskin Lodge. And the campground loops at the end of the Sawbill Trail have been groomed for classic skiing. Roughly 6-8 inches of snow covers the ground, with a trail base measuring 3-4 inches. Conditions are mostly "early season" good to fair--expect a few rocks along the way. And just to the south, between the cities of Lutsen and Grand Marais, roughly 8 kilometers of the Deeryard Lake Trail is packed and tracked, with a 0-3 inch base. While the trail is in decent condition, groomers recommend using rock skis just in case you encounter exposed rocks. Skiing beyond the firetower is discouraged since many areas are exposed to sunlight and likely have a minimal base. The Deeryard Lake Trail is part of the Norpine Trail Association.
Ely
As of December 21, roughly 3 inches of snow covered the ground. The Hidden Valley Cross Country Ski Trails were rolled, packed and considered to be in good condition. The trails will be tracked once the area receives several more inches of snow. Skiers are asked to watch for some exposed rocks. The Hidden Valley Recreation Area is located approximately .3 miles from the Ely city limits. More than 25 kilometers of classic and skate ski trails are machine-groomed on a consistent basis. A Minnesota Ski Pass is required, and a donation of $5 per day is requested. All area snowmobile trails remain closed due to a lack of snow--much more snow is needed before these trails can be packed and groomed. Crews will soon hit the lakes, staking trails which can be used in the interim. Still, the trails will not be staked until ice depth is adequate for lake travel. Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis--please call ahead for the most current conditions.
All other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either in poor condition or closed due to a lack of snow.
Northwest Region
All ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either in poor condition or closed due to a lack of snow.
Central Region
All ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either in poor condition or closed due to a lack of snow.
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity
Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott and Wright county parks
As of Wednesday, December 21, Elm Creek Park Reserve, located in Maple Grove and part of the Three Rivers Park District, was reported to offer good conditions along the full 2.5 kilometers of the Valley Trail. The trails are packed, tracked and considered to be in good condition for both skating and traditional skiing. The lesson area is also packed, tracked and in good condition for both types of skiing. The lights have been turned on, and rentals are available. The chalet is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. These trails receive heavy use from area ski teams--please call ahead for a schedule of practice times and races. 763/559-6778, ext. 2
Lake Elmo
Green Acres Recreation Area currently has 2.25 kilometers of their ski trails groomed and packed for both classic and skate skiing. Skiers are reporting good conditions. These trails receive heavy use from area ski teams--please call ahead for a schedule of practice times and races. 651/770-6060
Minneapolis
Theodore Wirth Park, part of the Minneapolis Park System, currently offers decent conditions for cross-country skiing due to snow-making capabilities. There are trails for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers, as well as a practice area, lessons, equipment rental, and a 2 kilometer lighted loop. Please note that the lighted loop is busiest from 3:00-6:00 p.m. weekdays, when high school cross-country ski teams use the trail. 612/230-6400
All other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either in poor condition or closed due to a lack of snow.
Southern Region
All ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either in poor condition or closed due to a lack of snow.