Minnesota winter resort deals

Good to excellent cross-country ski and snowmobile trail conditions can be found throughout the northern half of Minnesota, with fair to good conditions throughout the southern half of the state. Temperatures will rise through the weekend with a chance of snow on Saturday. This should be a wonderful weekend for all outdoor activities.

Still looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors this weekend? Take part in the Checkpoint MN scavenger hunt which runs through Feb. 12. There are 10 iconic travel destinations to visit throughout the state, and $45,000 worth of prizes available. Learn more at checkpointmn.com!

[Northeast] [Northwest] [Central] [Twin Cities] [Southern]

Northeast Region

Grand Rapids/Bigfork
The Cow Horn Road and River Road ski trails running through Golden Anniversary State Forest have been groomed, and trail conditions are reported to be good. The trail base measures 7-9 inches thick. Local snow depth is roughly 1 foot. The portion of the Taconite State Snowmobile Trail which runs through the area has been groomed and conditions are good. The trail base measures 3-6 inches.

Ely

Total snow accumulation in the Ely vicinity is 12-24 inches. Several inches of fresh snow and colder temperatures have vastly improved trail conditions. Most snowmobile trails are in good to very good condition.  Area lakes have some frozen ruts making travel by lake a bit rough at times. The Tower to Ely section of the Taconite State Snowmobile Trail has been groomed and conditions are very good. The trail base measures 1-4 inches. Similar conditions are reported for the Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail, as well as most other snowmobile trails in the area. At Bear Head Lake State Park, most of the ski trails are icy and in poor conditions due to recent rain and warm temperatures which melted and compressed the snow. These trails have a 1-4 inch base. The snowmobile trails, however, are groomed with a 1-5 inch base. Riders report very good conditions. The Babbitt Golf Course and Birch Lake Plantation ski trails are groomed, and skiers report excellent conditions.

Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail

In Cook County, just outside of Grand Marais up the Gunflint Trail, the Pincushion Mountain cross-country ski trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing. The trails have a 20 inch base with great conditions reported. As of Jan. 25, the snowmobile trails in the Gunflint Trail vicinity were groomed and in great shape, with an 8-12 inch base.

Silver Bay/Two Harbors

Tettegouche State Park is covered in a foot and a half of snow away from Lake Superior, with less than a foot near the lake. The ski trails are partially groomed and in good shape with an 8 inch base. Area snowmobile trails have a 6 inch groomed surface, with good conditions reported. Just to the south, conditions are mostly fair for skiing and snowmobiling at Gooseberry Falls State Park due to ice under a thin snow base.

Duluth/Grand Marais

The northern section of the C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Snowmobile Trail has a 4-6 inch base and it is in good condition from Finland to Grand Marais. The southern section is in fair condition, with a 1-4 inch base. The entire trail will be regroomed prior to the weekend. Local snow depth ranges from 8-23 inches.

Carlton

All ski trails at Jay Cooke State Park are groomed, and skiers report icy but fair conditions. The trails have a 4 inch base on average. The snowmobile trails are groomed with a 4 inch base, and conditions are considered good. Similar conditions are reported for the Willard Munger State Trail that runs through the area. Local snow depth ranges from 5-8 inches.

Northwest Region

Williams/northwest of Baudette

The ski and snowmobile trails at Zippel Bay State Park are groomed and in good condition. Both trails have a 5-6 inch base on average. More than a foot of snow covers the ground within the park.

Lake Bronson/far NW corner

The Lake Bronson State Park snowmobile trails are groomed, and conditions are considered fair. These trails have an 8 inch base on average. The ski trails have a similar base, but staff report very good conditions. Local snow depth is roughly 1 1/2 feet. Nearby, the snowmobile trails within Old Mill State Park are groomed and in very good shape. The trail base measures 8 inches.

Waskish

The snowmobile trail running through Big Bog State Recreation Area is groomed and in good condition with a 3 inch base. This trail runs all the way to Baudette. The trails running to Kelliher and Blackduck are also groomed. Riders report very good conditions. The ground is covered in roughly 1 foot of snow.

