Snow Covered Pines Early Winter

north shore trail conditions

Trail conditions and trail reports are essential resources for anyone planning an outdoor adventure on the North Shore of Minnesota, including the scenic trails around Grand Marais. This region is renowned for its rugged landscapes, including the Sawtooth Mountains, and massive presence of Lake Superior. Before heading out, checking the latest trail conditions ensures that you’re prepared for any obstacles, such as muddy paths, downed trees, or seasonal closures that could affect your journey.

Find out about recent snowfall, trail conditions and suggestions for where to ski, snowshoe, snowmobile . Snow varies from less near Lake Superior, where the big lake keeps temps slightly milder to more on the hills rising out of Lake Superior to most when you go over the ridge.

How Long is Winter?

Snowfall begins in October, coming and going and usually beginning to stick late in November. Lutsen Mountains typically is open Thanksgiving weekend with a few runs and cross country skiers get their first runs in on the Onion River Road in Lutsen and along the Central Trail system up the Gunflint.

all of the north shore Trail Reports

Trail reports often include updates on trail maintenance projects, and water levels at stream crossings, and depth of ice on inland lakes,  providing valuable insights for a safe and enjoyable experience. These reports are particularly useful early and late season when conditions can vary.

Staying informed about trail conditions not only enhances your adventure but also helps protect the trails and surrounding environment by encouraging responsible use.

winter 2025/26 season

Snow Covered Pine Trees

The North Shore has Snow!

wednesday, March 4th

Moving into spring conditions as temps start to creep above freezing during the day. warm weather through the weekend, but then back to cooler temps and more snow in the forecast!

All trails are open and in good to very good condition. Trails have a good base and there is a lot of snow in the woods. Freezing temps at night and warmer days means conditions will change throughout the day. Plan accordingly

mile 0.0
Open

– Last Update:

February 26
16-34″
CJ Ramstad / North Shore MN Snowmobile Trail Conditions

Snow season is here! Additional snow has arrived after the blizzard. The entire trail has been groomed this week and grooming operations will happen this weekend. Expect high traffic, full trailheads, melting temperatures this weekend that lead to quickly deteriorating trail conditions. Watch for windy conditions Friday to Saturday which could result in trees on the trail. Ride safe!

mile 14.9
Korkki Nordic Ski Trail Tracks

Cross-country Ski Duluth MN | Korkki Nordic Trails

Open

– Last Update:

March 4
Cross-country Ski Duluth MN | Korkki Nordic Trails
It’s spring skiing.
The 5K loop today offered it’s expected mix of debris, icy crusty snow, more-than-occasional deep pole plants, and a classic track that was more of a suggestion in many places. That said, between the 4K and 5K cutoff the trail and striding was an 8 out of 10, likely for the last time this season unless we see a drastic pattern shift. With quickly deteriorating conditions, and a mix of rain and warm temperatures coming through the weekend, extreme caution is needed on the trails. Some equipment challenges have brought grooming efforts to a quick halt. It was a fine season for the couple months it lasted. Perhaps sustained surprise snow in later March…?
mile 27.8
two harbors snowmobile trail

Two Harbors Snowmobile Trail Conditions

Open

– Last Update:

February 24
Two Harbors Snowmobile Trail Conditions / Voyageur Trail System
Our volunteers have been out grooming all week in preparation for a beautiful weekend ahead!
Trail conditions are looking great, and the weather is shaping up perfectly.
Stay safe. Ride right. Enjoy!
mile 39.5
Open

– Last Update:

March 2
36″ trail base
Gooseberry Falls Winter Trails

Ski trail conditions: fair

Snowmobiling conditions: excellent

All trails were groomed on 2/28. The west loop and Lake Superior trails were re-groomed on 2/28. The trails area soft and fair condition. There are a few locations where drifting had occurred making the track a little wavy. The snowmobile trail was groomed this week and is in excellent condition.

Trails run along the beautiful Lake Superior shoreline offering rolling hillsides and scenic vistas.

