Winter Biking Trail Conditions

Trail Base: 8"- 12"

Snowfall

Comments:

Trail Conditions Update: Mar. 14, 2022. From the Norpine Trail Association:

Fat Tire Bike Conditions

Caribou Trail to Cascade Road: 10k, Open (but not primary use), Groomed 3/14/2022, 8" base, Fair Condition.

Hall Loop: 5.4k, Open (but not primary use), Groomed 3/14/2022, 8" base, Fair Condition.

Massie Loop: 6.2k, Open (but not primary use), Groomed 3/14/2022, 8" base, Fair Condition.

Lutsen Mountain to Ski HIll Road Loop: 4k, Open (Not Suggested), Rolled 3/14/2022, 12" base.

UPDATE 3/10/2022: Massie/Hall regroomed 3/10 (classic/skate xc & fat bike). Skate/fat bike deck reset on Cascade Connector (Cascade Lodge TH to Ski Hill Rd) 3/9/2022. Due to equipment issues (electrical), new classic tracks were not reset on Cascade Connector. However, existing classic tracks should provide fair/good conditions on West End trails through the weekend. The last 100 yards approx of fat bike trail near Ski Hill Rd has not been regroomed. Plow banks will prevent grooming equipment from crossing public road in that area for foreseeable future. Trail is still passable though conditions may be poor/fair. Cautions: FAT BIKERS REMINDED TO STAY OFF GROOMED XC TRACKS.

Anytime the Temperature is above 30 degrees consider the trail closed.

**There are several drainages with steep dips also ice flows so exercise caution!!

* Bikers must NOT go through the "Scientific Natural Area", (SNA) which is well marked on the trail and in our West end map.

Trail Usage Details:
The 2017-2018 winter season was the first year designated as a trial period for testing a dual-use winter trail to be shared by both skiers and fat-tire bikers. Thanks to careful maintenance and respectful bikers, this partnership continues.

Please Note: Bikers must not go through the Scientific Natural Area (SNA) which is well designated on the trail. Look at the map of the West end connector trail to see where the SNA is. 

The trail segment under evaluation features both a tracked ski-only lane and a packed lane for shared use by skate-skiers and bikers.

• Bikers must stay on the dual use trail and yield to skiers. Be aware that there are ski-only intersections with the dual-use trail. Bikers should be on the watch for merging skiers.
• The dual-use trail will be open to fat bikes only when the trail base conditions are mature enough to support the weight of the bikes without damage to the trail. This includes both cold days with fresh powder snow as well as warm days with soft melting snow. If biking conditions are poor at the trailhead, assume the trail is closed to bikes. The trail is always open to skiers unless otherwise posted.

Donations are encouraged to support trail maintenance www.norpinetrails.org

Trail Base: 8"- 12"

Snowfall

Comments:

Trail Conditions Update: Mar. 10, 2022. From the Norpine Trail Association:

Fat Tire Bike Conditions

Caribou Trail to Cascade Road: 10k, Open, Groomed 3/9/2022, 8" base, Good Condition.

Hall Loop: 5.4k, Open, Groomed 3/10/2022, 8" base, Good Condition.

Massie Loop: 6.2k, Open, Groomed 3/10/2022, 8" base, Good Condition.

Lutsen Mountain to Ski HIll Road Loop: 4k, Open (but not primary use), Groomed 3/9/2022, 12" base, Good Condition.

UPDATE 3/10/2022: Massie/Hall regroomed 3/10 (classic/skate xc & fat bike). Skate/fat bike deck reset on Cascade Connector (Cascade Lodge TH to Ski Hill Rd) 3/9/2022. Due to equipment issues (electrical), new classic tracks were not reset on Cascade Connector. However, existing classic tracks should provide fair/good conditions on West End trails through the weekend. The last 100 yards approx of fat bike trail near Ski Hill Rd has not been regroomed. Plow banks will prevent grooming equipment from crossing public road in that area for foreseeable future. Trail is still passable though conditions may be poor/fair. Cautions: FAT BIKERS REMINDED TO STAY OFF GROOMED XC TRACKS.

Anytime the Temperature is above 30 degrees consider the trail closed.

* Bikers must NOT go through the "Scientific Natural Area", (SNA) which is well marked on the trail and in our West end map.

Trail Usage Details:
The 2017-2018 winter season was the first year designated as a trial period for testing a dual-use winter trail to be shared by both skiers and fat-tire bikers. Thanks to careful maintenance and respectful bikers, this partnership continues.

Please Note: Bikers must not go through the Scientific Natural Area (SNA) which is well designated on the trail. Look at the map of the West end connector trail to see where the SNA is. 

The trail segment under evaluation features both a tracked ski-only lane and a packed lane for shared use by skate-skiers and bikers.

• Bikers must stay on the dual use trail and yield to skiers. Be aware that there are ski-only intersections with the dual-use trail. Bikers should be on the watch for merging skiers.
• The dual-use trail will be open to fat bikes only when the trail base conditions are mature enough to support the weight of the bikes without damage to the trail. This includes both cold days with fresh powder snow as well as warm days with soft melting snow. If biking conditions are poor at the trailhead, assume the trail is closed to bikes. The trail is always open to skiers unless otherwise posted.

Donations are encouraged to support trail maintenance www.norpinetrails.org

Trail Base: 12"+

Snowfall

Comments:

Trail Conditions Update March 10, 2022. From the Superior Cycling Association (SCA): Pincushion Mountain Fat Bike Trails are riding really well right now. There is well over a foot of snow on the trail and with the current colder evening temperatures, the surface is firm. However, with the fluctuating temperatures and sunny days the surface has been getting soft by mid-day. Please ride only during early morning hours or at night to avoid causing ruts in the trail. If you sink in more than an inch or break through the top crust layer you are damaging the trail for other riders-please be considerate. With the long range forecast of below freezing temps every night, there should be good riding if we all make sure not to ride when the surface starts to get soft. Get out and ride-have fun-it’s Spring and this snow won’t last forever!!! ❄️🚴❄️

Join us at the Pincushion parking lot Sundays at 5:30pm to ride Pincushion trails. Bring your fat bike, a light, water, tools, etc. All are welcome. For information contact Tim Kennedy 218-370-0955

Britton Peak and Jackpot/High Climber: Closed for winter riding. Trails will reopen in the Spring when conditions allow riding.

Download a georeferenced biking trail map here: Pincushion Mountain Area Winter Fat Tire Bike Trails

Anytime the Temperature is above 30 degrees consider the trail closed.

In 2010, the Superior Cycling Association was founded to grow mountain and road biking opportunities in Cook County, Minnesota. We are a Chapter of IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association). Board Members include: Tim Kennedy (P), Paul Nordlund (VP), Jay Aerosmith-Decoux and Phil Larson(S's), Jeff Stoddard (T), Jeff Lynch, and Molly O'Neil. More information about summer and winter biking in Cook County here: Superior Cycling Association.