Cross-Country Ski Trail Conditions in Lutsen and Tofte
Lutsen and Tofte feature 153.2KMs of groomed cross-country ski trails on several different trail systems. Sugarbush Ski Trail Association, Norpine Ski Trail Association, Cascade River State Park, and Lutsen Mountains. Find complete cross-country ski trail conditions report here; updated weekly once the season begins.
-
Click to expand on the trail system for complete trail report and trail details.
-
- Sawbill Trail
The Sugarbush Trail System is an extensive cross country ski trail network and a developing single-track mountain bike trail system in Northeastern Minnesota along the shores of Lake Superior. The system provides a variety of recreational opportunities in the Sawtooth Mountains…
Trail Conditions
Sugarbush Trails - Britton Peak & Moose Fence in Tofte
- Date: 4/9/2023
- Trail Base: 12"
- Snowfall Last 24 Hours: 0"
- Snowfall Last 7 Days: 3"
- Total Snowfall for Season: 144"
- Average Depth off the Trail: 24"+
- Trail Conditions Update/Notes: 4/9/2023: In spite of our desire to keep the trails groomed, we are unable to do that with the current warm temperatures, therefore grooming has ended for the season. There is plenty of snow left for skiing, so enjoy it while you can. We give a huge thanks to our main groomer Darren Peck, who created a fabulous skiing surface this winter and with much dedication. Thank you Darren!
We logged a total of 320 hours on the Pisten Bully and 229 hours on the snowmobiles this winter and we were out at least 66 times grooming the trails. Our first grooming date was November 19, 2022 and the last grooming date was April 6, 2023.
- Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/6/2023: Great skiing continues on the North Shore! Trails were being groomed this morning and afternoon. Most had fresh corduroy over at least half the trail width by 12:30 pm, and by 3:45 pm most had classic tracks set. There were a lot of twigs and small branches blown down by high winds in some areas, but they were generally small enough not to interfere with the skin skis. We skied about a 14 mile loop between the Oberg Mountain Trailhead and the Britton Peak Trailhead and only saw one other skier, but saw the groomer twice. Pleasant mix of sun and clouds and occasional light snow showers with a stiff breeze at times. (Craig Wiklund, North Star Ski Touring Club)
- Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/6/2023: Skied Hogback loop this afternoon, freshly groomed by snowmobile, so good to get out on the system one more time this season! Firm skate deck tracks very good. Snow conditions were broken up crust mixed with powder with minimal drifting. Most area were void of any debris from the higher winds, short sections with moderate debris. Temps should make for great skiing tomorrow and Saturday morning. (Liz Wagner)
- Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/4/2023: I skied from Moose Fence, which had about 1.5 inches of light snow since last grooming. It actually was quite beneficial above harder base and it gave a good kick and glide combo with blue wax. I slipped a little going up steeper hills but downhills were fast with long glides. I could feel granular snow under my pole plants and fresh snow. A skier had skied in tracks on Maple Loop. Then I skied in tracks from P to N on connector to the Pjcnic Loop. New snow was so light that there was no resistance. Several skaters had done the Picnic Loop, but no fresh tracks in classic tracks. (Steve Langenbrunner)
Sugarbush Trails - Oberg Mountain Area Trails in Lutsen
- Date: 4/9/2023
- Trail Base: 12"
- Snowfall Last 24 Hours: 0"
- Snowfall Last 7 Days: 3"
- Total Snowfall for Season: 144"
- Average Depth off the Trail: 24"+
- Trail Conditions Update/Notes: 4/9/2023: In spite of our desire to keep the trails groomed, we are unable to do that with the current warm temperatures, therefore grooming has ended for the season. There is plenty of snow left for skiing, so enjoy it while you can. We give a huge thanks to our main groomer Darren Peck, who created a fabulous skiing surface this winter and with much dedication. Thank you Darren!