Walker

The northern section of the Paul Bunyan State Trail is in fair to good condition for snowmobiling. The trail base measures 2-3 inches, with 1 foot of snow on the ground.

Bemidji

The ski trails at Lake Bemidji State Park are freshly groomed, and conditions are described as excellent. The snowmobile trails have also been groomed, with very good conditions reported. Both trails have a 6 inch base on average. Area snow cover is 14 inches.

Lake Itasca, north of Park Rapids

Fresh snow has improved trail conditions at Itasca State Park. The ski trails are groomed and in good condition with a 4 inch base. The snowmobile trails are groomed and in fair condition with a 4 inch base. Roughly a foot of snow covers the ground in this area. Nearby, the snowmobile trails running through the La Salle Lake State Recreation Area are considered to be in very good condition. These trails have 5 inch groomed surface.

Central Region

Pelican Rapids/Ottertail/Battle Lake

Maplewood State Park  is covered in 17 inches of snow. The ski and snowmobile trails have a 4 base, and conditions are considered fair to good. Additional snow will be required to set track and begin grooming.

Pequot Lakes

The Paul Bunyan State Trail is groomed and in fair condition for snowmobiling. The trail base measures 1-3 inches, with 6-10 inches of snow on the ground. Please note that it

Most other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either icy and in poor condition or have been closed due to a lack of snow.

Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity

Alma -east of North Branch

Wild River State Park is covered in roughly 5 inches of snow following this week's 4 inch snowfall. Park staff have packed and combed most of the trails. The trail base measures 1-2 inches, and conditions are considered fair. Ski and snowshoe rental are available at the Trail Center. Please call ahead for availability. 651/257-0685. Mark your calendar for this year's Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe on Saturday, February 11. Enjoy candlelit trails, music, stargazing, refreshments and our giant prairie bonfire! Reservations are recommended for equipment rentals. Before the event, check out Winter Fest in nearby North Branch.

Marine on St. Croix - north of Stillwater

The classic and skate ski trails at William O'Brien State Park should all be groomed by this weekend. Skiers report fair conditions overall. The trail base averages 3 inches, with 4 inches of snow on the ground. Skiers may also want to check out the Ice Castles in nearby Stillwater.

Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott and Wright counties

The Valley Trail and Lesson Area cross-country ski trails with manufactured snow at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove are packed, tracked and in good condition for classic and skate skiing. A number of ski trails with man-made snow at Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington are packed, tracked and in good condition. The natural snow trails at all Three Rivers Park District Ski Trail and Sliding Hill Conditions are closed.

Most other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either icy and in poor condition or have been closed due to a lack of snow.

Southern Region

Frontenac -south of Red Wing

Frontenac State Park is covered in 8 inches of snow. All 9 miles of cross-country ski trails are groomed, and conditions are reported to be good. The trails have a 4 inch base.

Winona

The cross-country ski trails at Great River Bluffs State Park are packed and groomed, with very good conditions reported. Local snow cover is approximately 9 inches.

Preston/Harmony/Lanesboro

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park offers fair conditions for snowmobiling. The trails have a 2 inch partially groomed surface. Local snow depth is roughly 8-9 inches. The Harmony-Preston Valley and Root River state trails are reported to be in good condition for skiing. These trails have a 2 inch partially groomed surface.

Albert Lea

The snowmobile trails running through Myre-Big Island State Park are partially groomed and in fair condition, with a 1-4 inch base. Local snow depth is 4-6 inches.

