DNR reports very good or excellent conditions at 100 ski and snowmobile trails

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DNR reports very good or excellent conditions at more than 100 ski and snowmobile trails statewide
(Released February 4, 2011)


The latest Minnesota snow condition reports should please winter sports enthusiasts, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which compiles the information.

 
Trail reports: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html

Activities guide: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/winter_guide/index.html

Skiing image: http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/skiing-1_pauls.jpg

Snowmobiling image: http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/121mnusaday1.jpg

 
Very good to excellent conditions were reported at 104 cross-country ski and snowmobile trails in state parks and recreation areas, state trails, and state forests across Minnesota. Of those trails, six are in the metro area, 44 are in northeastern Minnesota, 29 are in the northwest, 15 are in southeast, and 10 are in the southwest.

Of the 59 trails reporting excellent trail conditions, here are some excerpts from the latest reports:

From Wild River State Park in the metro area: So far this season park staff have logged more than 1,000 miles on the park’s Kubota grooming ski trails…..that’s the equivalent distance from Minneapolis to Dallas, Texas. Ski and snowshoe rental concessions are available on weekends and holidays at the park’s trail center.
From the Arrowhead State Trail in northeastern Minnesota: The primary snowmobile trail is the backbone to an extensive grant-in-aid trail system that travels through remote areas and provides access to snowmobiling in Voyageurs National Park. The trail is being groomed twice a week and is in excellent condition.
From Savanna State Forest in northeastern Minnesota: 15 miles of ski trails, groomed Tuesday-Thursday, should be in excellent condition. Clubs have been coming in to groom snowmobile trails at least once a week. Trails have been in excellent condition going into the weekend. A wide variety of wildlife can be viewed while taking the trails.
From Big Bog State Recreation Area in northwestern Minnesota: Snowmobile trails are in excellent shape with a good packed base… Snowmobilers are staying overnight in the park cabins while using the grant-in-aid snowmobile trail system.
From Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park in southeastern Minnesota: Area snowmobile trails are beautifully groomed. Three local snowmobile clubs worked together late last fall to make the trails through the park wider. In addition, the temporary bridge over Canfield Creek was installed making the stream crossing much easier. Ski trails, groomed Feb. 3, are in excellent shape for touring.
From Sibley State Park in southwestern Minnesota: Sibley is the proud owner of seven more inches of new snow. All ski and snowmobile trails have been packed, tracked, and groomed as of noon Tuesday, Feb. 1….Let the good times roll!
With about three feet of snow on the ground in many parts of the state, excellent snowshoeing opportunities are available as well. Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere except on groomed trails. Many state parks and recreation areas rent snowshoes for $6/day.

Also online to help with trip-planning, the DNR has new interactive maps and downloadable GPS files for snowmobiles.

For more information, call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 (Twin Cities) or toll-free at 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.