We logged a total of 320 hours on the Pisten Bully and 229 hours on the snowmobiles this winter and we were out at least 66 times grooming the trails. Our first grooming date was November 19, 2022 and the last grooming date was April 6, 2023.
- Trail Conditions Update/Notes: 4/6/2023: Temperatures dropped last night allowing us to start grooming with the snowmobile this morning. We have some trails done, but won't be able to do everything. Most of the priority trails are groomed for skate and classic. We are working on grooming the Picnic Loop ridge today so check the website tonight for updates for this and other trails. Darren will update the website when he is done, showing you which trails are done. Due to the high winds, there may be some tree debris on the trails. Enjoy it while you can, before the warm temperatures predicted for this coming week.
- Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/6/2023: Great skiing continues on the North Shore! Trails were being groomed this morning and afternoon. Most had fresh corduroy over at least half the trail width by 12:30 pm, and by 3:45 pm most had classic tracks set. There were a lot of twigs and small branches blown down by high winds in some areas, but they were generally small enough not to interfere with the skin skis. We skied about a 14 mile loop between the Oberg Mountain Trailhead and the Britton Peak Trailhead and only saw one other skier, but saw the groomer twice. Pleasant mix of sun and clouds and occasional light snow showers with a stiff breeze at times. (Craig Wiklund, North Star Ski Touring Club)
- Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/6/2023: Skied Hogback loop this afternoon, freshly groomed by snowmobile, so good to get out on the system one more time this season! Firm skate deck tracks very good. Snow conditions were broken up crust mixed with powder with minimal drifting. Most area were void of any debris from the higher winds, short sections with moderate debris. Temps should make for great skiing tomorrow and Saturday morning. (Liz Wagner)
- Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/4/2023: I skied from Moose Fence, which had about 1.5 inches of light snow since last grooming. It actually was quite beneficial above harder base and it gave a good kick and glide combo with blue wax. I slipped a little going up steeper hills but downhills were fast with long glides. I could feel granular snow under my pole plants and fresh snow. A skier had skied in tracks on Maple Loop. Then I skied in tracks from P to N on connector to the Pjcnic Loop. New snow was so light that there was no resistance. Several skaters had done the Picnic Loop, but no fresh tracks in classic tracks. (Steve Langenbrunner)
-
- Hansen/Hjemstad Road
The Norpine Trail System is 57km of machine-groomed X-C ski trails between Cascade River and Ski Hill Road and the Deer Yard Lake area. This system is described as Nordic skiing in alpine conditions due to the varied elevation changes throughout the system. This system is has…
Trail Conditions
Norpine Trails - Deer Yard - Lutsen
- Date: 4/7/2023
- Trail Base: 12" - 22"
- Snowfall Last 7 Days: <2"
- Average Depth off the Trail: 6" - 50"+
-
Trail Conditions Update/Notes - 4/7/2023: West End trails groomed 4/7. This includes Connector Trail betw Cascade Lodge and Ski Hill Rd as well as Massie/Hall loops. Trails are in great shape! East End trails groomed overnite 4/6. This includes: Pioneer, Ridge, Lookout, Deeryard Main Loop, and Firetower. Two sets of classic tracks groomed around Deeryard Main and most of Pioneer Loop. Conditions are very good considering the rain we got recently. Cautions: Short Loop (at Deeryard) hasn't been cleared or groomed since December storms. SKI AT YOUR OWN RISK.
