Current Conditions on the North Shore and Gunflint Trail
Grand Marais, Minn. (January 2, 2025) - Winter is in full swing on the North Shore and Gunflint Trail. Despite a warm-up during the Christmas holiday week, cross-country ski trails on the Gunflint Trail remain in excellent condition according to first-hand reports on SkinnySki.com, a self-reporting trail conditions website.
“While some areas received rain, we received snow,” said John Fredrikson of Gunflint Lodge and Outfitters, part of the Upper Gunflint Ski Trail System. “With the return of the cooler temperatures, we have been able to get back out in the Piston Bully to set a new classic ski track and firm skate deck on all trails.”
Additionally, conditions on the Central Gunflint Ski Trails managed by Golden Eagle Lodge & Bearskin Lodge are also reported as being in prime condition. Closer to Lake Superior, the Pincushion Trail System in Grand Marais and the Sugarbush Ski Trails in Lutsen and Tofte have the priority trails groomed and opened. The Norpine Ski Trail System’s Connector Trail, a dual-use ski and fat tire bike trail, is open and in great condition for Fat Tire Biking.
“I have spoken to several riders this week who all have had very positive things to say about the current trail conditions,” said Tim Kennedy, race organizer for the Norpine Fat Bike Classic who reported firm and fast riding conditions. “For best results, I recommend studded tires for grip and control but riders can expect a fast course this year.” Registration for the upcoming Norpine Fat Bike Classic on January 11, 2025 remains open with only a handful of spots left.
Currently at Lutsen Mountains, the midwest’s largest ski and snowboard resort, 3 mountains and over 40 trails are open for alpine skiers and snowboards with midwinter conditions to be expected. Snowmaking has resumed after a brief break with additional terrain to be opened in the coming weeks. Following a day on the slopes, live music has returned for the season at the new Lofty Gondola bar featuring a Singer-Songwriter series on Wednesday nights with apres ski and late-night music on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Snowy Spot in the State
“After a snow-less winter in 2023/24, visitors are eager to get outside to enjoy their favorite activities,” says Linda Jurek, Executive Director of Visit Cook County. “We want to remind folks to check our webcams to see current conditions - you will notice plenty of snow on the ground throughout the area.”
According to the Minnesota DNR’s Snow Depth map, most of Cook County has an average minimum of 2” of snow with up to 15” on the ground. While cross-country ski trails have been able to open, the snowmobile trails are still awaiting more snow to be groomed and fully operational. However, planning for the upcoming Snowmobile Drag Races is underway with the first event to kick off on Saturday, January 25 at Skyport Lodge on Devil Track Lake.
Due to the multi-use snowmobile trails not being fully ready for the season, two annual dog sled events have been postponed for later in the winter when trail conditions are expected to be prime. The new dates for the Gunflint Mail Run will be in February (date TBA) and the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon has been rescheduled to start March 2, 2025.
“Whether you are planning a winter getaway to play in the snow, participate in an event, or simply sit by a cozy fireplace in a cabin in the woods - we are a great resource for planning. From tracking local business hours to posting comprehensive trail reports, our knowledgeable team is ready to provide you with the up-to-date information you need to make your trip a success” added Jurek.
Find a list of upcoming events, winter trail conditions, and local accommodations at visitcookcounty.com.
Visit Cook County, Minnesota
Visit Cook County encompasses the northeastern Minnesota communities of Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail and Grand Portage, commonly referred to as “the Arrowhead” and the “North Shore of Lake Superior.” Grand Marais, Minn., has earned several national accolades — most recently, it was named America's Best Small Lake Town by Travel & Leisure Magazine, USA Today’s Best Midwestern Small Town, and Outside Magazine’s The 16 Best Places to Live in the U.S. 2016. Rekindle your sense of adventure by exploring the Superior National Forest or paddling through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Discover what makes the communities of Cook County, Minn. “Naturally Unforgettable.” Connect on social media using #donorthmn, Twitter @CookCoVisitors, Facebook, or Instagram @donorthmn.
Learn more at VisitCookCounty.com.