Groomers and clubs regularly update WTIP with information regarding trail and snow conditions in the area. The most recent reports received at WTIP from the trail groomers and venues are included here.
Cross-country ski and snowshoe
Banadad Trail System, Gunflint Trail
The Banadad groomers reported on Friday, February 19, that ski conditions are excellent. The east end of Banadad (3K), Lace Lake (5K), Knapp (3K) and Tall Pines (3K) were tracked February 15. The entire Banadad Trail (39K) was tracked Friday, February 19. More information on the Banadad Trail System is available at 388-4487 and www.banadad.org.
Central Gunflint Trails
The Central Gunflint Ski Trail groomers report on Wednesday, March 10, that the warm temperatures of the past week, including temperatures over 50 degrees, have taken their toll on the trails. There is some burnout on the south facing hills a well as some open areas. Trails are still skiable but will have patchy bare spots. More information on the Central Gunflint Trails is available at 800-346-2203 or via www.golden-eagle.com.
Cascade River and Deeryard Lake, West of Grand Marais
The Norpine Trail groomers reported on Thursday, March 4, that trailheads near the lake have little to no snow, but if you walk up 150 yards to the snow, conditions are fair to good up to Deeryard Lake. The best skiing is from Deeryard Lake trailhead, but the skiing near the lake is quite manageable during the afternoon. Expect Spring conditions with icing in the mornings. More detailed information is available at www.norpinetrails.org.
Hall and Massie Loops, North Shore Trail, Lutsen Connectors, Lutsen
The groomers reported on Thursday, March 4 that early Spring conditions are expected on teh system with some bare spots on the lower part of the Hall and Massie loops. The best skiing in this area is from Caribou to Lutsen Ski Hill Road. There is some icing in the mornings or after the sun goes down behind the mountains. More information is available at www.norpinetrails.org.
Lutsen Trails, Lutsen
The latest report from the Lutsen Trail groomers says some of the trails away from the shore are groomed and in good shape. However, the trails closer to the lake have very little snow to groom so they haven't been groomed.
Pincushion Trail System, Grand Marais
The Pincushion groomers reported on Friday, February 26, that all skate lanes in the trail system were refurbished last night and should provide good skiing. Classic tracks were left as is and for the most part are well set. Tracks on the southern aspects will have some glaze, and some debris will also be found. More information is available at www.pincushiontrails.org.
Sugarbush Trail System, Lutsen-Tofte
The Sugarbush groomers reported on Friday, March 5 that the power-tiller brough up some good powder which should make the classic skiing better. Trails are rated at good to very good. The following trails were groomed late last night for skating and classic: Wood Duck, Piece ofCake, Bridge Run, Hogback East, Hogback West, Homestead Upper, Britton to Oberg, West Oberg Loop, Onion River Road to X, Onion River Road to end, Upper Picnic N to O and Upper Picnic M to N. Also groomed for skate only were the East Oberg Loop, Maple Loop, Upland Loop and the Connector P to N. More trail info is available at www.sugarbushtrail.org.
Downhill ski
Lutsen Mountains
As of 8:30 AM,, Lutsen Mountains’ staff reported there are 72 runs open on four mountains with eight lifts operating. The base depth is 32-48 inches with Spring conditions. More info is available at www.lutsen.com.
Ice Skating
Birch Grove Community Center, Tofte
The ice rink groomer at Birch Grove Community Center reports that the Tofte rink is in excellent condition. Night skating is available until 10 o'clock when the lights turn off automatically. There also are skates available in the warming hut for use. Also, pizza can be ordered at the rink during the weekends from 5 to 9 PM. More details are available from the Birch Grove Foundation at 663-7977 or via bgf@boreal.org.
Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais
Due to unseasonably warm weather, the outdoor ice is "getting punky," as of Sunday, February 28. If the warm weather continues this week, the outdoor rink will be closed for the season. The ice can be used to play broomball or ice soccer at this point by players wearing boots. . Information on rink availability is available at 387-3015. There are some skates available for use.
Sliding Hill
Grand Marais Rec Park Sliding Hill
Here are the latest conditions at the Grand Marais International Sliding Hill, as reported February 18: "Sun on the south sloping sliding hill has created an Olympic calibre bobsled run. If you can make it up the slippery slope, you could set a new world record on your way down!"
Snowmobile trails and club news
Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club
The Ridge Riders report that as of Thursday, March 4, the trails in the Grand Marais area vary quite a bit The State Trail running toward Lutsen is in good shape with a few corners getting low on snow. The Gunflint Trail up to Hungry Jack Lodge, Trail Center and Windigo is in great shape except for a few portions near the resorts where tehre has been a lot of traffic. There are a few areas getting low on snow. The lower Gunflint Trail is in excellent but for the remainder of the season, expect to trailer from Grand Marais to the Devil Track Landing where there is parking at the old airport. There is plenty of space there as the last mile of trail in town is bare. Do not be concerned about traveling up the North Shore and not seeing snow. It is all up and over the hill. The Expressway (X-Trail) has some dirt and rock from Devil Track to Two Island, but is in good condition beyond that. Always cross between the X-Trail and the Gunflint Trail on the Musquash Trail as it is always the best trail in the system with plenty of snow, great scenery and just plain fun. For the most part there is still a lot of snow and the Ridge Riders are doing their best to keep the trails smooth. There is still good snow to get up to the end of the trail system near Gunflint Lodges. Some of the best riding on the lakes also is available now. The lakes are starting to settle and smooth out. More information is available via boreal.org/RidgeRiders.
Lutsen Snowmobile Trails
The Lutsen Snowmobile Trail groomers report that the Lutsen Trail system is fully groomed and set up hard as of Wednesday, February 17. " We are experiencing March-like conditions at this time," the groomers said.