-
Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/8/2023: Get after it! Skied from Deeryard Lake to Cascade Lodge. Good conditions with deep classic tracks groomed the whole way. Minimal ice, some forest debris. A bit slushy and soft at times. The skate decks were pretty bumpy but still fun to ride. Some bare spots nearer to the lake. (Cory Quirk)
-
Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/8/2023: Skied the Massie and Hall loops and some of the trails to Lutsen and Cascade. Beautiful spring skiing with great tracks! Not much debris, so good skis could be used! Watch out for a couple of bare spots in the skate deck, though. (Abby Scheller)
-
Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/7/2023: Excellent skiing today! Trails were groomed and classic tracks had been set Thursday. I skied Cascade Lodge-Lookout Mountain-Pioneer Loop-Cascade Fire Tower, etc. Though the air temp was just below freezing, the bright sun was softening the snow by noon. But it was still great on the skin skis! Almost no debris on the trails. No wind, bright sun, blue skies, and comfortable temperature made for great skiing, but I didn't see any other skiers. Only a pair of snowshoers leaving Cascade Lodge and a pair of hikers at the overlook on Lookout Mountain. (Craig Wiklund, North Star Ski Touring Club)
-
Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/6/2023: East End trails of Norpine System groomed overnite Thursday. This includes: Deeryard Main Loop, Firetower, Pioneer, Ridge, and Lookout Mt. Two sets of classic tracks around Deeryard Main and most of Pioneer. Conditions are very good, especially for such late season skiing! (Adam Dettman)
Norpine Trails - Hall/Massie Loop
- Date: 4/7/2023
- Trail Base: 12" - 22"
- Snowfall Last 7 Days: <2"
- Average Depth off the Trail: 6" - 50"+
-
Trail Conditions Update/Notes - 4/7/2023: West End trails groomed 4/7. This includes Connector Trail betw Cascade Lodge and Ski Hill Rd as well as Massie/Hall loops. Trails are in great shape! East End trails groomed overnite 4/6. This includes: Pioneer, Ridge, Lookout, Deeryard Main Loop, and Firetower. Two sets of classic tracks groomed around Deeryard Main and most of Pioneer Loop. Conditions are very good considering the rain we got recently. Cautions: Short Loop (at Deeryard) hasn't been cleared or groomed since December storms. SKI AT YOUR OWN RISK.
-
Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/8/2023: Get after it! Skied from Deeryard Lake to Cascade Lodge. Good conditions with deep classic tracks groomed the whole way. Minimal ice, some forest debris. A bit slushy and soft at times. The skate decks were pretty bumpy but still fun to ride. Some bare spots nearer to the lake. (Cory Quirk)
-
Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/8/2023: Skied the Massie and Hall loops and some of the trails to Lutsen and Cascade. Beautiful spring skiing with great tracks! Not much debris, so good skis could be used! Watch out for a couple of bare spots in the skate deck, though. (Abby Scheller)
-
Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/7/2023: Excellent skiing today! Trails were groomed and classic tracks had been set Thursday. I skied Cascade Lodge-Lookout Mountain-Pioneer Loop-Cascade Fire Tower, etc. Though the air temp was just below freezing, the bright sun was softening the snow by noon. But it was still great on the skin skis! Almost no debris on the trails. No wind, bright sun, blue skies, and comfortable temperature made for great skiing, but I didn't see any other skiers. Only a pair of snowshoers leaving Cascade Lodge and a pair of hikers at the overlook on Lookout Mountain. (Craig Wiklund, North Star Ski Touring Club)
-
Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/6/2023: East End trails of Norpine System groomed overnite Thursday. This includes: Deeryard Main Loop, Firetower, Pioneer, Ridge, and Lookout Mt. Two sets of classic tracks around Deeryard Main and most of Pioneer. Conditions are very good, especially for such late season skiing! (Adam Dettman)
Norpine Trails - Pioneer Loop & Cascade Area Trails
- Date: 4/7/2023
- Trail Base: 12" - 22"
- Snowfall Last 7 Days: <2"
- Average Depth off the Trail: 6" - 50"+
-
Trail Conditions Update/Notes - 4/7/2023:West End trails groomed 4/7. This includes Connector Trail betw Cascade Lodge and Ski Hill Rd as well as Massie/Hall loops. Trails are in great shape! East End trails groomed overnite 4/6. This includes: Pioneer, Ridge, Lookout, Deeryard Main Loop, and Firetower. Two sets of classic tracks groomed around Deeryard Main and most of Pioneer Loop. Conditions are very good considering the rain we got recently. Cautions: Short Loop (at Deeryard) hasn't been cleared or groomed since December storms. SKI AT YOUR OWN RISK.
