Minnesota trail conditions

Minnesota trail conditions.

Cross-country skiing on the Gunflint Trail Cross-country ski and snowmobile trail conditions have deteriorated throughout the state due to unseasonably warm temperatures and rain. Some areas of northern Minnesota, however, still offer decent conditions for skiing and snowmobiling. A winter storm will impact much of southern Minnesota this evening, Thursday, Feb. 23 through Friday evening, Feb. 24. Snowfall amounts will vary greatly, with up to 18 inches of snow expected for areas surrounding Rochester, Albert Lea and Fairmont, but only an inch or two in parts of the Twin Cities and west towards Redwood Falls. Areas that do receive significant amounts of snow should have good trail conditions once groomers are able to hit the trails, possibly as early as this weekend. [Northeast] [Northwest] [Central] [Twin Cities] [Southern] Northeast Region Ely Total snow accumulation has dwindled down to 7 inches in the Ely vicinity, and most area ski and snowmobile trails are in poor condition. Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail In Cook County, just outside of Grand Marais up the Gunflint Trail, the Banadad and Pincushion Mountain Ski Trails have been groomed. The trail base measures 14-20 inches, and conditions are good. Similar snow amounts and conditions are reported for most of the other Gunflint Trail ski trail systems. At nearby Cascade River State Park, from 6-14 inches of snow covers the ground. The ski trails are groomed, with a base measuring 2-6 inches. Conditions are reported to be fair. The snowmobile trails have been down-graded to poor condition. Silver Bay Tettegouche State Park is still covered in roughly 1 foot of snow inland, away from Lake Superior, but the rain and warm temperatures have taken a toll on the trails. Some of the ski trails remain in fair condition, and may be groomed as early as tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 24. Some portions of the snowmobile trails are also in fair condition. Duluth/Grand Marais The northern section of the C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Snowmobile Trail, running from Finland to Grand Marais, has a 1-6 inch base with some icy areas and bare spots. Conditions are mostly fair. This section is scheduled to be groomed this weekend. The southern section is in poor condition due to a lack of snow. Local snow depth ranges from 3-20 inches. Most other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either in poor condition or have been 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 have been 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 have been closed due to a lack of snow. Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity All ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either in poor condition or have been 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 have been closed due to a lack of snow. Explore Minnesota will report winter trail conditions each Thursday during the winter season, with updates as changes in conditions warrant. 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 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