Cook County MN has the largest network of largest cross country trails in North America with 400KM of groomed ski trails. Find complete cross country ski trail conditions report here; updated weekly once the season begins.
Sugarbush Trails - Britton Peak & Moose Fence in Tofte
Trail Conditions Update: From the Sugarbush Trail Association, Jan. 16, 2022: Trails are in good shape. Skate lanes were touched up this morning. More snow is in the forecast. Classic tracks are solid and also in good shape. Enjoy the trail and stay warm!
Firsthand Trail Reports: (skinnyski.com) Jan 16, 2022: Started striding at the Britten Peak Trail head. The snow was coming down in huge flakes covering the nicely groomed trails. The snow wasn't hindering conditions at all. Enjoyed the Wood Duck Loop, onto the Hogback Loop. Beautiful ridges thru the whole trail system with overlooks onto Lake Superior thru the trees. Will return. (Deborah Leonard)
Firsthand Trail Reports: (skinnyski.com) Jan 14, 2022: Skied the full loop from Briton Peak trailhead -Piece of cake, Hogback, Picnic, East Oberg, Connector, Homestead, Hog back and back. All trails fantastic with excellent grooming, firm track, firm deck. A few woods side pole plunges, an artifact of an abundance of snow. Should be a fabulous weekend as temps warm. (Tim Nelson)
The Forest Service has re-opened the warming cabin at Oberg trailhead. It has been closed for nearly two years due to Covid concerns. The cabin has a wood stove with a supply of wood, benches, and a table. Remember that you need the MN Ski Pass to ski on the Sugarbush Trails. You may purchase the pass at Holiday Station Store in Tofte, Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte, and on-line ahead of time. Local DNR enforcement officer Kylan Hill shared this message about the ski pass: "......thanks for a very successful 2020-2021 season. Enforcement contacts were down compared to the previous year and the majority of people utilizing the trail system are purchasing ski passes. I look forward to seeing everyone on the trail!" It's important to purchase a ski pass, not only to help fund the trails, but because it is law and citations can be issued.
Sugarbush board of directors decided this week to organize the candlelight ski and snowshoe hike again this year. It has been canceled the past two years due to Covid. It will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 6 -8 pm at Oberg Mountain trailhead. 2k of ski trail and 1/2 mile of hiking trail will be lit with candle luminaires for your outdoor enjoyment.
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 recreation opportunities in the Sawtooth Mountains for the beginner to advanced skier and bicyclist. A small board of volunteers oversees all aspects of the Sugarbush xc ski trail system. We fund trail improvements, purchase and maintain grooming equipment, make sure the trails are groomed, maintain the Oberg warming shack and keep it stocked with wood and put on the Annual Tofte Trek Fundraiser. STA also works cooperatively with Cook County's Superior Cycling Association to develop single-track mountain bike trails in our area.
We want to thank the North Star Ski Touring Club from the Twin Cities for providing support to us over the years. They provided us a grant for a new Yellowstone Ginzu groomer two years ago and provided funding to replace our trail intersection maps this year. The club is active year around and organizes adventure trips. We want to remind folks that Sugarbush trails are only open to cross country skiing. Fat biking trails are available on the Norpine Trail system in Lutsen. Snowshoeing and hiking are available on the Superior Hiking Trail. Information on recreational trails throughout the county can be obtained from the Visit Cook County Information Center in Grand Marais; 218-387-2524. This is the season, when non-profit organizations solicit supporters for financial support and Sugarbush Trail Association (STA) is one of them. We would like to encourage you to donate directly to STA through our website at Sugarbush Ski Trails or mail to: Sugarbush Trail Association, PO Box 2112, Tofte, MN 55615. We greatly appreciate any financial contributions to help us with our $40,000 operating budget. Thanks in advance.The Sugarbush Trail Association is seeking new members!
