SKI TRAILS:
There are many ski trails in the Brainerd Lakes Area; many of which are groomed Grant-In-Aid funded trails. To “legally” ski any GIA funded trail, cross country/Nordic skiers aged 16 years and older must purchase a MN Ski Pass. A non-pass holder can be sited by any Conservation Officer if caught on these trails without a pass. The Annual and 3-Year passes can be purchased at any ELS (Electronic Licensing Station) station (if they sell fishing licenses, etc., they will sell ski passes) and the Daily can be purchased from a variety of non-ELS providers. The Northland Arboretum is one provider in our area that sells the daily pass.
The Northland Arboretum contains trails for all experience levels. These trails are groomed for classic and skate.
2/17/21: A dusting of new snow over recently groomed and now softer base with the somewhat warmer temperatures made for the best skiing in a while. New classic track set. Still some areas of dirty snow and leaves and tree debris, but overall, very good.
The Pine Beach Ski Trails are both classic and skate and include trails for all abilities.
2/11/21: The Lakes Area has received about 16″ of snow this season. We regroomed the West side of the trail system on 1/26/21, the trails are very hard and icy. The trail that runs on the “Classic Golf Course” needs another 4”-6” of snow to groom. We will not be grooming this week unless we get an inch or more of new snow.
The French Rapids trails are groomed classic and skate, include steep hills and are for intermediate and advanced skiers.
2/17/21: Groomed all trails for skating and reset the classic tracks. Just a dusting of snow today. Due to lack of snow, small twigs and leaves present, but many areas are not a problem.
The Larson Lake Trail system is a good mix of classic and skate trails. Please note that the interior loops are classic only.
2/22/21: 2+ inches of snow Sunday. Groomed all trails before temps reached 30 degrees. I did two passes on skate lanes and re-set all tracks. Excellent conditions!
The Wolf Lake Ski Trail is a classic only trail system.
2/19/21: 1/2-inch snow yesterday. Re-set track with not the greatest results. Sometimes an old, skied-in track is better than trying to set a new track with dry, frozen snow clods. I had some of that today. I pulled up some rock on the two-way hill just before Old Pine Loop (on the uphill side). Less debris showing with the light snow!
Thank you to the Brainerd Nordic Ski Club, Skinnyski.com and Mark Kavanaugh for their reports.
MOUNT SKI GULL:
We offer skiing, snowboarding and tubing in one convenient location. Helping our community to become a better place to live has been our guiding principle for 50 years. Mount Ski Gull’s mission is to provide challenging activities in a fun and healthy environment which empowers youth to develop confidence, competency, and compassion.
2/23/21: Tues-Thursday closed.
Skiing & Snowboarding: Lift Tickets & Rental must be purchased PRIOR TO ARRIVAL!
Runs Open: All. Friday – 11 am-9 pm (Terrain Park opens at 3 pm, PB closed for high school race. Saturday – 9 am-9 pm. Sunday – 10 am-8 pm. Monday 11 am – 9 pm School groups day=bonus morning of skiing!
Lifts Open: Chairlift, BH Magic Carpet, TP High Speed Rope, Tubing Magic Carpet
Tubing (masks required): All tubing tickets must be purchased ONLINE PRIOR TO ARRIVAL!
2/23/21: Tues-Thursday closed. Friday 2/26 4-8 pm. Saturday 2/27 10 am-8 pm. Sunday 2/28 11 am-6 pm
SNOWMOBILE TRAILS:
Crow Wing County Snowmobile Trails Association Clubs 2/12/21: The Brainerd Lakes Area has only received about 16″ of snow this season so needless to say the trails are not in terrific condition. The lack of snow and temperatures with highs at the below zero mark have made any attempt at grooming difficult, so for now, the clubs have suspended grooming operations. However, some of the clubs have reported decent riding in the wooded trails. Also, remember that the “Line 3” pipeline construction is going on in the Backus, Emily area so use caution.