Most other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either icy and 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

Minnesota Resort

White Birch Resort on Blackduck Lake in Minnesota offers some of the best deals for a family vacation. With all of the amenities that are included with each rental you will not find a better resort vacation in Minnesota. All family members will find something to enjoy while everyone is enjoying the beauty of Northern Minnesota.
The resort has luxury lake homes that can sleep up to 22 people in each one and there are private hot tubs on the decks. There are also smaller cabins that can sleep from 2 to 8 people for the smaller families as well.
The resort is located on Blackduck Lake which is known for some of the best walleye fishing in the area fir the size of the lake. The depth of the lake is only 25 ft at the deepest so it is an easy lake to learn to fish.
For more information on this Minnesota resort please visit www.whitebirchresort.net

Minnesota fishing report

Northeast] [Northwest] [Central] [Twin Cities] [Southern]



Heavy snow recently fell throughout northern Minnesota. Anglers may find some drifting on the lakes, and should be aware that snow may be covering potential hazard areas. Please note that unseasonably warm temperatures have caused ice conditions to change throughout the state--it is extremely important to use caution when heading out! Anyone considering a trip out onto the ice must first check with local bait shops and resorts for the most current ice conditions. Anglers venturing out are asked to carry ice claws and a long rope, wear a floatation device, and check ice depth often. Please stay informed, and brush up on Minnesota DNR Ice Safety Tips before heading out on your next ice fishing adventure.

Please remember that the walleye, sauger, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass season closes at midnight, February 26, 2012. Fish houses must be off the ice at night unless attended by March 5th for areas south of Hwy 200 and Hwy 2--fish houses that are not attended must be removed from the ice by February 19 from areas north of Hwy 200 and Hwy 2 by February 19. The winter season for lake trout runs through March 31. The winter season for stream trout in southern Minnesota is catch-and-release only, and also runs through March 31. Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2012/2013 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 12; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 26; muskie, June 2. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous. The fishing season for stream trout in streams is catch-and-release only April 1-13; the regular season beginning April 14. Please note that seasons and regulations vary for certain boundary waters and some individual lakes and rivers--please check out the Minnesota DNR Fishing Seasons and Minnesota DNR Fishing Regulations pages to learn more.

Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236 or accessing DNR License Sales.

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This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.

Northeast Minnesota

International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River

Rainy Lake ice anglers are taking walleye at dawn and at dusk from roughly 25 feet of water around Birch Point in Sand Bay. Other hot spots include the American Narrows and Cranberry Bay. Northern pike are hitting large minnows near Rainy Lake City and at the mouth of Cranberry Bay. Anglers using portable gear have been able to work areas off the Park Service Ice Road from the Visitor Center north to Dryweed Island, traveling east to Cranberry Bay. And snowmobilers will find quality, fresh snow, with more in the forecast. The trails are already in great shape and it looks like there will be plenty of good riding left this season. 1-800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

Lake Kabetogama ice is still free of slush in areas where vehicles and sleds are currently traveling. Walleye anglers have been doing well during late afternoon hours. Perch action has been inconsistent, but the northern pike are hitting nearly all day long! Small ice jigs tipped with a full minnow or the head of minnow remains best, with gold and glow jigs the preferred choice in color. Pike anglers should begin at 12 feet of water and edge deeper in the soft bottom bays. Walleye and perch prefer 30 foot depths, however the bite has been light so it is best to use light jigs and smaller minnows. Crappie action remains slow--action should pick up as spring approaches. 1-800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com

Ely

Anglers are enjoying a better than average trout bite on area lakes, and this has been appreciated all the more due to the slowdown in walleye action. The lake trout bite on a few of the larger lakes has remained consistent, but many anglers are now finding that the smaller lakes are turning into hot spots. Lake trout anglers are having success using rainbow chubs and small suckers, as well as some artificial favorites such as airplane jigs and spoons. The rainbow trout are eagerly hitting small jigs tipped with waxworms or small salted minnows. Crappie anglers are taking more fish recently, with fish beginning their pre-spawn patterns. For the most fish, use small minnows or soft baits such as the gulp and power bait. 1-800-777-7281; www.ely.org