Be a part of an exciting recreational group that is interested in expanding, promoting and enhancing cross-country skiing and mountain biking on the North shore. STA members help fund trail improvements, purchase and maintain equipment and groom trails. Furndraising events, like the annual Tofte Trek, trail clearing and maintaining the Oberg warming cabin are ways of being a contributing force. Along with the financial support we receive from the DNR ski trail pass, local resorts and the Lutsen Tofte Tourism Association, we still depend on membership donations and help to keep our volunteer organization running strong and our trails in good shape. If you would like to make a direct impact on the trails you love, please consider a financial donation at one of the levels listed below. You can make a contribution on-line or send a check to the address below. STA is a non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. BRONZE $50 SILVER $100 GOLD $200 PLATINUM $500+ Sugarbush Trail Association PO Box 2112 Tofte, MN 55615Ski Pass Required: Minnesota Ski Pass required. They may be purchased online or in-person at any Holiday Station Store, Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte, or Clearview store in Lutsen. More information on the pass and a link to purchase on-line is located at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/skipass/index.html
Sugarbush Trails - Oberg Mountain Area Trails in Lutsen
Trail Conditions Update: From the Sugarbush Trail Association, Jan. 16, 2022: Trails are in good shape. Skate lanes were touched up this morning. More snow is in the forecast. Classic tracks are solid and also in good shape. Enjoy the trail and stay warm!
Firsthand Trail Reports: (skinnyski.com) Jan 16, 2022: Started striding at the Britten Peak Trail head. The snow was coming down in huge flakes covering the nicely groomed trails. The snow wasn't hindering conditions at all. Enjoyed the Wood Duck Loop, onto the Hogback Loop. Beautiful ridges thru the whole trail system with overlooks onto Lake Superior thru the trees. Will return. (Deborah Leonard)
Firsthand Trail Reports: (skinnyski.com) Jan 14, 2022: Skied the full loop from Briton Peak trailhead -Piece of cake, Hogback, Picnic, East Oberg, Connector, Homestead, Hog back and back. All trails fantastic with excellent grooming, firm track, firm deck. A few woods side pole plunges, an artifact of an abundance of snow. Should be a fabulous weekend as temps warm. (Tim Nelson)
The Forest Service has re-opened the warming cabin at Oberg trailhead. It has been closed for nearly two years due to Covid concerns. The cabin has a wood stove with a supply of wood, benches, and a table. Remember that you need the MN Ski Pass to ski on the Sugarbush Trails. You may purchase the pass at Holiday Station Store in Tofte, Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte, and on-line ahead of time. Local DNR enforcement officer Kylan Hill shared this message about the ski pass: "......thanks for a very successful 2020-2021 season. Enforcement contacts were down compared to the previous year and the majority of people utilizing the trail system are purchasing ski passes. I look forward to seeing everyone on the trail!" It's important to purchase a ski pass, not only to help fund the trails, but because it is law and citations can be issued.
Sugarbush board of directors decided this week to organize the candlelight ski and snowshoe hike again this year. It has been canceled the past two years due to Covid. It will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 6 -8 pm at Oberg Mountain trailhead. 2k of ski trail and 1/2 mile of hiking trail will be lit with candle luminaires for your outdoor enjoyment.
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 recreation opportunities in the Sawtooth Mountains for the beginner to advanced skier and bicyclist. A small board of volunteers oversees all aspects of the Sugarbush xc ski trail system. We fund trail improvements, purchase and maintain grooming equipment, make sure the trails are groomed, maintain the Oberg warming shack and keep it stocked with wood and put on the Annual Tofte Trek Fundraiser. STA also works cooperatively with Cook County's Superior Cycling Association to develop single-track mountain bike trails in our area.
We want to thank the North Star Ski Touring Club from the Twin Cities for providing support to us over the years. They provided us a grant for a new Yellowstone Ginzu groomer two years ago and provided funding to replace our trail intersection maps this year. The club is active year around and organizes adventure trips. We want to remind folks that Sugarbush trails are only open to cross country skiing. Fat biking trails are available on the Norpine Trail system in Lutsen. Snowshoeing and hiking are available on the Superior Hiking Trail. Information on recreational trails throughout the county can be obtained from the Visit Cook County Information Center in Grand Marais; 218-387-2524. This is the season, when non-profit organizations solicit supporters for financial support and Sugarbush Trail Association (STA) is one of them. We would like to encourage you to donate directly to STA through our website at Sugarbush Ski Trails or mail to: Sugarbush Trail Association, PO Box 2112, Tofte, MN 55615. We greatly appreciate any financial contributions to help us with our $40,000 operating budget. Thanks in advance.The Sugarbush Trail Association is seeking new members!