-
Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/8/2023: Get after it! Skied from Deeryard Lake to Cascade Lodge. Good conditions with deep classic tracks groomed the whole way. Minimal ice, some forest debris. A bit slushy and soft at times. The skate decks were pretty bumpy but still fun to ride. Some bare spots nearer to the lake. (Cory Quirk)
-
Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/8/2023: Skied the Massie and Hall loops and some of the trails to Lutsen and Cascade. Beautiful spring skiing with great tracks! Not much debris, so good skis could be used! Watch out for a couple of bare spots in the skate deck, though. (Abby Scheller)
-
Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/7/2023: Excellent skiing today! Trails were groomed and classic tracks had been set Thursday. I skied Cascade Lodge-Lookout Mountain-Pioneer Loop-Cascade Fire Tower, etc. Though the air temp was just below freezing, the bright sun was softening the snow by noon. But it was still great on the skin skis! Almost no debris on the trails. No wind, bright sun, blue skies, and comfortable temperature made for great skiing, but I didn't see any other skiers. Only a pair of snowshoers leaving Cascade Lodge and a pair of hikers at the overlook on Lookout Mountain. (Craig Wiklund, North Star Ski Touring Club)
-
Firsthand Trail Reports: From skinnyski.com - 4/6/2023: East End trails of Norpine System groomed overnite Thursday. This includes: Deeryard Main Loop, Firetower, Pioneer, Ridge, and Lookout Mt. Two sets of classic tracks around Deeryard Main and most of Pioneer. Conditions are very good, especially for such late season skiing! (Adam Dettman)
-
- 3481 West Highway 61
- (218) 387-6000
Cascade River State Park trails are 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…
Trail Conditions
- Date: 3/13/2023
- Trail Base: 26"
- Trail Conditions: Very Good
- Trail Groomed?: Yes
- Difficulty: intermediate (track)
- Average Depth off the Trail: 40"
- Trail Condition Update/Notes: 3/13/2023: TTrails were packed and tracked 3/13/23. The lake loop does not have enough snow to lay a track set, but the base has been packed. Hiking Trails are icy. Traction devices are highly recommended. Don't forget to purchase your great Minnesota ski pass.
-
Facilities:
-
A warming house is available at the trailhead.
-
Ski passes are available outside the park office daily during the ski season. Otherwise, the park office is open and ski passes can be purchased on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
-
The campground is closed except for a few campsites. Water is available near the trailhead parking lot.
-
Winter camping is available. Contact park for further details.
-
-
Cascade River State Park home page »
-
Trail Conditions
Sawbill Ski Trail is a 6k classic ski trail on a loop through the Superior National Forest. This is a privately maintained ski trail that we are happy to share with others. Park in the plowed parking lot and access the trail from the four-way intersection. No dogs or snowshoes please!
-
- 467 Ski Hill Rd
- (218) 663-7281
MINNESOTA'S MOUNTAIN VACATION Winter: Lutsen Mountains offers the Midwest’s only true mountain ski area experience. Four interconnected peaks overlooking Lake Superior bring big mountain skiing with Up North authenticity. Whether you’re looking for a family ski holiday, a…
Trail Conditions
Ullr Loop is not yet open for the season
- Date:
- Trail Base: "
- Snowfall Last 24 Hours:
- Snowfall Last 7 Days:
- Average Depth off the Trail:
- Trail Conditions Update/Notes -
Grand Marais Trail Conditions
Grand Marais has 52.9KM of groomed cross-country ski trails within minutes of downtown Grand Marais the Pincushion Mountain Ski Trail System, Bally Creek, and George Washington Pines. Find the complete cross-country ski…
Gunflint Trail Trail Conditions
Welcome to winter on the Gunflint Trail. Cross country skiing is one of the #1 activities on the Gunflint Trail in winter. Trail reports are updated weekly once the season begins, typically mid-November – April.