Cook/Tower - Lake Vermilion

1-800-648-5897; www.lakevermilionresorts.com

Cook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage

The walleye season ends February 26, and anglers should hit area lakes as soon as possible! On Daniel and Duncan lakes, located up the Gunflint Trail, quite a few decent size walleye are being reported. On Poplar Lake, located near the Trail Center, a large 28-inch walleye was pulled from roughly 21 feet of water. Another angler took a 35.25-inch northern pike from Poplar Lake and registered this fish shortly after the 28-inch walleye was registered. Lake Trout remain active, coming in on a variety of baits. On Greenwood Lake, these fish can be found in 40-55 foot depths when using jigs and spoons with ciscoes or rainbow chubs. On Bearskin Lake, trout are coming from depths of 60-80 feet of water, with some also schooling just beneath the ice--the best approach here is a spoon or jig with a chub or ciscoe. And splake have been active on Thrasher and Musquash lakes, where anglers are taking good numbers on waxies worked in 12-18 feet of water. Those trekking into the BWCAW on skis or snowshoes are pulling lots of brook trout on just about anything thrown their way! www.visitcookcounty.com

Grand Rapids

www.visitgrandrapids.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Lake of the Woods anglers are giving mixed reports on the best depths at this time. The majority of anglers are having some success in 30-32 feet of water, and one resort owner has placed his houses over 34 feet of water where guests are enjoying some decent action. More sauger than walleye are coming in, however the sauger are of quality size. Gold, red, pink, and glow colors have been best, with silver also working at times. At the Northwest Angle, many limits of crappies are being taken, and one angler pulled in a 48-inch muskie on a crappie jig! A group of anglers pulled in at least 15 white fish, and walleye fishing near Garden Island has really taken off. 1-800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

Heavy snow fell this week, with several inches of snow falling throughout the area. Anglers may find some drifting on the lakes, with potential hazards covered up by the new snow. The ice conditions are still good on most area lakes, with more than 20 inches of ice on average. Walleye action has been spotty, with the best bites during morning and evening hours. The new blanket of snow may slow things down temporarily, but the bite should progressively improve as the snow melts. The perch have moved deeper in most lakes to areas where they can feed on insect larvae emerging from the mud bottom. Crappies and sunnies are also feeding on insects in most of the lakes, with fish coming from 20-30 feet of water on mud flats near structure. Eelpout, whitefish and tulibees are also being targeted by some anglers, providing plenty of options for anglers following the close of the gamefish season on Sunday at midnight. 1-800-458-2223; www.visitbemidji.com

Cass Lake

1-800-356-8615; www.casslake.com

Bena -Lake Winnibigoshish

On Lake Winnibigoshish, the perch bite has picked up and is very good once again. Areas with hungry perch are along the west side at Snag Hole, River Bar, the back side of Center Bar, and west and north to Raven Rocks in depths of 13 feet down to 25 feet. Stay on the move until you locate fish. For the most fish, use small buckshot rattle spoons with a minnow head, or try a whole minnow on a smaller glow jig, especially on cloudy days. On the east side of the lake, check Moxey Hole up through the Saddle. The walleye bite remains spotty, but a few fish are being taken during twilight hours from 13-18 feet of water near the tops of the bar drops and shore drops. And for northern pike, use a large sucker, roughly 3 to 5 feet off the bottom. www.lakewinnie.net

Walker - Leech Lake

Ice on most area lakes, including Walker Bay on Leech Lake, measures 22-26 inches on average. This is the last week to catch walleye, bass, and northern pike this season--conditions should remain mild, so this is an excellent time to venture out! 1-800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com

Park Rapids

1-800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com

Detroit Lakes

1-800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com

Central Region

Few reports are available due to current warm temperatures causing changes in ice conditions in many areas.

