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 2024/25 season

Snow Covered Pine Trees

in a snow lull

Monday February 3

The North Shore received 7+” inches of fluffy snow on top of our base

Cross Country trails are open, and being groomed.
Snowmobile Trails have been groomed and are open!
Snowshoeing is wide open on public property and you will find snow inland behind the ridge.
Lutsen Mountains is open.

Photo is from the last snowfall just up the hill from Lake Superior.

mile 0.0
Open

– Last Update:

January 30
4-16″
CJ Ramstad / North Shore MN Snowmobile Trail Conditions

The trail from Duluth to Two Harbors has 0-2” of base and is in poor condition due to lack of snow. The trail from Two Harbors through Grand Marais has 2” of base and has been groomed this week putting it in fair condition. Expect early season riding conditions.

mile 14.9
Korkki Nordic Ski Trail Tracks

Cross-country Ski Duluth MN | Korkki Nordic Trails

Open

– Last Update:

February 3
Cross-country Ski Duluth MN | Korkki Nordic Trails

no current report

mile 27.8
two harbors snowmobile trail

Two Harbors Snowmobile Trail Conditions

Open

– Last Update:

February 3
Two Harbors Snowmobile Trail Conditions / Voyageur Trail System

The Yukon Trail , Two Harbors Corridor, Gooseberry and Dixie Spurs will be groomed by this weekend of February 7th, 2025

mile 39.5
Open

– Last Update:

January 24
1-4″ with 1-2″ trail base
Gooseberry Falls Winter Trails

Snow depth varies from very little near Lake Superior from 1-4 inches (1 – 10 cm). A fresh 2-3 inches of snow fell during the overnight (1/21). Will need additional snow accumulation for ski / snowmobile trail conditions improve. Ski tracks were set on 1-22-25 on some of the trails, however they are shallow with debris and bare some bare spots. Overall snow cover is poor for both the ski and snowmobile trails. Trail conditions further away from Lake Superior are better than those closest to the lake.

mile 46.0
Open

– Last Update:

January 29
5″
Split Rock Lighthouse Snow Conditions

We’ve gotten a bit of snow but not enough to groom the trails yet, however they have been packed on the lake side. All trails are multi-use and open!

8.2 miles of groomed multi-use trails. Part of the trail travels along the shoreline of Lake Superior and offers many lake vistas. The terrain is hilly, with a birch and aspen forest. 12 miles of ungroomed trail for 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:

January 29
Finland and Silver Bay Snowmobile Trail

We continue to groom with what little snow we have in some areas, especially closer to Lake Superior. We are using our older drag because we pull up rocks once in awhile on the trail. So be careful for these rocks they can jump out and get you. Otherwise the our trail system is in pretty good shape for the up coming weekend. Please Ride Right and Safe.

mile 58.5
Open

– Last Update:

January 29
12″
Tettegouche Park MN Trail Conditions

Ski and snowmobile trail conditions are very good with a 10″ trail base.  Ski Trails are groomed through the Palisade Valley, over to the Northwoods Ski Trails. 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:

February 1
8″ Snow Base
Ski & Fat Tire Bike Trails Conditions

2 to 3 inches of new snow over a nice base made it easy to ski on the trails. Snow was falling the entire time make it a snow globe type day.

Note: New trailhead at Jensen and Hwy 1 (Flathorn trailhead closed indefinitely due to last summer’s major rain event that washed away 3 of our 4 critical bridges.).

mile 80.4
snow covered pines and temperance river under footbridge

Temperance River Park Snow Conditions

Open

– Last Update:

December 15
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 3
4-8″ Packed base
Sugarbush Trail Conditions

Depth (Base snow depth on trail): 4-8″
Snowfall Last 24 Hours: 0″
Snowfall Last 7 Days: 9″
Total Snowfall for the season: 43″
Snowfall Average Depth (Snow depth off trail in the woods): 12″

We finally got a decent snowfall, allowing us to take out our Pisten Bully for the first time in 1 1/2 years. All trails, except for the Tofte trail, were groomed for skate and classic last night into this morning

mile 90.5
Open

– Last Update:

February 3
24-60″ trail base
Lutsen Mountains Snow Report

We’ve got 7″-9″ of fresh snow across the resort, and the conditions are absolutely prime for some epic skiing and riding. Some trails have been left with untouched powder along the sides, just waiting for you to carve through. It’s a perfect day to make some fresh tracks—see you on the slopes!

