Winter’s hottest new sport – Winter Biking!

There are some preliminary trail systems that will be offering limited trail use in 2018/19.

  • Norpine Trail System: This trail segment under evaluation features both a tracked ski-only lane and a packed lane for shared use by skate-skiers and bikers. ONLY this trail is open to fat-tire bikers and skiers. Any bikers that ride on non-approved ski trails will jeopardize this limited partnership with the Norpine Trail Association. 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.
  • Pincushion Trail System in Grand Marais: This trail first opened in 2016/17 for limited use, thanks to careful maintenance and respectful bikers, the Pincushion routes will be open again. Only these routes will be open to bikers, any bikers that ride on the ski trails will jeopardize this limited partnership.
  • Gunflint Lodge: trail routes TBD
  • Bearskin Lodge: trail routes TBD

Please be aware of the trail conditions to preserve the safety and conditions of the trails. All trails will be open to fatbikes 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.

Learn more about all of the biking opportunities from the Superior Cycling Association.

Help support trail maintenance by becoming a member of the local trail associations or Superior Cycling Association.

Norpine Trail - Section A | Lutsen Mountains to Caribou Trail

January 24, 2019
Trail Base: 20"
Snowfall
Last 24 Hours: 6"
Last 7 Days: 6"
Average Depth: 49"
Comments:

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 in 2018-19 season.

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

Norpine Trail - Section B | Caribou Trail to Cascade Lodge

January 24, 2019
Trail Base: 23"
Snowfall
Last 24 Hours: 6"
Last 7 Days: 6"
Average Depth: 41"
Comments:
This 6 KM section is now open for fat tire biking. More information about the Norpine trail system: http://www.norpinetrails.org/

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 in 2018-19 season.

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

Pincushion Trail System

January 24, 2019
Trail Base: 15"
Snowfall
Last 24 Hours: 6"
Last 7 Days: 7"
Average Depth: 32"
Comments:
Current conditions at Pincushion single track: In deep cold conditions, the trails should be firm and ride well with very low tire pressures (3-5 psi). As temps steadily climb this week we will get back out and try to keep working over the trails to get them as good as they were before the latest dumping. If you have to walk a climb, please try to stay to the side of the trail and leave the center free of "Postholes". Get out there and ride! Sincerely, Your volunteer grooming crew! More information and links to biking maps at www.visitcookcounty.com/winter-trail-conditions/winter-biking-trail-conditions/