Be a part of an exciting recreational group that is interested in expanding, promoting and enhancing cross-country skiing and mountain biking on the North shore. STA members help fund trail improvements, purchase and maintain equipment and groom trails. Furndraising events, like the annual Tofte Trek, trail clearing and maintaining the Oberg warming cabin are ways of being a contributing force. Along with the financial support we receive from the DNR ski trail pass, local resorts and the Lutsen Tofte Tourism Association, we still depend on membership donations and help to keep our volunteer organization running strong and our trails in good shape. If you would like to make a direct impact on the trails you love, please consider a financial donation at one of the levels listed below. You can make a contribution on-line or send a check to the address below. STA is a non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. BRONZE $50 SILVER $100 GOLD $200 PLATINUM $500+ Sugarbush Trail Association PO Box 2112 Tofte, MN 55615Ski Pass Required: Minnesota Ski Pass required. They may be purchased online or in-person at any Holiday Station Store, Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte, or Clearview store in Lutsen. More information on the pass and a link to purchase on-line is located at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/skipass/index.html
Norpine - Deer Yard Trails - Lutsen
Current Trail Conditions: From the Norpine Trail Association, Jan. 14, 2022: Classic track set on Deeryard Main Loop 1/14/2022. Rest of East End trails rolled and groomed Sunday (1/9/2022). Single set of classic tracks throughout East End trails with the exception of Short Loop (part of Deeryard system). Short Loop has been rolled but tracks were not set. West End trails rolled and groomed Saturday, 1/8/2022. Very good conditions throughout. Cautions: Watch for open ground/wet Areas
Firsthand Trail Reports (skinnyski.com) Jan. 14, 2022: From the snowmobile parking lot on Hwy 61, I skied up the west pioneer loop, over to deeryard, up to the fire tower and down, around the short loop, then the rest of deeryard and back down east pioneer. Plenty of snow everywhere including an inch or so of new stuff that covered the debris. Skier tracked over older machine set tracks made for shallower tracks than fresh groomed but they were adequate to guide your skis. Swix Vr40 did the trick for all the hills. Short loop had no machine tracks but was skied in and the deck underneath the fresh snow was firm enough for pole plants. Best grooming was on the Deeryard loop, but Pioneer was very adequate with skier tracks over the groomed ones. Great day on the trails with lots of skiers out. (Tim Nelson)
Firsthand Trail Reports (skinnyski.com) Jan. 12, 2022: Trails in good to excellent condition. From Cascade Lodge we did Pioneer, Beaver, Short Loop back down to Ridge Run. Some tracks are a little shallow and debris here and there but no bare spots. Short loop just lightly (snowmobile?) packed, not tracked. Trail had some uneven terrain (lumps, tilted bumps) but since the snow was soft enough the downhills were fun. Great to be up here again and in decent temps! (Janet Folina)
The Norpine Trail System is 57km of machine groomed X-C ski trails between Cascade River and Ski Hill Road. Trails include Deer Yard Lake, Pioneer Trail, Hall and Massey Loops. The Norpine Trail Association is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, including maintaining, preserving, and enhancing the historic Norpine Trail System in Cook County, Minnesota, (which includes Cascade River State Park trails, Deer Yard Loop trails and Hall-Massey trails).
Norpine Trails are maintained with the help of the North Star Ski Touring Association, www.north-stars.org, and many other Norpine members and volunteers.
More information: www.norpinetrails.org
Ski Pass Required: MN ski passes are required on our trail system. Passes can be purchased on-line or they may be purchased in-person at any Holiday Station Store, Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte, or Clearview store in Lutsen.