24-36″ powder trail base with 18″ powder trails in the back country

 

 

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:

January 17
6″ base / 18″ off trail
Snowmobile Trail Conditions MN | Lutsen

Some new snow has fallen across Cook County and our groomer has been out working. Trails are being groomed this week and are in fair to good condition. The snow is still thin by Lake Superior, but inland back from the lake snow conditions improve. The snow base is still thin but the trails are starting to smooth out. Early season conditions exist, but there is some good riding.

Snowmobile Trail Conditions MN | Tofte

No grooming has been done due to lack of snow on trails.

mile 99.6
Open

– Last Update:

February 2
7-11″ Packed Base
Trail Conditions Cross-country ski & Fat Tire Bike

Good skiing on Pioneer and Deeryard Loops; other trails are rock ski conditions.
Pioneer Loop, Lookout Mountain, Ridge Run and Deeryard trails groomed February 2, Groomers plan to get out February 3 and re-groom our fresh snow!

mile 109.2
Open

– Last Update:

February 2
6-8″ Trail Base
Grand Marais Trail Conditions | Pincushion
New Snow Last 24Hours: 6”
New Snow Last 7 days: 10”
Off-trail snow depth: 26”
Trail Base: 6-8”
All trails are groomed for skate and classic skiing. Conditions are very good but expect a soft skate deck until temperatures go down tonight.
mile 109.3
Open

– Last Update:

February 3
8-12″
Gunflint Trail Conditions | Snowmobile
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Annual Fun Run yesterday!
We did get some good snowfall last night, and our groomers will be out this week.
See you at our next event, the Hungry Jack drag races on February 15th!
gunflint mile 6.5
cross country ski trail at george washington pines

George Washington Pines Trail Report | Ski & Snowshoe

Open

– Last Update:

January 24
10″ Trail Base
George Washington Pines Trail Report

Trail Base: 10″
Snowfall Last 24 hrs: 1″.

We did several rounds of packing and set a track, making for some really nice skiing and hiking conditions. Some spots still contain sticks and brush sticking up. Please be mindful to pick up after your pets.

gunflint mile 25.0
Open

– Last Update:

January 29
7-11″
Central Gunflint Trail Ski Conditions

New Snow Last 48 hours:  2.75”
New Snow Last 7 days:  4.75”
Trail Base, Staked:  Average 7” – 11”
Snow in Woods, Staked:  Average 12” -16”
Groomed with classic track:  78 km
Groomed with skate lane:   74 km
Surface Conditions:  Fresh snow
Last grooming day:  1-29-25
Total season snowfall:  36.25”

Comments: We received a nice little 2.5” – 3” dumping of snow yesterday. Everything has been groomed fresh again as of this morning. With a nice chunk of new snowfall over good base, we were able to move quite a bit of snow over known rocks and thin spots, as well as do quite a bit of additional leveling. It’s fantastic skiing out there right now! The lake crossings are still blowing in by mid-day but we’ll continue to groom them daily to keep them as fresh as possible. The rest of the trails are sheltered, and with calmer winds in the forecast, they should hold up very well.

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.

aerial view of caribou highlands lodge and pool with Lake Superior in background0
gunflint mile 28.0
Open

– Last Update:

February 1
8″ Base
Wilderness Gunflint Ski Trails

One of our Banadad Team was out skiing the trail today and encountered lots of other skiers who were very happy with the conditions and having a good time.

Snow in the woods 18-24”, the deck is 6-8”.

gunflint mile 41.6
Open

– Last Update:

January 31
Gunflint Lodge Trail Conditions

We groomed the basin loop this morning – Overlook, Rabbit Run, Aspen Alley, Warren’s Road, Cut Across, Power Line, Short Cut, River Run and Lower West End. All were set with a skate deck and a classic track. The snow coverage is really good and the skate deck and tracks are setting up really nice. The whole system has been groomed in the last three days with a skate deck on all trails and classic track and are ready for the busy weekend.

In addition to the ski trails we have about 10k of skating trails cleared and groomed for skating on the lake. We rent Nordic skates which are longer skate. Loaded that use Nordic bindings and skate ski boots.

As we eagerly await further snowfall, rest assured that our team is committed to maintaining optimal trail conditions. Stay tuned for more updates, and in the meantime, keep those snow dances going!

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:

January 31
4-6″ trail base
Snowmobile Trail Reports

Fair to Good Conditions. All trails open except Reservation River.

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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