You can snowshoe anywhere in Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas, except on trails that are specifically groomed for another activity, such as skiing or snowmobiling.

mile 46.0
Open

– Last Update:

March 2
26″ Snow Depth
Split Rock Lighthouse Snow Conditions

We have packed our trails, but conditions are icy, uneven, and deep if you step off the beaten path. Snowshoes are highly recommended. The trails at Split Rock are multi-use which means they are open for anything non-motorized (skiing, snowshoeing, biking, skijoring, kick sledding, etc.) Snowshoes are available for rent from our park office for $6 per pair, per day. The office hours are subject to change; please call ahead to verify we are open if you want to rent snowshoes.

The state park has several miles of groomed multiuse trails that allow cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking and hiking.

You can snowshoe anywhere in Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas, except on trails that are specifically groomed for another activity, such as skiing or snowmobiling.

mile 54.9
Open

– Last Update:

March 2
Finland and Silver Bay Snowmobile Trail

The Moose Walk is groomed to perfection…thanks to Swede Larson and BJ Larson. It got a little warm this afternoon and the forecast is warm during the days all week. Enjoy it NOW!!!

aerial view of caribou highlands lodge and pool with Lake Superior in background0
mile 58.5
Open

– Last Update:

March 3
32″ Snow Depth
Tettegouche Park MN Trail Conditions

Ski trail conditions: Good

Snowmobiling conditions: Good

Ski trails have been cleared and packed with snowmobiles. The cart in loop is the only trail that has been groomed.

Trails have many ups and down, traveling through both birch, aspen and conifer forests. There are lakes and overlooks through out the trail.

You can snowshoe anywhere in Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas, except on trails that are specifically groomed for another activity, such as skiing or snowmobiling.

mile 58.9
cross country ski tips on snowy north shore trail

Flathorn Gegoka Ski & Fat Tire Bike Trails

Open

– Last Update:

March 3
Ski & Fat Tire Bike Trails Conditions

These classic single-tracked trails are set in the remote boreal forest of Isabella on Superior National Forest. The trails wind along lakeshores and through spruce/tamarack bogs and old pine, fir, aspen, and birch forests. Skiers can experience a wilderness character on mostly beginner to intermediate loops. Trailhead located at Jensen Trail Trailhead.

 

mile 80.4
snow covered pines and temperance river under footbridge

Temperance River Park Snow Conditions

Open

– Last Update:

March 4
Temperance River Park Snow Conditions

No groomed trails. The trails are not groomed but provide opportunities for back country skiing and snowshoeing.

mile 82.5
Open

– Last Update:

February 28
2-6″ Packed base
Sugarbush Trail Conditions

Depth (Base snow depth on trail): 2-6″
Snowfall Last 24 Hours: 1/2″
Snowfall Last 7 Days: 1/2″
Total Snowfall for the season: 52 1/2″
Snowfall Average Depth (Snow depth off trail in the woods): 12″

We had 3 days of above freezing temperatures, so the snow pack is reduced somewhat. We will be able to groom, when the temperatures get cold enough.

mile 90.5
Open

– Last Update:

March 4
45″ trail base
Lutsen Mountains Snow Report

Lutsen Mountains is open daily from December 6 to April 6, offering winter enthusiasts a chance to enjoy the slopes throughout the season.

Join us for unforgettable winter fun during these exciting periods!

Season total snowfall 58″

 

 

mile 92.7
snow covered snowmobile trail and pine trees with Lake Superior in the distance

Snowmobile Trail Conditions MN | Lutsen-Tofte

Open

– Last Update:

March 4
Snowmobile Trail Conditions MN | Lutsen

All Trails are in Great condition until you get very close to Lake Superior.

Snowmobile Trail Conditions MN | Tofte

No Current Report

aerial view of caribou highlands lodge and pool with Lake Superior in background0
mile 99.6
Open

– Last Update:

February 28
18″ Snow Base
Trail Conditions Cross-country ski & Fat Tire Bike

Typical grooming schedule: Our budget allows for grooming the entire system on Thursday and/or Friday (evening) of each week, starting with priority trails. Touch-up on priority trails (as needed) Monday or Tuesday. (Schedule may be adjusted if there is new snowfall)

65″ Snowfall

mile 99.8
Open

– Last Update:

February 7
16″ Trail Base
Cascade River State Park Trail Conditions

Ski trail conditions: Good

Snowmobiling conditions: Good

Snow Depth: 19″

The trails were packed and tracked 2/6/2026. The trails have set up and are in great condition.

