It’s snow problem! Despite a slow start to winter in most of Minnesota, Cook County has been blessed with snow and cold temps and there are plenty of adventures to be had this winter on the North Shore and Gunflint Trail.
1) Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding at Lutsen Mountains.
As of mid-January, 2025, Lutsen Mountains reports that all three mountains are open and in great condition. Recent snowfalls have added to early snowmaking efforts, creating excellent conditions. With plenty of terrain to explore, come and enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable time on the slopes. See you out there!
2) Cross-Country Skiing.
As of mid-January, 2025, recent snowfalls have greatly improved cross-country ski trail conditions throughout Cook County, including the Central Gunflint and Upper Gunflint Ski Trail Systems, always groomed expertly and often for both skate and classic skiing. Along Lake Superior, the Pincushion Trail System, two miles up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais is in great shape. In the "west end" of Cook County both the Sugarbush and Norpine trail systems are seeing improved conditions as we accumulate more snowfall and temperatures remain below freezing. For the most current trail reports, visit our Winter Trail Conditions page or call the Visit Cook County Information Center at (218) 387-2524.
3) Ice Skating.
One of the benefits of cold temps and little snow is strong lake ice for skating! Wild ice skating is a rare phenomenon that typically occurs in early winter that lasts only a weekend at best. This year, we’ve had several weeks of great ice skating, including on a cleared skating path on Gunflint Lake, maintained by Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters. When the entire path is open you can skate up to 6 miles on the outer loop visiting Gunflint Lodge, Borderland Lodge, and Gunflint Pines. Nordic Skates for rent at Gunflint Lodge. Of course, proper precautions should be taken for all lake ice skating as conditions can change quickly. For those looking for a family-friendly adventure, several resorts manage ice rinks for guests to use throughout the winter with skates available for rental.
4) Dog sled adventures.
Linda Newman and her crew at Points Unknown in Hovland offer unique, off-grid dog sledding experiences that are "more than just a ride." You’ll be immersed in the lifestyle of a north woods dog musher once you arrive at the Points Unknown off-grid homestead, tucked away in the remote wilderness of Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region. Expect the experience of a lifetime!
5) Ice fishing.
Minnesota's ice fishing opener for trout in lakes outside the BWCAW is January 18, 2025, through March 31, 2025. (The opener for lakes within the BWCAW started January 1st.) Typically ice fishing in Cook County involves a several-mile trudge or snowshoe through the snow to get to that elusive fishing hole. This year, with our relative low snow totals, it's easier than usual to get to your preferred destination. Recent cold weather has allowed lakes to form a solid layer of ice, but the MN DNR recommends checking the ice regularly while outdoors and not relying on reports alone.
6) Take a class.
Expand your mind and skills by taking a class at North House Folk School, Grand Marais Art Colony, or Cook County Higher Education. From artisan bread making and woven birch bark basketry to ceramics and focused book discussions, there is something for everyone.
7) Winter Hiking.
From the Superior Hiking Trail to the Border Route or even on a portage into the Boundary Waters, the lack of deep snow makes travel through the wilderness much more accessible. It is recommended that sturdy hiking boots with cleats/yaktrax are worn as sections of the trail may have ice.
8) Biking.
Those looking to dip their toe into winter biking have an opportunity to get out and ride on the gravel roads around the county and single track trails at Pincushion Mountain and Norpine Trail Systems (note: Jackpot & High Climber and Britton Peak MTB trails remain CLOSED for the season). According to experienced riders, studded tires are recommended to handle any icy patches as trails are quite slick in some areas from melting and refreezing earlier in the season.
9) Embracing Hygge.
Winter is all about hygge, the Danish-inspired ritual of embracing life’s simple pleasures. Cozy "hygge" culture is always embraced during the darker winter months. Feeling relaxed, cozy and surrounded by the warmth of family, friends, community and fire all encompass the idea of hygge. Whether curling up with a good book by the fire, organizing a sauna session with a group of friends, playing a few games at Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, an afternoon shopping in Grand Marais, or imbibing libations while listening to local musicians - hygge culture is alive and well in Cook County.
Regardless of your activity of choice, there are endless opportunities to make the most of winter right here in Cook County, Minnesota. Check out our collection of webcams to see what current conditions are like as well as browse our calendar of events to see what is upcoming in the area.