Otter Tail Lakes Area

Perch and walleye action has been fairly good in depths of 13-30 feet of water on Otter Tail Lake. Crappies and sunnies are becoming more active in 15-25 feet of water on many area lakes. 1-800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Pine River

1-800-728-6926; http://www.pinerivermn.com

Whitefish Chain of Lakes Area

www.whitefish.org

Brainerd Lakes Area

1-800-450-2838; www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

Aitkin Area Lakes/Northern Lake Mille Lacs

1-800-526-8342; www.aitkin.com

Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs

On Lake Mille Lacs, walleye were coming from 23-25 feet of water at the mud flats during morning hours and at dusk just late last week. The walleye seem to be moving from the top edge of these flats to the deeper, bottom edge of the flats as the day progresses. This bottom edge is also where perch are beginning to show up, along with the tullibee. Anglers are having the most success using small jigging spoons, such as pimples, frostees, and fire eyes, in darker colors. Greg's Flat, 7-Mile and The Boot are all producing fish. The gravel bars are also giving up fish at similar depths and times as at the mud flats. Anglers pursuing perch and tullibee are doing well using waxworms, maggots and shrimp. Some northern pike action continues to be reported from Isle, Cove and Wahkon bays. 1-888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com

Willmar

1-800-845-8747; www.willmarlakesarea.com

Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

Few reports are available due to current warm temperatures causing changes in ice conditions in many areas.

Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area

651/257-1177; www.chisagolakeschamber.com

White Bear Area Lakes

White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes are producing good numbers of fish. Crappie anglers are doing well on both lakes when using crappie minnows, euro larvae and waxworms. The northern pike remain active on White Bear Lake, with sucker minnows turning the most fish when worked in depths of 10-15 feet. On Bald Eagle Lake, walleye are hitting fathead minnows on buckshot spoons. And perch anglers are doing well on both lakes when using waxworms. 651/653-5122; www.explorewhitebear.org

Waconia

952/442-5812; www.destinationwaconia.org

Southern Minnesota

Few reports are available due to current warm temperatures causing changes in ice conditions in many areas.

Lake City - Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River

1-877-525-3248; www.lakecitymn.org

Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams

1-800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com

Rochester -Southeast Minnesota Lakes and Rivers

Late last week, one area guide had lots of success just below the power dam on the Zumbro River. After roughly 40 casts, the catch included 3 smallmouth bass and one muskie. The bass measured 15-, 16-, and 17-inches, and the muskie was approximately 28 inches--an official measurement was not possible since the fish was determined to bite whatever got too close! The smallmouth bass were eager to bite a new #7 rapala clackin' minnow! For a list and maps showing designated winter trout fishing streams, visit the Minnesota DNR Winter Trout Streams page. 1-800-634-8277; www.rochestercvb.org

Faribault Area Lakes

1-800-658-2354; www.visitfaribault.com

Albert Lea

1-800-345-8414; www.albertleatourism.org

Fairmont Area Lakes

1-800-657-3280; www.fairmontcvb.com

Ortonville - Big Stone Lake

1-800-568-5722; www.bigstonela

Minnesota trail conditions

[Northeast] [Northwest] [Central] [Twin Cities] [Southern]



Some areas of northern Minnesota received nearly half a foot of snow earlier this week. In some areas it's still snowing, with additional accumulation expected this weekend. Ski trails throughout the northern one-third of Minnesota are groomed and in good to excellent condition. And many snowmobile trails are open and in good condition, including at Ely, Finland, Grand Marais, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, International Falls and Lutsen. Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis; please call ahead for the most current conditions.

Explore Minnesota 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, Voyageurs National Park, the Three Rivers Park District, and communities throughout the state.

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.

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.

Subscribe here to receive any or all of our reports by email or RSS/news feed.

Northeast Region

International Falls

The Koochiching State Forest Tilson Creek Ski Trail is in very good condition for classic and skate skiing. The base of the trail measures more than 3 inches, with more than 8 inches of snow on the ground. The trail has been groomed with double skate lanes and tracks. Area snowmobile trails running through Voyageurs National Park and throughout the Rainy Lake vicinity are reported to be in good shape. The ice roads on Rainy Lake are open and the snowmobile trails are marked and groomed. Riders are asked to please watch for pressure ridges along the way! More information is also available at www.rainylake.org

Side Lake/N of Hibbing

Skiers report very good conditions on trails within McCarthy Beach State Park. Roughly 6 miles of trails have been groomed, with a base measuring 4 inches. The snowmobile trails have also been groomed, and are reported to be in fair condition--the base averages 2 inches. Just to the west, snowmobile trails running through George Washington State Forest have been freshly groomed following the recent 5-6 inches of snow. The trail base measures 3 inches, and conditions are good throughout the area. Riders are asked to be aware of active logging activity, especially along the south end of the Circle L system. Ski trails in the forest have a 2-3 inch groomed surface, and are in good condition. And just to the north, the section of the Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail running north of Orr is in good condition, with a 3 inch groomed surface. The entire trail should be regroomed prior to the weekend, improving conditions even more. Approximately 10 inches of snow covers the ground.

