A weekly round-up of snowmobile and ski trail conditions.
It’s rained today but we still have snow. It’s kind of hard to forecast this weekend’s trail conditions, this blog post will be updated as more reports come in.
Forest Riders – 3/12/2019 It rained a lot today and temps were in the 40’s. More rain in the forecast, it’s getting messy out there.
Nevis Trailblazers – 3/14/2019 Trail Update
I was out and looked at the trails and even with the rain and warm weather they are still snow covered and look in decent shape. We were out and got everything groomed prior to the warm weather. With a low of 18 degrees tonight and lower tomorrow night lubrication maybe an issue. If you have scratchers you will be fine and maybe with some use they will loosen up a bit. Be aware also of water in the ditches and low areas. Next week looks in the forty’s all week so this maybe it for riding. I will be updating as conditions change.
Soaring Eagle Ski Trails – 3/11/2019 All trail are groomed and tracked after the heavy snow over the weekend. Trails are in great condition for both classic and skating.
Itasca State Park – 3/14/2019 Plenty of snow even with the spring melt that is occurring. We received Measurable rain on Wednesday (March 13) saturating the snow. Afternoon on Thursday (March 14) moisture turning over to lite snow. Conditions are mushy with temps hovering around 35 degrees. Colder temps forecast for the Thursday night and Friday might cause conditions to freeze and become hard. Warm temps have caused settling of current snow. The snow is in good condition for the second week of March. The visitor center lobby is now open as a warming shelter for the snow season.
Ski Trails: With the recent rain, trails range from very soft soft with the potential of becoming frozen hard as temps drop below freezing. Watch for icy conditions. Packing was done on the Bike Trail, South Entrance, Ozawindib and Wilderness Drive Trails. Packed trails are open for both classic and skate skiing. Heavy drifting, deep snow and sticky conditions are reducing what can be groomed. We will be reducing what trails are being groomed during this late winter/ spring ski season. We will continue to maintain the following trails: Trails and spring season grooming pattern include: Bike Trail Change in grooming Bike Trail is groomed for classic only. Track set when conditions permit from the Headwaters to the Douglas Lodge area, including access to the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center. South Entrance Road Classic and Skate. Track set when conditions permit from the visitor center to Red Pine Trail. Skate lane combed. Wilderness Drive Packed from the bike trail crossing to Elk Lake.
Snowmobile Trails: The groomer came through the main part of the park on Tuesday, March 12 Conditions are still holding well and are good to very good.
Snowshoe Trails: Fresh snow means nice snowshoeing. Be prepared for the soggy spring conditions during the day as temperatures rise and the snow settles and gets sticky. If breaking your own trail, conditions are excellent. Longer snowshoes are good for off-trail since snow depth can be well over 3-feet in some areas. Dr. Roberts Trail is well used. Snowshoers are asked to stay off of groomed ski trails. Snowshoe Trails include: Dr. Roberts, Brower, Schoolcraft, LaSalle Trail and the self-guided trail by the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center.
Click here for Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions in DNR maintained areas.
Time of last update: 8:51 AM 3/15/2019
Outdoor Events
March 19 – Circle time Under the Pines: A is for Animal Ears
Making the trip up? Here’s where to stay.
Once you’re in the area, stop into the Tourist Information Center off of Highway 71 South in Park Rapids. We’ve got trail maps for all sorts of trails; hiking trails, Itasca trails, snowmobile trails and more. What we don’t have, we’ll find for you.
Tourist Information Center
1204 Park Avenue South
Park Rapids, MN 56470