More information on the pass and a link to purchase on-line is located at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/skipass/index.html
Norpine - Hall/Massie Loop
Current Trail Conditions: From the Norpine Trail Association, Jan. 14, 2022: Classic track set on Deeryard Main Loop 1/14/2022. Rest of East End trails rolled and groomed Sunday (1/9/2022). Single set of classic tracks throughout East End trails with the exception of Short Loop (part of Deeryard system). Short Loop has been rolled but tracks were not set. West End trails rolled and groomed Saturday, 1/8/2022. Very good conditions throughout. Cautions: Watch for open ground/wet Areas
Firsthand Trail Reports (skinnyski.com) Jan. 14, 2022: From the snowmobile parking lot on Hwy 61, I skied up the west pioneer loop, over to deeryard, up to the fire tower and down, around the short loop, then the rest of deeryard and back down east pioneer. Plenty of snow everywhere including an inch or so of new stuff that covered the debris. Skier tracked over older machine set tracks made for shallower tracks than fresh groomed but they were adequate to guide your skis. Swix Vr40 did the trick for all the hills. Short loop had no machine tracks but was skied in and the deck underneath the fresh snow was firm enough for pole plants. Best grooming was on the Deeryard loop, but Pioneer was very adequate with skier tracks over the groomed ones. Great day on the trails with lots of skiers out. (Tim Nelson)
Firsthand Trail Reports (skinnyski.com) Jan. 12, 2022: Trails in good to excellent condition. From Cascade Lodge we did Pioneer, Beaver, Short Loop back down to Ridge Run. Some tracks are a little shallow and debris here and there but no bare spots. Short loop just lightly (snowmobile?) packed, not tracked. Trail had some uneven terrain (lumps, tilted bumps) but since the snow was soft enough the downhills were fun. Great to be up here again and in decent temps! (Janet Folina)
The Norpine Trail System is 57km of machine groomed X-C ski trails between Cascade River and Ski Hill Road. Trails include Deer Yard Lake, Pioneer Trail, Hall and Massey Loops. The Norpine Trail Association is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, including maintaining, preserving, and enhancing the historic Norpine Trail System in Cook County, Minnesota, (which includes Cascade River State Park trails, Deer Yard Loop trails and Hall-Massey trails).
Norpine Trails are maintained with the help of the North Star Ski Touring Association, www.north-stars.org, and many other Norpine members and volunteers.
More information: www.norpinetrails.org
Ski Pass Required: MN ski passes are required on our trail system. Passes can be purchased on-line or they may be purchased in-person at any Holiday Station Store, Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte, or Clearview store in Lutsen.
More information on the pass and a link to purchase on-line is located at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/skipass/index.html
Norpine Trail Association - Cascade River Area Trails
Current Trail Conditions: From the Norpine Trail Association, Jan. 14, 2022: Classic track set on Deeryard Main Loop 1/14/2022. Rest of East End trails rolled and groomed Sunday (1/9/2022). Single set of classic tracks throughout East End trails with the exception of Short Loop (part of Deeryard system). Short Loop has been rolled but tracks were not set. West End trails rolled and groomed Saturday, 1/8/2022. Very good conditions throughout. Cautions: Watch for open ground/wet Areas
Firsthand Trail Reports (skinnyski.com) Jan. 14, 2022: From the snowmobile parking lot on Hwy 61, I skied up the west pioneer loop, over to deeryard, up to the fire tower and down, around the short loop, then the rest of deeryard and back down east pioneer. Plenty of snow everywhere including an inch or so of new stuff that covered the debris. Skier tracked over older machine set tracks made for shallower tracks than fresh groomed but they were adequate to guide your skis. Swix Vr40 did the trick for all the hills. Short loop had no machine tracks but was skied in and the deck underneath the fresh snow was firm enough for pole plants. Best grooming was on the Deeryard loop, but Pioneer was very adequate with skier tracks over the groomed ones. Great day on the trails with lots of skiers out. (Tim Nelson)
Firsthand Trail Reports (skinnyski.com) Jan. 12, 2022: Trails in good to excellent condition. From Cascade Lodge we did Pioneer, Beaver, Short Loop back down to Ridge Run. Some tracks are a little shallow and debris here and there but no bare spots. Short loop just lightly (snowmobile?) packed, not tracked. Trail had some uneven terrain (lumps, tilted bumps) but since the snow was soft enough the downhills were fun. Great to be up here again and in decent temps! (Janet Folina)
The Norpine Trail System is 57km of machine groomed X-C ski trails between Cascade River and Ski Hill Road. Trails include Deer Yard Lake, Pioneer Trail, Hall and Massey Loops. The Norpine Trail Association is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, including maintaining, preserving, and enhancing the historic Norpine Trail System in Cook County, Minnesota, (which includes Cascade River State Park trails, Deer Yard Loop trails and Hall-Massey trails).
Norpine Trails are maintained with the help of the North Star Ski Touring Association, www.north-stars.org, and many other Norpine members and volunteers.
More information: www.norpinetrails.org
Ski Pass Required: MN ski passes are required on our trail system. Passes can be purchased on-line or they may be purchased in-person at any Holiday Station Store, Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte, or Clearview store in Lutsen.
More information on the pass and a link to purchase on-line is located at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/skipass/index.html
Sawbill Campground - Tofte
Current Trail Conditions: Not Provided by groomers.
Call Sawbill Outfitters for current trail information: 218-663-7150. 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!
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