Tower/Soudan

The snowmobile trails running through Lake Vermilion State Park are reported to be in fair condition, with a 4 inch base. Please use caution due to sections of thin trail base that may expose rocks as trail use increases. Temporary snowmobile trails run through some of the best viewing areas of the park, and connect with the Lake Vermilion ice trail and a spur of the Taconite State Snowmobile Trail that runs through Soudan Underground Mine State Park. The nearby segment of the Taconite Trail has a 2-4 inch groomed surface, but conditions are poor to fair. Local snow depth is 8-11 inches. The Taconite should be fully regroomed prior to the weekend.

Ely

Five inches of fresh snow has fallen over the past few days, and it continues to snow! The Hidden Valley Cross Country Ski Trails and Babbitt Golf Course Trails are reported to be in excellent condition for classic and skate skiing, with a nice solid 8 inch base overall. The Bear Head Lake State Park campground loops and some of the other ski trails are freshly groomed and in good condition, with an 8 inch base. The snowmobile trails are also groomed and in good condition. These trails have a 6 inch base. Local snow depth is 13 inches. A Guest House and five camper cabins are open in the winter. All snowmobile trails in the Ely vicinity should be freshly groomed prior to the weekend. Conditions are considered fair to good, including along the Putnam/Fishing Lakes Trail running through Bear Island State Forest. These trails have a 3-5 inch base on average, however riders are asked to watch for exposed rocks on portions of the Fishing Lakes Trail. While the lake trails are in very good shape, riders should use caution and stay on the staked trails due to several pressure ridges on some of the lakes. Area snowcover measures 8-10 inches. Please note that trail conditions can change on a daily basis--more information is available at www.ely.org.

Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail

In Cook County, just outside of Grand Marais up the Gunflint Trail, Central Gunflint Trail ski trails have a 7-8 inch packed powder surface, and are reported to be in excellent shape. There are 70 kilometers of trails groomed for traditional skiing, and 40 kilometers groomed for skate skiing. Roughly 17 inches of snow covers the ground in this area. In the Upper Gunflint Trail vicinity, total accumulation in the woods is 16-18 inches. Most trails in this area have an 8 inch base, and skiers report excellent conditions. And riders report that area snowmobile trails are in good condition overall, with a trail base of 5-7 inches.

Lutsen/Tofte

Up the Sawbill Trail, located inland from Lutsen, ski conditions are excellent at the end of the trail. These backcountry trails receive minimal grooming--the base measures roughly 16 inches. Since this area is very remote, please have plenty of gas in a good operating vehicle and come prepared with winter survival gear. Travel to the very end of the Sawbill Trail, walk over the snowbank, and you'll see the trail. It's old fashioned skiing at its best! And just east of here, all 17 kilometers of the Deeryard Loop have been groomed for classic skiing. The trail base measures 2-8 inches, and conditions are excellent from Caribou to the ski hill road-- the Hall/Massie is marginal to good. Nearby, Cascade River State Parkoffers 18 miles of packed and groomed ski trails. The base measures 2-6 inches, and conditions are good overall. Please note that the base is thinnest near Lake Superior. The frozen waterfalls are spectacular, and just a quick hike or snowshoe from the Trail Center. Snowshoes are available for rent at the park office. From 3-9 inches of snow covers the ground at Cascade River State Park. The two miles of snowmobile trails running through the park are groomed, with a 2-8 inch base--conditions are good.