The trail is consistent with the North Shore topography; cliffs intermixed with forest land. All types of wildlife can be seen along the trail. Ski trails range from easy to difficult. One loop is available for the less experienced skier. Trails connect to other local trails outside the park.

You can snowshoe anywhere in Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas, except on trails that are specifically groomed for another activity, such as skiing or snowmobiling.

mile 109.2
Open

– Last Update:

February 24
16″ Trail Base
Grand Marais Trail Conditions | Pincushion
New Snow Last 24 hours: 2”
New Snow Last 7 days: 30”
Trail Base: 16”
Snow in Woods: 44”
Surface Conditions: Excellent
Last grooming day: 2/24/2026
Total season snowfall: 57” – 68”
Comments: Full system groomed for skate and classic techniques. Continuing soft conditions and high winds overnight will result in blown in tracks, scoured deck and drifting especially on exposed segments. Skiing should still be excellent nonetheless.
mile 109.3
Open

– Last Update:

March 4
Gunflint Trail Conditions | Snowmobile
3/2 & 3/3 we Groomed our trail system. Wednesday (today) is our normal maintenance “non-grooming” day. We have some warmer temps in the forecast. Thursday’s whether we groom (or not) will depend on the night time temps falling cold enough.
Note: If staying in the town of Grand Marais, an option is to trailer up the trail (to Skyport) or another parking area, as the trails closer to Lake Superior are the first to show dirt/less desirable during warmer temps.
March 7th Snow Drags @ Poplar Haus!
gunflint mile 6.5
cross country ski trail at george washington pines

George Washington Pines Trail Report | Ski & Snowshoe

Open

– Last Update:

February 24
George Washington Pines Trail Report
We packed the trail wide and set a classic track following the last big snowstorm the previous week (20″) plus this morning (additional 4″).
(Kris Rich, US Forest Service)
gunflint mile 25.0
Open

– Last Update:

February 22
18-24″
Central Gunflint Trail Ski Conditions

New Snow Last 48 hours:  0.0”
New Snow Last 7 days:  0.75”
Trail Base, Staked:  Avg 10-13”
Snow in Woods, Staked:  Avg 18-24”
Groomed with classic track:  77 km
Groomed with skate lane:   73 km
Surface Conditions:  Freshly groomed snow
Last grooming day:  3-4-26
Total season snowfall:  64.25”

Comments: We groomed the north side trails this morning. They turned out really nice and buried a lot of the debris that started popping back through the last couple days. Despite the warmer temps, we are still going strong!

Grooming frequently occurs between the release of new trail reports. For the most up to date grooming information, as well specific trail conditions, please contact Golden Eagle Lodge (218-388-2203) or Bearskin Lodge (218-388-2292). Central Gunflint Ski Pass Required.

fried walleye and wine at gunflint lodge
gunflint mile 28.0
Open

– Last Update:

February 27
Wilderness Gunflint Ski Trails

We groomed again this morning!

Great conditions, come ski with us! This weekend looks great with a bit more snow coming Monday with slightly warming temperatures. Ski Banadad!
gunflint mile 41.6
Open

– Last Update:

February 25
Gunflint Lodge Trail Conditions

We were out this morning grooming Overlook, Highlands, Ham Lake, North Star, and Upper West End. The rest of the system was all groomed yesterday, so everything is freshly groomed with a classic track and a skate deck. We hope you can come up and get out on the trails this winter!

see specific trail updates

mile 143.9
close up of two snowmobilers coming down a trail in grand portage

Grand Portage Snowmobile Trail Reports

Open

– Last Update:

February 28
6-8″ trail base
Snowmobile Trail Reports

Groomed February 28th.

Good Conditions.

Information available at Grand Portage Lodge Front Desk; 218-475-2401

sparkling wintry lake superior and ice sheets stacked on north shore

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