Finland/Grand Marais

The portion of the North Shore State Snowmobile Trail running from the Sawbill Trail north to the Gunflint Trail Junction just south of Grand Marais was groomed earlier this week. The trail base measures 3-5 inches, and conditions are good. The section south of the Sawbill Trail has some rough and thin spots, and conditions are poor to fair. Local snow depth ranges from 3 inches to the south to 13 inches at Grand Marais.

Grand Rapids

The Cow Horn Road cross-country ski trails running through Golden Anniversary State Forest are reported to be in good condition following the additional 4 inches of fresh snow. The trail base measures 2 inches, and local snow depth is 7 inches. To the north, Scenic State Park ski and snowmobile trails have been groomed, and conditions are good. The base of these trails measures 4-5 inches. Area snow cover measures 1 foot.

Northwest Region

Williams/NW of Baudette

Zippel Bay State Park cross-country ski trails are now fully groomed, with a 6 inch base. Conditions are very good. The snowmobile trail has not yet been groomed, and conditions remain poor. Local snow depth is 1 foot.

Lake Bronson/far NW corner

Lake Bronson State Park ski trails are partially groomed, and conditions are reported to be good. The base on the trails measures 2-3 inches, and approximately 7 inches of snow covers the ground.

Argyle/NW of Thief River Falls

The ski trails at Old Mill State Park were groomed February 22. The trail base measures 2 inches, and conditions are good. A Candlelight Ski will be held here this Saturday, February 25 from 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Bemidji

The ski trails at Lake Bemidji State Park are in very good condition following the recent snowfall, and the trails will be regroomed tomorrow which will improve conditions even more! The trail base measures roughly 4 inches. The snowmobile trails remain ungroomed and in poor condition. Local snow depth is 14 inches. A Candlelight Ski will be held this Saturday, February 25, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Glyndon/E of Moorhead

Buffalo River State Park offers a three mile river loop for cross-country skiing. This trail was groomed February 21, and conditions are good. The trail base measures 2 inches.

Most other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either in poor condition or remain closed due to a lack of snow.

Central Region

Pelican Rapids/Fergus Falls

Maplewood State Park received roughly 5 inches of fresh snow on February 20, enough to pack the one mile ski trail around Cataract Lake. The base of the trail measures 2 inches, and conditions are good. The Friends of Maplewood will be hold a Candlelight Ski, Snowshoe & Hike on Saturday, February 25 from 6:00-8:30 p.m.

Most other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either in poor condition or remain closed due to a lack of snow.

Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity

Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott and Wright county parks

As of Wednesday, February 22, Elm Creek Park Reserve, located in Maple Grove and part of the Three Rivers Park District, was reported to offer good conditions for classic and skate skiing. The lesson area is also packed, tracked and in great shape for both types of skiing. The lights have been turned on, and rentals are available at Elm Creek. The chalet is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. These trails typically receive heavy use from area ski teams--please call ahead for scheduled race and practice times. 763/559-6778, ext. 2. And some trails at Cleary Lake Regional Park at Prior Lake and French Regional Park at Plymouth have now been packed and are in fair condition.

Minneapolis

Theodore Wirth Park, part of the Minneapolis Park System, has snow-making equipment and continues to offer skiable trails. Skiers report good conditions for classic and skate skiing due to consistent grooming and well-maintained trails. There are trails for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers, as well as a practice area, lessons, equipment rental, and a 3.1 kilometer lighted manmade snow loop. The lighted loop is busiest from 3:00-6:00 p.m. weekdays when high school cross-country ski teams use the trail--please call ahead for a schedule of practice times and upcoming races. 612/230-6400

Lake Elmo

Green Acres Recreation Area has 6 kilometers of trails overall, and 2.5 kilometers with manmade snow. Skiers report good conditions, with consistently well-groomed trails for traditional and skate skiing. Please note that these trails generally receive heavy use from area ski teams during late afternoon and early evening hours--please call ahead for scheduled race and practice times. 651/770-6060

Most other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either in poor condition or remain 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 remain closed due to a lack of of snow.